Tyler Herro makes it official for Kentucky

Kentucky, entering the college basketball season with its biggest issues in the shot-making department, answered the bell for next year with the commitment of top-50 guard Tyler Herro. A former Wisconsin pledge that is one of the most polished scorers in high school basketball, the high four-star recruit is an excellent addition.

Surprising some with his decommitment last month, Herro told Rivals the primary reason why he opened things up.

“It was nothing really against Wisconsin but it was just about finding the right fit for myself,” he said.

It seems as if Herro found the proper fit as he quickly committed to UK following his official visit to campus last weekend.

"I like the coaching staff but I was really impressed with how (John) Calipari had them, obviously them being all younger guys, all together, as far as learning and how he teaches the game; I think he is on another level from the other coaches that I saw."

While he had heard overtures from Kansas, Oregon, Villanova and Butler, the chance to play for a juggernaut such as Kentucky was too much to pass up.

"One of the reasons why I am going there is because they need someone like me to fill it up," he said. "They say that I am not just a shooter but that I can play both the one or the two there, so they’re going to use me as a combo guard and they need someone to score points. I think the backcourt that we got is going to be good."

Growing close to four inches since his freshman year, Herro has steadily improved throughout his high school playing career. On the Nike EYBL circuit this summer, he averaged over 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, all while making close to 36 percent of his three-point attempts.

Assuming that Kentucky will lose Hamidou Diallo and Kevin Knox to the NBA after this season, Herro should have the chance to inherit a slew of minutes in the backcourt. While he will likely be played primarily off the ball alongside lead guard Immanuel Quickley, a five-star guard that signed with UK on Thursday, Herro can also be used on the ball thanks to his underrated playmaking and passing abilities.

The top-40 duo will be joined by five-star wing Keldon Johnson next year as they continue to pursue elite big men targets Bol Bol, Zion Williamson, and Moses Brown.