Kentucky 2019 commit Jeffries reopens recruitment

The Kentucky Wildcats have lost one of their top 2019 recruits, as forward D.J. Jeffries has backtracked after previously committing to John Calipari's program.

"After careful consideration, prayer, and countless hours of consulting with my family, I decided to reopen recruitment," Jeffries posted on Twitter. "It was a hard decision, but I am confident that taking my time to choose the right school for me to better myself educationally and athletically is the right choice."

The five-star small forward is ranked 19th in the class of 2019 by ESPN and figured to be a key piece for the Wildcats - not only with his play on the court, but also due to his relationship with consensus No. 1 prospect James Wiseman.

Both played for Penny Hardaway on the AAU circuit before he was hired this offseason to be the new head coach at Memphis.

When Jeffries originally committed to Kentucky, before Hardaway had been hired at his alma mater, his father said, "(We) took a long look at Memphis. We can't go on 'ifs.' It's kinda crazy, because if Penny takes the job, then it would be something to take a long look at," according to John Martin of 92.9 ESPN in Memphis.