It's never too early to start planning (or recruiting) for the future, right? Well, what about the future's future? Mark Pope has been hard at work on the recruiting trail for Kentucky's 2027 class, making in-person appearances and working to disrupt the scene as he searches for a running mate for five-star Ryan Hampton.
And now, his efforts have officially extended to the class after the next one. Kentucky is starting to make offers to 2028 prospects across the country, and two early five-stars already stand out as evidence that Coach Pope is continuing to turn heads amongst prospects.
The first of which was guard Brady Pettigrew, who announced his offer on X with a couple of Kentucky-themed hearts:
Blessed to receive an offer from the university of Kentucky!!🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/quXn78yQw0
— Brady Pettigrew (@BradyPettigreww) July 21, 2026
Two Early Compelling Offers From Kentucky
Pettigrew was offered after Pope came through to watch him compete at Peach Jam this past week. According to KSR, Pettigrew was impressed by Kentucky's presence for him at the event, saying: "[Pope is] that guy in college basketball."
You couldn't ask for a guard as built for the SEC as Pettigrew, at 6-foot-3, 185 lbs, and he was only the first of the Cats' notable early moves on the 2028-29 scene. Enter: five-star forward Evan Willis, who also announced his blue and white offer on social media.
After Kentucky showed out to spectate Willis on the NXTPRO Puma Circuit this past weekend in Texas, the staff had clearly seen enough out of the top-five win (per 247Sports) to make their offer official. In a similar vein to the aforementioned Hampton, shot-creating scorers who can put the ball in the bucket on multiple levels have become an obvious priority for Pope.
Willis also has a nose for the ball on defense, and his athleticism allows him to get up and contest opponents in the paint along with the big guys.
Even with a litany of additional offers actively being announced (see four-star wing Howard Williams), these two early highlights look like particular wins for Kentucky. Land either, and you're already in fantastic shape. Land both? Don't get me too fired up.
Getting in a Good Spot in Advance
With reclassifcation talks as relevant as ever, either of these guys could enter the conversation sooner than anyone currently expects. NIL conversations go far beyond the paychecks that define them; college athletics becoming a business has essentially erased ever traditional line.
Just as Hampton could reclass into this year's team, Pettigrew and Willis have the future potential to jump into the 2027 pool, and some teams may be recruiting them for that purpose.
When it comes to Kentucky specifically, it's all about establishing interest and, before long, scheduling visits. Get one of these dudes on campus and send in "The Closer" Mo Williams, and anything could happen.
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