Kentucky Maintains Steady Pursuit of 7-Foot-3 Italian Phenom Luigi Suigo

Kentucky Maintains Steady Pursuit of 7-Foot-3 Italian Phenom Luigi Suigo

Mark Pope is leaving no stone unturned in his mission to reestablish Kentucky as a powerhouse in college basketball and that includes looking far beyond American borders. One of the most intriguing names on his radar for the class of 2026 is towering Italian center Luigi Suigo, a 7-foot-3, 240-pound rising star who’s quickly gaining traction among elite Division I programs.

Suigo, who currently plays for Olimpia Milano, one of the most prestigious professional clubs in Europe, has emerged as a highly coveted international prospect. At just 18 years old, he’s already established himself as a dominant force on both ends of the floor. According to On3’s recruiting rankings, Suigo is considered a four-star recruit and has been turning heads with his rare combination of size, mobility, and developing skill set.

Back in February, Kentucky’s interest in Suigo was first reported by Jacob Polacheck of KSR+, and the Wildcats have remained engaged in the recruitment process ever since. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Kentucky is one of several high-major programs actively involved, alongside schools such as Illinois, Purdue, BYU, Louisville, Texas A&M, and others.

Among those suitors, Illinois holds the distinction of being the first program to host Suigo for an official visit, which took place earlier this year. The Illini made a strong impression during that February visit, and they’re hoping to stay in the mix as Suigo’s recruitment heats up. Later this month, he’s expected to take two more official visits, heading to Purdue a program known for developing elite big men under Matt Painter and Indiana, which is also making a push to land the Italian center.

While no official visit to Lexington has been scheduled as of yet, Pope’s staff is continuing to build a relationship with Suigo and his camp. It’s part of a broader international recruiting strategy that has already yielded results. Pope recently landed a commitment from Andrija Jelavić, another European standout who will suit up for Kentucky in the 2025–26 season. Jelavić’s arrival could help pave the way for other international stars like Suigo to consider the Wildcats more seriously.

Suigo’s on-court production speaks for itself. Earlier this year, at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, he posted strong numbers across the board 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting nearly 59 percent from the field. He also demonstrated a developing perimeter game, knocking down 30 percent of his threes and converting 77.8 percent of his free throws, impressive for a player of his size and age.

Beyond the stats, Suigo brings a physical presence that can alter the flow of any game. He was a silver medalist at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup as a key member of the Italian National Team, showcasing his ability to compete against some of the best young talent in the world. His dominance continued into 2025, when he was named MVP of the LBA Next Gen Cup, an accolade that solidified his status as one of the top young big men in Europe.

Italian basketball scout Giuseppe Invernizzi didn’t mince words when describing Suigo’s defensive impact:

“Everyone that goes in the paint against Suigo gets their shot blocked,” Invernizzi told KSR+. “He completely dominates near the basket.”

Defensive prowess has long been the calling card for Suigo, but scouts believe his offensive game is not far behind. He’s comfortable finishing around the rim, has solid touch in the mid-range, and is beginning to stretch the floor with a workable three-point shot. If he continues to evolve, he could become a rare two-way big man who can anchor a defense and stretch the floor on the offensive end.

For Kentucky, landing Suigo would be a statement not just about recruiting, but about the program’s ability to identify and develop global talent. Pope has emphasized that his 2026 recruiting strategy will be expansive and creative, and Suigo is exactly the kind of player who fits that vision.

There’s still a long way to go in Suigo’s recruitment, and his final decision is likely many months away. But the Wildcats are firmly in the mix, and with Pope’s continued presence on the international scene, the idea of Suigo donning Kentucky blue isn’t far-fetched.

As the 2026 class takes shape, one thing is clear: Mark Pope isn’t just chasing talent he’s chasing potential, and Luigi Suigo has plenty of it.