By Dylan Brake
DJ Okoth is a Five-Star Small Forward in the 2028 Class who plays at Bartlett High School in Tennessee. He plays AAU on the EYBL Circuit with Alabama Fusion (and fellow Kentucky Target Erick Dampier Jr.)
He averaged 20.8 Points, 7.1 Rebounds, 2.2 Assists, and 2 Stocks per game this summer. Shooting 55% from the field, and 28% from 3p. He was one of the most productive wings of the entire summer in any class.
Kentucky had interest dating back to last season, but officially extended the offer on July 21st. The staff stayed in consistent contact and by the first week of September, Kentucky was the first school he’d set an unofficial visit with this fall. DJ was in the building for Big Blue Madness. He spoke with Bleed Blue Network’s Dylan Brake in an interview about his time at BBM, his recruitment up to this point, and goals this season.
Q: Who are the main schools you would say you are communicating with the most at this time in your recruiting process?
DO: The main schools that i have been in touch with is mostly Kentucky, Memphis, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
Q: Can you share a bit of what you’re looking for in the staff/program you’re looking to commit to?
DO: What I’m looking for in staff is people who are going to pour in to me and get me better as a person and also as an athlete and a program that’s will to do the same so I can get to the highest level possible.
Q: Which Coaches from UK’s staff do you communicate with the most, what are those conversations like right now, and what sticks out and interests you about Kentucky overall and what UK staff is pitching to you so far?
DO: The main coach that’s communicating with me is coach Mo Williams. The conversation is mainly checking up on me making sure I’m doing the right things and telling me more about Kentucky. What sticks out to me is the bond that the coaches and players had with each other and that’s something i also look for.
Q: You took an unofficial visit to Lexington for Big Blue Madness. What were your thoughts on the event, your first look at UK fans, and the environment overall at Rupp Arena?
DO: My thoughts about Big Blue Madness are that it’s the craziest environment I’ve ever been in. The fans love the players and I’ve heard most of the games are sold out.
Q: Do you have a specific timeline you’re hoping to stick to as far as your recruitment? Any cut lists to focus on specific schools, or a date you’d like to be committed by? Is reclassing to 2027 an option you’re considering at all at this time?
DO: No there’s no specific time line I’m sticking to. There are no cuts with different schools, and i feel like around the start of my senior year around end of October early November is when I’m looking for to commit. No I’m not looking to reclassify up i want to see it out and be patient.
Q: What are your personal and team goals this season at Bartlett? What are you in the gym personally working on the most right now as far as your game?
DO: My personal goals are to try and go back to back and also get another Mr.Basketball and Me and the team goals are the same just trying to win. Coach always says we all have to have the same agenda and that agenda is to win. The big thing I’m working on in the gym is my ball handling and my ability to make shots.
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