Mark Pope is making significant strides in his inaugural recruiting class at Kentucky, securing commitments from several top-tier prospects. Notably, he has landed five-star shooting guard Jasper Johnson, a Lexington native and standout player for Team Thad in the EYBL circuit. Johnson, ranked No. 13 nationally, chose Kentucky over programs like North Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas, emphasizing his deep-rooted connection to the state
Additionally, Pope has attracted four-star point guard Acaden Lewis from Washington, D.C. Lewis, known for his exceptional playmaking and leadership, selected Kentucky over Duke and UConn. His commitment bolsters Kentucky’s backcourt depth and aligns with Pope’s vision for a dynamic and versatile team
While Pope has faced challenges, such as missing out on five-star guard Braylon Mullins, who eliminated Kentucky from his list, he continues to pursue other elite talents. The Wildcats remain in contention for forward Caleb Wilson, a five-star recruit and potential 2026 NBA draft lottery pick
With a strong recruiting foundation and the backing of Kentucky’s “golden tier” NIL support, exceeding $10 million, Pope is well-positioned to elevate the Wildcats’ program to national prominence
