Baba Oladotun: No. 1 in 2027, but could the Cats target reclassify to 2026?
The recruiting trail never stops — and Mark Pope is sprinting down it with purpose.
While Kentucky continues to stack visits and build relationships in the class of 2026, attention is also turning to Baba Oladotun, the unanimous No. 1 player in the class of 2027. The 6-foot-9 small forward from Maryland has already drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant — fitting, since he plays for Durant’s AAU program.
And now, there’s buzz that Oladotun might not wait until 2027 to hit the college hardwood.
In an interview with Kentucky Sports Radio, Oladotun’s father confirmed they’re “debating” a potential reclassification to 2026. That would instantly shake up the recruiting landscape, including Kentucky’s pursuit of current 2026 No. 1 Tyran Stokes. Programs could soon be forced to choose — or pony up (thanks Mark Stoops) NIL money to land both.
Kentucky is trending in a big way for Baba Oladotun (#1/247) C/O ‘27
— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) June 15, 2025
Earlier today, his father said he wants to “handle all the calls” and conversations with coaches himself because Baba so young.
He also said just a month ago that he was “almost brought to tears” by Popes… pic.twitter.com/6LtPTXZpCO
Oladotun’s skills speak for themselves. During the first Nike EYBL session, he averaged 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 blocks. Coaches will now be watching closely as he moves up to play with the 17U squad.
His father, Ibrahim — a former Virginia Tech player originally from Nigeria — described Baba’s transformation as otherworldly. “He became an alien… It was surprising to me. I was like ‘wow, this is a big change,’” he told Zagsblog.
And the work ethic? Unmatched. Baba meticulously schedules his days with school, workouts, conditioning, gym time, and Bible study. No distractions. No wasted minutes.
He already holds 30+ scholarship offers and has hosted coaches like Mark Pope, John Calipari (Arkansas), Jerome Tang (Kansas State), and Damon Stoudamire (Georgia Tech). The family is keeping its options open until direct contact is allowed.
What’s clear is this: reclassify or not, Baba Oladotun is going to change a program’s trajectory — and Kentucky is firmly in the mix yet again.