The Wildcats bleed again by the stab of John Cal’s departure as DJ Wagner leaves for Arkansas?

DJ Wagner, a guard from Kentucky, seems poised to make a commitment to Arkansas after opting to enter the transfer portal, becoming one of the notable departures from the program following coach John Calipari’s departure.

According to Travis Branham of 247Sports, Wagner is approaching his decision with an open mind, considering various options available to him.

Having been a McDonald’s All-American in 2023, Wagner arrived at Kentucky with high expectations as a highly regarded 5-star recruit and the nation’s top combo guard. However, his freshman season under Calipari proved to be inconsistent, with modest averages of 9.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. It is anticipated that Calipari will bring along some players from the transfer portal, as well as those he had previously recruited, to Arkansas. Presently, the Razorbacks’ roster for the 2024-25 season remains in a state of flux, with only two confirmed players.

Wagner, whose father is the former NBA guard Dajuan Wagner, garnered offers from numerous top programs during his high school recruitment.

Despite his less-than-stellar debut season at Kentucky, he remains a highly sought-after prospect in the transfer portal. A potential move to Arkansas, possibly reuniting with Calipari, could provide Wagner with an opportunity to showcase his skills in a more prominent role.

Arkansas appears to be the frontrunner for Wagner’s services. Initially recruited by John Calipari, Wagner received significant attention despite being overshadowed by fellow freshmen Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard. Calipari is presently in the process of assembling a roster in Fayetteville, with the aim of transferring the high-profile incoming freshman class he initially recruited to Kentucky to Arkansas, along with talent acquired through the transfer portal. Wagner’s potential remains promising, and the longstanding relationship between Calipari and his father, whom Calipari coached at Memphis, adds an additional layer of connection to their bond.