The Peach Jam quarterfinals are set, and John Calipari will have some decisions to make.
So far at this event, Calipari has been front and center for all but one half of 2014 star Andrew Wiggins’ games. But the UK coach has also been paying special attention to 2013 wing James Young and 2014 point guard Tyus Jones. With each of those recruits still playing and all four quarterfinals set for 6 p.m., something’s got to give.
Here are the quarterfinal parings, with live video links. All games start at 6 p.m. ET.
MOKAN ELITE VS. THE FAMILY | WATCH
The Family’s James Young put on another shooting display in Saturday’s morning session, and Calipari was there to see it. The five-star prospect scored 34 points and made five of six three-point attempts. He added 12 rebounds and seven assists. A victory in this matchup could lead to a dream semifinal between Young and Wiggins.
OAKLAND SOLDIERS VS. HOWARD PULLEY | WATCH
Aaron Gordon pulled a surprise on the eve of the Peach Jam when he announced that he would return from injury and play in the event. The 2013 star still isn’t 100 percent, and he’s been fighting cramps throughout the week, but he’s still been one of the top players in North Augusta. Teammate Stanley Johnson, a top 2014 recruit, has also been impressive for the Soldiers. Meanwhile, Howard Pulley star Tyus Jones has cemented his place as the No. 1 point guard in the class of 2014 with a series of stellar performances. Jones, who says he has an offer from UK, had 24 points and nine assists in the Saturday morning session as Calipari watched.
CIA BOUNCE VS. TEAM UNITED | WATCH
Calipari will surely spend some of his time at this one. With Jabari Parker on the shelf, CIA Bounce star Andrew Wiggins has laid claim to the title of “best player in high school basketball” and the UK coach has seen just about every minute. Wiggins came out on top in a battle with fellow UK target Julius Randle on Friday night, then sat out the Saturday morning session to rest up for the quarters. On the other side, Calipari will be able to get a look at Team United center Kennedy Meeks. The 297-pounder said last week that UK was showing “high interest,” but the Wildcat coaches haven’t been much of a presence at his games this week. CIA Bounce also includes possible UK target Xavier Rathan Mayes.
EACH 1 TEACH 1 VS. CP3 ALL-STARS | WATCH
Each 1 Teach 1 had a 4-1 record in pool play despite playing without star center and UK target Dakari Johnson. Joel Berry, another UK target, has helped pick up the slack by averaging 16.2 points and 7.2 assists per game. CP3 features 2014 forward Theo Pinson, who told Rivals.com on Friday that he has a scholarship offer from Kentucky.
