Kentucky Wildcats News: UK on the recruiting trail

May 16, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 7: Head coach Mark Pope of the Kentucky Wildcats coaches during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 7, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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The offseason is well underway, and it is now transitioning into AAU season. As coaches from across the country head to different events starting with the live period this weekend, you can find Mark Pope and the majority of his staff in Memphis for the first Nike EYBL event of the year.

Featuring plenty of the class of 2027 and 2028’s top prospects, Coach Pope, Mo Williams, and Cody Fueger are trying to get some closer looks at the players they should focus on heading into another high school recruiting cycle.

Players that the staff watched on Friday include:

‘27 forward, CJ Rosser
‘27 guard, King Gibson
‘27 forward, Marcus Spears Jr.
‘27 guard, Ryan Hampton
27 guard, Beckham Black
‘27 wing Gabe Nesmith
‘27 guard, Chase Lumpkin
‘27 center, Paul Osaruyi

Plenty of names to keep up with as more names will likely emerge as the summer rolls on. Should be interesting to watch how the staff approaches this year’s recruiting cycle compared to the last.