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Decision on reclassification could come in August for five-star Barrett

INDIANAPOLIS – R.J. Barrett has remained must-watch material each time that he has stepped on the court this spring. The five-star prospect, playing a year up on the Nike EYBL circuit, did not struggle to produce against the elite, averaging more than 25 points and 10 rebounds per game. While Barrett does need to develop into a more efficient scorer and playmaker, his talent base and upside is mind-boggling.

There have been murmurs about Barrett potentially reclassifying into the 2018 class, but the top-ranked player in the 2019 Rivals150 has deflected when asked about the possibility.

“Right now, I don’t really know. I am a 2019 (prospect) so I will probably make a decision in August,” Barrett said. “I will see how well I finish up this year on the EYBL and see how I play with Team Canada.”

If Barrett does reclassify into the 2018 class, confidence will not be an issue.

“No matter what environment that I go into, whether it is playing against LeBron James and the best players in the world and, I think I can do my thing.”

Securing scholarship offers from Louisville, Arizona, Miami and SMU within the past two days, much has been said about the possible connection between the five-star small forward and Kentucky.

“I don’t really know much more than what I see on TV, really,” he said. “Malik Monk, I saw this year going off and Jamal (Murray) is one of my friends and to watch him play for Kentucky was something special.

“He said that he loved it and that it helped him to get to the league and that he is thankful for it.”

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WHAT'S NEXT?

The major storyline surrounding Barrett's recruitment continues to be the possibility of the five-star prospect reclassifying. That move seems at this point like it is more than likely to happen.

Barrett will finish out this summer with the UPlay Canada program but his recruitment is still in its infancy stages.

“I am really young. I haven’t really looked at any schools,” he said. ”I just want to get better as a basketball player and wherever I end up, I end up.”

RIVALS' REACTION

Barrett is a top of the line athlete that produces on the biggest of stages and is not one to shy away from the spotlight. Look for the Canadian to officially become a member of the 2018 class in August, pick up offers from the elite of the elite and then make a college decision sometime next spring.

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