As the bright lights of Big Blue Madness shine tonight in Rupp Arena, there’s already more big recruiting news on the horizon for Kentucky basketball. Baba Oladotun, one of the most intriguing young stars in the nation, will visit Lexington next weekend.
Another elite prospect on campus
Oladotun, a 6'10" small forward with a 7'4" wingspan, was formerly the top prospect in the 2027 class before reclassifying to 2026. The move reshuffled his recruitment, giving schools like Kentucky a clean slate to make an impression.
That also means no one really is in the lead right now, because he is pretty much starting over. This recruitment could go on a lot longer than some of the other high profile recruits who were always going to commit this cycle.
A modern coach's dream
Ranked No. 10 nationally by 247Sports, Oladotun’s game is a modern coach’s dream. He is a perimeter threat with the length of a center and the agility of a guard. He can defend all five positions, hit threes in rhythm, and block shots with impeccable timing. His versatility screams “Mark Pope system,” where spacing, speed, and adaptability are essential.
He is slight of frame though and could be pushed around by bigger guys if asked to play center in the SEC.
A chance to make a statement
He’s recently visited Virginia Tech, Georgetown, and Maryland, but no one has emerged as a clear favorite yet. Kentucky will have a chance to change that next weekend. With Rupp’s energy still buzzing from Big Blue Madness, expect the staff to go all-in on this one.
Oladotun’s visit is part of Pope’s wider strategy, combining elite-level recruits with experienced portal players to keep Kentucky both talented and balanced. If the Cats can make a big impression, they’ll be firmly in the mix for one of the most complete forwards in the class.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion