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Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
Five-star guard Boogie Fland has requested his release from Kentucky and will reopen his recruitment, sources told ESPN.
Fland becomes the fourth member of what was the No. 2-ranked recruiting class in the country to decommit from the Wildcats, following five-star forward Jayden Quaintance and ESPN 100 prospects Karter Knox and Somto Cyril. These decisions come in the wake of John Calipari’s decision to leave Kentucky for Arkansas and the Wildcats hiring Mark Pope to replace Calipari.
When Fland originally committed to Kentucky in October, he chose the Wildcats over Indiana, although Alabama was also on his final list of three. The Hoosiers were in the lead entering the final weeks, but Calipari and Kentucky finished strong to overtake Mike Woodson’s program.
“He is a Hall of Fame coach who cares about his players,” Fland told ESPN at the time about Calipari. “When he gave his Hall of Fame speech, his former players and coaches were up on the stage with him. He only wants the best for you. Off the court, he is a funny guy. He has a lot of jokes, and they are spot on.
“He told me this decision was like a marriage. You need to say, ‘I do.'”
Fland, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Archbishop Stepinac High School (New York), is the No. 2 point guard in the 2024 class, ranking No. 15 overall in the ESPN 100.
He averaged 14.1 points and 2.6 assists last spring and summer on the Nike EYBL circuit with the PSA Cardinals and also won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 World Championships in 2022. Fland shined in high-profile games during his senior season, including 23 points in a loss to Montverde Academy (Florida) at the City of Palms Classic and 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists in a win over Don Bosco Prep (New Jersey) at the Hoophall Classic.
Fland also had 17 points and three assists in the McDonald’s All American Game earlier this month.
ESPN 100 prospects Billy Richmond and Travis Perry remain in Kentucky’s 2024 class. During Pope’s introductory news conference on Sunday afternoon, he mentioned Perry after a question about recruiting in-state players.
“There’s a good chance Travis is not going to jump into the portal, guys,” Pope said.