In the high-stakes world of college basketball recruiting, there are no permanent allies. Kentucky fans learned this the hard way when Caleb Wilson, a one-time UK lean, chose North Carolina. Now, Wilson appears to be twisting the knife, publicly recruiting another top Kentucky target, 5-star Anthony Thompson, to join him at UNC.
A shot across the bow
The battle is for Anthony Thompson, a 5-star, top-10 recruit in the class of 2026. After a recent visit to Chapel Hill, Thompson posted a picture of the Tar Heel mascot with a simple caption: a question mark emoji and "#uncommitted."
It didn't take long for Caleb Wilson to jump into the comments, pouring a little salt in the wound for Big Blue Nation. "I know you loved it here!" Wilson wrote, making his intentions clear. It's a bold move and a direct challenge to Mark Pope and his staff, who are heavily pursuing the versatile forward.
Scouting the prize: Who is Anthony Thompson?
Anthony Thompson Continues to blossom! He led all scorers with 26 pts, 6rebs, 3 stls doing it at all three levels in the win over Midwest Basketball Club, Love his upside. pic.twitter.com/5dR6pn4VUU
— In The Gym Hoops (@inthegymhoops_) May 17, 2025
So why is Thompson the center of this recruiting tug-of-war? According to 247Sports Director of Scouting, Adam Finkelstein, he’s a rare talent with a unique blend of size, skill, and defensive potential.
"Thompson is a skilled lefty forward and natural scorer with extreme length," Finkelstein writes. "He’s a potent shot-maker who leans back into a high release that is virtually unblockable."
During this year's 3SSB circuit, Thompson put up staggering numbers, averaging 22 points per game on 53% shooting from the field, 39% from three, and 88% from the free-throw line.
His physical attributes are just as impressive. Thompson stands 6-foot-8 with a massive 7-foot-3 wingspan, allowing him to play and defend multiple positions. That length makes him a disruptive force on defense, where he averages 1.9 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. Finkelstein notes that while his motor can be inconsistent, "his overlap of shot-making, scoring efficiency, length, and defensive playmaking is potentially unique in this class."
The stakes for Kentucky
For Mark Pope, landing a player of Thompson’s caliber is a top priority. He represents the kind of elite, multi-dimensional talent that championship teams are built around. Losing out on Wilson was a blow, but losing another top target to Wilson would be a significant setback in a critical recruiting cycle. This is more than just about one player; it's about establishing recruiting dominance in a new era of Kentucky basketball.
All eyes on Lexington
While Wilson and UNC may have made a strong impression, this battle is far from over. Thompson has an official visit to Kentucky scheduled for September 24th. That visit will give Pope and his staff a crucial opportunity to make their case and show Thompson why his future should be in Kentucky blue, not Carolina blue. BBN will be waiting.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion