If you want to understand the new era of Kentucky basketball recruiting, just look at the clock. As soon as the NCAA’s recruiting dead period ended at midnight on September 3rd, Mark Pope was already on the move, meeting with 5-star in-state guard Tay Kinney. That midnight run was just the beginning. In the 24 hours since, Pope and his staff have launched a nationwide recruiting blitz, signaling a relentless and aggressive approach to restock the talent in Lexington.
The message is clear: the days of waiting are over. From securing crucial campus visits with top-5 players to cross-country flights to see elite point guards, the Kentucky staff is working at a pace designed to bring the nation's best to the Bluegrass.
No days off
The biggest news of the week is a massive recruiting win for the staff. According to KSR's Jacob Polacheck, Caleb Holt, the No. 4 overall player and No. 1 shooting guard in the 2026 class, will be in Lexington for an official visit this weekend. Getting a player of Holt's caliber on campus is a monumental step. A dynamic, athletic wing from Florida, Holt is the type of program-changing talent that Kentucky needs to land to compete for national championships. Having him experience a UK football weekend and the passion of the BBN firsthand is an invaluable opportunity.
Also Pope flew out to meet with rising big man Arafan Diane who will visit campus later this month.
Building the foundation with elite guards
Pope’s strategy is becoming evident: build the future around elite guard play. Fresh off his midnight meeting with Tay Kinney, Pope flew to New Jersey to personally visit Deron Rippey Jr., the No. 12 overall player and consensus No. 1 point guard in the 2026 class. The fact that Duke head coach Jon Scheyer visited Rippey on the same day highlights the intensity of this recruitment. Pope is making it clear that he is willing to go head-to-head with anyone for the nation's best floor generals.
Source: Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Kentucky’s Mark Pope will conduct in-home visits with 5⭐️ Deron Rippey Jr. today. https://t.co/D4KgWZ7KSM https://t.co/WKesYYSDNj pic.twitter.com/ygYHS1E6kT
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) September 3, 2025
Targeting versatility and the future
The recruiting net is being cast far and wide. Maximo Adams, a top-40 wing in the 2026 class, recently included Kentucky in his Top 11. At 6-foot-7, Adams has the versatile game that thrives in modern, pro-style offenses. And in even another move with a high ranking recruitPolacheck is also reporting that Pope visited Baba Oladotun, a former No. 1 ranked player in the 2027 class before reclassifying on Wednesday.
From midnight runs to see in-state priorities to securing visits from top-5 talents and scouting future phenoms, Mark Pope's recruiting blueprint is one of relentless, non-stop action. The work is underway to ensure the Kentucky basketball pipeline is overflowing with talent for years to come.
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. Philippians 4:13. #UpTheAlbion