The lure of Big Blue Nation is getting to this Kentucky transfer portal target

Mark Pope, upon his hiring over two years ago now (how the time flies), made it abundantly clear that he intended to bring players to Lexington that understood the importance of the big blue legacy. "It just means more here" was offered as a real recruiting application, and it made sense then.

But the combination of NIL payments and the transfer portal has entirely changed the process; this doesn't only apply to Kentucky, but Pope is one of the few coaches in the limelight still preaching this principle. Kentucky is still a massive brand but, in college basketball's new era, players can become brands of their own.

Although Pope has stuck by this principle, for better or worse, and he may have now found the rare sort of player that understands that sentiment. FAU big man Devin Williams, who is set to have a Zoom meeting with the Kentucky staff on Friday, spoke with KSR about the especial importance of playing for the blue and white.

Name on the Front of the Jersey

One quote from Williams along should sell the BBN on his potential signing with the Cats:

"“It’s about the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back. It’s different when you go there, for sure." "

It's just different. Williams, while not a portal-leading prospect, makes a lot of sense for Kentucky's current roster construction, too. Having played center for the Owls and posting just under three blocks per game in the process (in just 24 minutes of clock, no less), he seems like an ideal fit at the five behind Malachi Moreno.

A former four-star recruit potentially looking for another shot at a spotlit program, Williams has two years of eligibility remaining as well. He's not a flashy player, but the BBN should be thrilled to be in contention for a guy willing to come in and do the dirty work.

And to do it for the sake of the jersey he's wearing, and that alone? Win-win, if you ask me.

A Sensible Target For Pope

Coach Pope and his staff will certainly need to make a few starter-level splashes as portal season rolls along, in addition to Zoom Diallo, but depth is an equally important facet of a roster that wants to control the entirety of a game.

To that end, Williams is an ideal grab of the remaining pool of portal big men. If he knows what it means to be a Cat, especially, suit the man up and welcome him to Lexington.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow