The chaotic logistics of the modern transfer portal have completely shifted how recruiting is done. Kenny Brooks called it speed dating. Instead of immediate campus visits, coaches are utilizing virtual meetings to rapidly vet mutual interest. On Thursday, Mark Pope is using that exact strategy to swing for the fences.
Kentucky basketball has officially secured a Zoom call with Saint Mary's transfer Paulius Murauskas, the highest-ranked prospect (6th) the coaching staff has made contact with so far.
Paulius Murauskas is an elite offensive weapon
Checking in as the No. 6 overall player in the Transfer Portal, Murauskas is a massive priority.
If you only watched the NCAA Tournament, you might not understand the hype. Murauskas entered the postseason battling an illness, coming off the bench to post just four points on 1-of-6 shooting during a painful upset loss to Texas A&M. However, that single game is a massive anomaly in an otherwise brilliant season.
Before the illness, the 6-foot-8 forward was an absolute force for the Gaels. He averaged 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He possesses a highly refined midrange game, flashes excellent passing vision for his size, and crashes the glass with absolute authority. He is the kind of player that would be the go-to scorer that Kentucky lacked last year.
While he does struggle from beyond the arc (shooting 33.3 percent from 3-point range last year), his overall ability to score at all three levels makes him an incredibly dangerous offensive weapon. But standing in the Cats' way will be a name Murauskas knows intimately.
The Arizona State hurdle
Securing a Zoom call with the No. 6 player in the portal is a massive victory, but actually landing his commitment will require Pope to pull off a major recruiting heist. Something he has not always been able to do.
The biggest hurdle standing in Kentucky's way is going to be Arizona State. Following the conclusion of the season, Murauskas's head coach, Randy Bennett, left Saint Mary's to take over the Sun Devils program. Because of that deeply established relationship, Arizona State is viewed as a massive threat to secure his commitment.
But Mark Pope gets his shot to make his case as to why Kentucky is the best destination for Murauskas. On Thursday, the Kentucky head coach will pitch his vision, counter the Arizona State connection, and attempt to bring one of the best players in the portal to Lexington.