With 2025-26 Roster in Place, Kentucky Coaches Refocus on Recruiting Future Talent
With Kentucky’s 2025–26 basketball roster nearly finalized, the coaching staff has wasted no time shifting gears toward building for the future. Head coach Mark Pope and top assistant Cody Fueger are already back on the recruiting trail, making their presence known at high-profile grassroots events across the country.
On Thursday, Pope and Fueger were in attendance for a marquee matchup between Vegas Elite and AZ Unity—two of the top teams on the Nike EYBL circuit. One of the headliners on the court? Five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr., a dynamic prospect who’s already drawing serious attention from top programs, including Kentucky.
While fans may assume summer brings a lull in college basketball activity, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. For coaches like Pope, this is a 24/7, 365-day commitment. The recruiting calendar never truly stops, and staying visible and engaged during this time is crucial to maintaining momentum—and gaining an edge in future recruiting battles.
It’s also worth noting the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines these events. Pope was spotted sitting next to fellow head coaches like John Calipari—now at Arkansas—highlighting the friendly yet high-stakes environment of elite-level recruiting. These trips may seem routine, but they’re foundational to program-building efforts.
With team workouts for the 2025–26 Wildcats not scheduled to begin until late June, fans should expect to see plenty more updates like this in the coming weeks. Kentucky’s staff will be on the move, evaluating talent, making connections, and working to secure the next wave of elite players who could wear the blue and white in seasons to come.
This type of relentless recruiting is exactly what’s required to stay competitive at the highest level of college basketball—and it’s clear Pope and his staff are more than up for the challenge.
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