Kentucky Basketball Hosts Top Recruits at Madison Square Garden During CBS Sports Classic
The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the prestigious CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden, and the electric atmosphere attracted more than just basketball fans—it also brought in some of the nation’s most sought-after high school recruits. Among them were two standout guards: Acaden Lewis, a 2025 Kentucky commit, and Deron Rippey, a 5-star prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. For both recruits, the game offered an incredible opportunity to experience the energy of Kentucky basketball in one of the most iconic venues in the world.
Acaden Lewis: A Star in the Making for 2025
Acaden Lewis, one of the top-ranked point guards in the 2025 class, was in attendance to support his future team. The Washington, D.C. native took to social media to share his excitement, showcasing his enthusiasm for the Wildcats and the special moment of watching them compete at Madison Square Garden.
Lewis committed to Kentucky earlier this year after a heated recruiting battle that included blue-blood programs like Duke, UConn, North Carolina, and others. Known for his court vision, explosive athleticism, and ability to control the pace of the game, Lewis has already generated significant buzz as a future leader for the Wildcats. With Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa set to graduate after this season, Lewis is widely projected to take over as Kentucky’s starting point guard when he arrives in Lexington.
His presence at the game underscores the strong relationship he has already built with the program. Watching the Wildcats compete in such a high-profile game not only solidified his commitment but also gave him a glimpse of the intense environment and pressure he’ll face when he dons the Kentucky jersey.
Acaden Lewis is at the CBS Sports Classic, it looks like he will be watching Kentucky face off against Ohio State in another hour. #BBN pic.twitter.com/mzjgfn2j9n
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) December 21, 2024
Deron Rippey: A Key Target for 2026
Joining Lewis at the game was Deron Rippey, a 5-star guard from Blairstown, New Jersey, and one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Rippey has been heavily recruited by Kentucky, with assistant coach Jason Hart spearheading the Wildcats’ efforts to secure his commitment.
Rippey, who boasts an impressive list of offers from powerhouse programs like Kansas, Purdue, Louisville, Villanova, and Illinois, has yet to narrow down his college choices as he navigates his junior year of high school basketball. Attending the game at Madison Square Garden allowed Rippey to evaluate Kentucky up close, observing not just their playing style but also their ability to compete on a national stage.
The proximity of Rippey’s hometown to New York City made it a convenient trip, and the Wildcats’ presence at MSG provided a golden opportunity for Kentucky to showcase their program. Recruiting in high-profile venues like Madison Square Garden is a strategic move for Kentucky, as it resonates with elite prospects from the region and across the country who dream of playing in the sport’s most iconic arenas.
5 ⭐️ PG Deron Rippey will be at MSG for @KentuckyMBB’s matchup with Ohio State in the @CBSSports Classic, his dad tells https://t.co/eGWvcdAQoy
Coach Jason Hart has been in contact with Rippey as of late @rippey_deron pic.twitter.com/syaUiFAUne
— Charlie Parent (@charlie_parent) December 21, 2024
The Impact of High-Profile Games on Recruiting
Games like the CBS Sports Classic do more than test Kentucky’s mettle against top-tier competition; they serve as a recruiting showcase. For players like Rippey, it’s a chance to see how they might fit into Kentucky’s system, observe the coaching staff’s approach, and envision themselves thriving under the bright lights of national television. For committed players like Lewis, it’s a reaffirmation of why they chose Kentucky and a preview of the challenges and opportunities awaiting them.
Rippey, with his dynamic scoring ability and defensive tenacity, would be a perfect fit for Kentucky’s fast-paced system. Meanwhile, Lewis continues to solidify his role as a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ future backcourt.
Looking Ahead
As Kentucky continues to build its recruiting momentum, hosting high-profile recruits at events like the CBS Sports Classic is vital. The combination of a storied program, a passionate fanbase, and the allure of competing in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden is a powerful draw for young talent.
With Lewis already committed and Rippey potentially on the horizon, the Wildcats are positioning themselves for sustained success. The question now is whether Kentucky can translate these recruiting wins into consistent on-court dominance, ensuring that their future stars have the foundation needed to shine.
