KY was the easy choice for him in his situation.
I don't know if KY is miles ahead of us though, they aren't really a college program right now. KY is basically just a minor league NBA team where very talented prospects hang out for 9 or so months then leave. I compare UConn to KU, AZ, Mich St, etc.....which we lag behind all of now but are just a year or 2 away from being right there with again hopefully....KY is playing a different game.
And that minor league scenario is exactly what 98% of the top guys want. They're not picking a school for their academic programs, co-ed quality, or ice cream selection. They want the fastest, easiest, and most recognizable way to get to the NBA. Kentucky provides that and does it at an incredibly efficient level.
In terms of basketball product, they are much, much better than us right now. They have the most rabid fan base in the country, they play an exciting brand of basketball, they have a hall of fame coach who just may be the greatest recruiter of all time; simply put, they are the "it" school. Look at us right now. We are 5-9, we play absolutely hideous basketball where we are excited to break 60, our conference is a joke, our fan base is fickle and at times apathetic, and our prospects for the future are cloudy.
I can't hate on the kid for doing what is best for his future. I think without question, Kentucky was the best choice for what he wants. Sucks to lose him considering how much time we put in and seemingly how close we were at times, but I would have been more surprised had he committed here.
