Robert Dillingham, No. 5 recruit in 2023 class, commits to Kentucky

Top-five recruit Robert Dillingham committed to Kentucky on Friday, giving the Wildcats their second top-30 guard in the 2023 class.

Dillingham originally committed to NC State last December but reopened his recruitment in March. He chose Kentucky over a final four that also included Auburn, Louisville and USC.

John Calipari has now brought in 15 five-star point guards since taking over at Kentucky in 2009. He landed a five-star at the position in all but two recruiting classes during that span, and also landed two five-star point guards in 2018.

«If you put in the work at Kentucky and Coach Cal thinks you are good enough to make it, then it will happen for you,» Dillingham told ESPN. «When I visited Kentucky, it was incredible. They explained everything. The basketball, academics, strength and conditioning, NIL.»

On the topic of name, image and likeness, Dillingham said: «Coach Cal explained how it works and said, 'It's not the reason you come here, but it's definitely a perk.' I know TyTy Washington and Oscar Tshiebwe have done very well.»

Kentucky had been involved with Dillingham for much of his recruitment, and the five-star guard took an official visit to Lexington last October. When Dillingham decommitted from NC State, the Wildcats once again entered the picture.

«Coach Cal and his staff came to see me when I was at Combine Academy,» he said of a Calipari home visit earlier in his recruitment. «They flew private into Lincolnton, North Carolina. That meant a lot. Coach Cal is down to earth. He told me and my mom his whole story growing up. My mom is an energetic and positive person. She felt good about Coach Cal and Kentucky.»

Dillingham was blown away by the fan support he received on his visit to Lexington.

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