Chris Livingston enlists in Kentucky, giving the Wildcats three five stars in the 2022 basketball class

Five-star forward Chris Livingston signed up for Kentucky on Wednesday, giving the Wildcats their third five-star prospect in the 2022 class and leading the No.1 recruiting class.

Livingston chose John Calipari’s program over Georgetown and the state of Tennessee, after removing Memphis from his list earlier this month.

“The history of the school and the basketball program attracted me,” Livingston told ESPN. “What Coach Cal has done with the former players has been impressive. He’s a down to earth guy. For a coaching legend, he’s easy to talk to. I love the way he looks. he stays in touch with his former players. “

Livingston, whose aunt Lisa was athletic in Kentucky in the 1990s, visited Kentucky in June and also made trips to Georgetown and the state of Tennessee in August. After Memphis pushed Livingston in August, Kentucky picked up momentum and has been the big favorite in recent weeks.

And Wildcats fans have made it known.

“They have a crazy love for their program,” Livingston said. “They have the biggest fans of college basketball. Since I narrowed my list, the amount of social media tags has shown me love.”

A small 6-foot-6 forward from Ohio who recently transferred to Oak Hill Academy, Va., Livingston is ranked No. 12 in the ESPN 100 for the 2022 class. Livingston scores high in transition , attacking the rim and ending the games. He comes down to defenses down the half court and should get plenty of second chance points and points in the paint.

He has the engine to be an active rebounder both in and out of his zone at both ends of the floor. With an explosive rebound, quick feet, speed and effort, he has all the tools to be a versatile defender. He can change heights or change a screen off the ball and not waste space.

According to Synergy, Livingston’s long-range shooting is progressing. He succeeded 38% of his 3 catch-and-shoot attempts, but tried twice as many 3 pull-ups and made only 29% of those attempts. The quality of the shot will be important for the future. He’s the strongest in the midrange at this point in his career.

Livingston is the second major entry for Kentucky in the past two weeks, after No.1 prospect Shaedon Sharpe selected the Wildcats earlier this month. Sharpe and Livingston join a class that already included five-star goalie Skyy Clark, who enlisted last fall.

Calipari is set for a potential No.1 class in 2022, with No.2 prospect Dereck Lively and five-star prospects Cason Wallace and Adem Bona leading the Kentucky target table.

“I’m excited,” Livingston said. “I played American basketball with other talented players and won a gold medal. If you know each other, that’s okay.”