Mark Pope’s first offseason at the helm of the Kentucky Wildcats is already making headlines, and his latest recruiting target may be the most physically imposing yet. The new Kentucky head coach has zeroed in on a 7-foot-1 center, a towering presence who could provide a major boost to the Wildcats’ frontcourt depth and bring a new identity to a program in transition.
The prospect in question — whose name is being closely followed across national recruiting circles — is a traditional big man with modern flashes: size, rim protection, and a developing offensive game that includes touch around the basket and signs of a mid-range jumper. According to multiple sources, Pope and his staff have been in contact with the player and his camp, initiating what appears to be a serious pursuit.
Kentucky’s interest in a player of this profile reflects the new vision Pope is bringing to Lexington. Known during his BYU coaching tenure for emphasizing skill, size, and floor spacing, Pope is clearly seeking to combine Kentucky’s historic talent pipeline with his own philosophy — one that leans heavily on positional versatility and physical dominance in the paint.
With the departure of John Calipari and the overhaul of the Wildcats’ roster, Pope is under pressure to assemble a competitive team quickly, and recruiting a legitimate rim protector is a high priority. In recent years, Kentucky has lacked a true defensive anchor in the post — the kind of player who can not only guard the rim but also control the boards and impact games physically on both ends.
That’s where the 7-foot-1 recruit comes into play. Evaluators describe him as raw but high-ceiling, with the type of physical tools that can’t be taught. His footwork is improving, he moves well for his size, and he shows potential as a shot-blocker and rebounder who could immediately contribute at the college level. If Pope can land him, it would signal Kentucky’s intention to return to a style of play where size and physicality are foundational elements.
From a recruiting standpoint, Pope’s pursuit of the big man also represents an early test of his ability to attract elite talent to Lexington. While Pope enjoyed success at BYU — including multiple 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances — Kentucky is a different level of expectation. The fan base, boosters, and broader college basketball world will be watching closely to see if Pope can continue the program’s tradition of luring top-tier players to Rupp Arena.
The 7-footer is reportedly drawing interest from multiple high-major programs, including bluebloods and rising powers alike. However, Kentucky’s brand remains strong, and Pope’s reputation for player development and modern offensive schemes could give the Wildcats an edge in the recruitment.
“Mark Pope is a guy who connects with players,” said one recruiting analyst. “He doesn’t just sell the program — he sells a vision
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