BORN TO WEAR BLUE: Five-Star In-State Guard Shines on Kentucky Visit—Talks Pope, NIL, and Decision Timeline Amid Heavy Recruitment Battle
One of the nation’s top point guards made a highly anticipated official visit to Lexington this week, turning heads as he suited up in the iconic Kentucky blue and white for the very first time. The standout in-state prospect, ranked No. 16 overall and No. 3 among point guards in the 2025 class by On3, was joined by family and friends for a memorable trip that could have major implications for Mark Pope’s first full recruiting cycle as head coach of the Wildcats.
This visit wasn’t just a box to check. It was a full experience. A customized photoshoot saw the elite prospect don the No. 1 Kentucky jersey, while his guests wore special edition No. 6 and No. 7 jerseys—a clear nod to his nickname, “Mr. 6-7.” From start to finish, the visit carried personal touches that signaled the Wildcats’ serious interest in keeping the in-state pipeline flowing.
Mark Pope, ever the energetic and charismatic leader, joined the recruit for photos, sharing smiles that suggested a bond already forming between coach and player. Following a long line of recent in-state commitments—Reed Sheppard, Trent Noah, Jasper Johnson, and Malachi Moreno—this top-20 prospect might just be the next to join the fold and carry the torch for Kentucky’s local talent.
Photos from the visit quickly made the rounds online, shared by both the recruit and UK Athletics, creating a buzz among Big Blue Nation. But this is far from a done deal.
During an interview at USA Basketball’s U19 Training Camp in Colorado Springs, the five-star guard revealed that six schools are still in serious contention: Kentucky, Louisville, Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, and Oregon. He’s already made trips to Purdue (in January) and Louisville (in June), with an upcoming visit to Oregon scheduled for September 6. The remaining schools—including Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas—are all expected to host him in the coming months.
Even with national programs in pursuit, the pull of the home-state Wildcats remains strong. Growing up in a Kentucky household meant the blue and white were often on television. “It’s lit, they had Kentucky on fire, you know?” he recalled. “Most of my family, they’re Kentucky fans.” That childhood connection has helped fuel a growing relationship with Pope and his staff—one that’s only strengthened in recent weeks.
Still, there’s family interest on the other side of the in-state rivalry as well. Some of his relatives are Louisville fans, and he’s built what he calls a “great relationship” with new Cardinals head coach Pat Kelsey and the UofL staff. The recruitment has turned into a classic Bluegrass State battle between two programs fighting hard to land a generational local talent.
For now, the five-star guard is keeping his focus on finding the right fit—one that balances comfort, opportunity, and preparation for the next level.
“It’s going to be where I’m most comfortable,” he said. “It’s where I feel I can go in there and they put the ball in my hands as a freshman and I’m able to go out and perform my best to get to the next level.”
He also indicated he’d prefer to make a decision before his senior season begins—a timeline that keeps the pressure on his final visits and conversations with coaches.
There’s also intrigue around his relationship with Jasper Johnson, a fellow in-state standout and former high school teammate who has already committed to Kentucky. When asked about the possibility of following in those footsteps, the guard remained open-minded. “It don’t really impact me — I just want to see him succeed,” he said. “I’m just gonna see how he does this year, maybe follow him? I don’t know yet.”
Still, his comfort level during the Kentucky visit was hard to miss. Between the symbolic jersey numbers, the personal attention from the coaching staff, and the overall energy in the program, everything about the trip seemed to point toward a strong fit in Lexington.
On top of his basketball talent, his star power and local roots make him an especially valuable target in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. If he were to commit to Kentucky, his marketing potential would skyrocket as a homegrown five-star talent with built-in fan support. The photoshoot alone—complete with matching jerseys and family participation—suggested a future marketing machine in the making.
For Kentucky, securing this commitment would further solidify its effort to lock down the state’s top players under Pope’s watch. And for the recruit himself, it would mean the chance to follow in the footsteps of those who came before him—putting on that Kentucky jersey not just for a photoshoot, but for real, under the bright lights of Rupp Arena.
With six schools still firmly in the running and visits to come, the race is far from over. But one thing is clear: when he wore the blue, it didn’t just look good—it looked right. Whether or not he ultimately chooses to stay home and play for the Wildcats, Kentucky has made its pitch loud and clear. And judging by the smiles, the chemistry, and the connection, the feeling may very well be mutual.
