PREVIEW: Mark Pope Eyes Future Stars as Kentucky Targets Gear Up for Peach Jam Spotlight
The final live evaluation period of the summer has arrived, and once again, Mark Pope is right where he thrives: courtside and dialed in.
The Kentucky head coach and his full staff are back in North Augusta, South Carolina for Nike’s Peach Jam, arguably the most important summer event in grassroots basketball. With live period access officially opening Thursday, coaches from around the nation have descended upon Riverview Park Activities Center, and the Wildcats are zeroing in on some of the biggest names in the country many of whom could wear the blue and white in the years to come.
From top-ranked seniors to emerging underclassmen, Kentucky’s recruiting board is stacked with elite prospects ready to prove they belong on the game’s biggest stage.
2026: Kentucky’s Top Targets Take Center Stage
⭐ Tyran Stokes | SF | Oakland Soldiers | No. 1 Overall
The crown jewel of the 2026 class, Tyran Stokes is a 6-foot-7 freight train with guard skills and unmatched athleticism. The Louisville native is Kentucky’s top priority, with Pope battling in-state rival Louisville, plus Arkansas and Kansas, for his commitment. His physicality and unselfishness make him a dream fit in Pope’s system.
⭐ Brandon McCoy | CG | Arizona Unity | No. 2 Overall
A recent Kentucky offer and a rising favorite of Pope, McCoy has exploded at Peach Jam after battling back from injury. The versatile combo guard from California has elite scoring instincts and defensive tenacity. Kentucky’s presence has been heavy — and persistent.
⭐ Christian Collins | SF | Team Why Not | No. 3 Overall
A long, athletic wing still growing into his immense potential, Collins’ stock has soared in 12 months. Now the challenge is consistency. Pope, along with Duke, USC, Oregon, and others, are monitoring closely to see if this Peach Jam becomes his national breakout.
⭐ Jordan Smith Jr. | SG | Team Takeover | No. 4 Overall
Smith is one of the most well-rounded guards in the country. He defends, rebounds, facilitates and if his shot falls? He’s nearly unstoppable. Kentucky is working to close the gap behind Duke and Arkansas, the current frontrunners.
⭐ Jason Crowe Jr. | SG | Oakland Soldiers | No. 7 Overall
Once a strong Kentucky lean due to ties with assistant Jason Hart, Missouri now has the momentum heading into Crowe’s Friday commitment. He remains one of the most electric scorers in the class.
⭐ Ikenna Alozie | PG | Utah Prospects | No. 12 Overall
Still a name to track, Alozie has listed Kentucky among his top visits. He’s physical, polished, and crafty and while the Wildcats have shifted attention toward Tay Kinney and Deron Rippey Jr., Alozie’s recruitment remains open.
⭐ Qayden Samuels | SG | Team Takeover | No. 15 Overall
A recent Kentucky offer, Samuels is a sharpshooter with SEC-ready strength and poise. Visits to Georgetown, Villanova, and NC State are already done, but UK’s late push has made him a legitimate option.
⭐ Bryson Howard | SF | ProSkills | No. 26 Overall
One of the summer’s biggest stock risers, Howard son of former NBA All-Star Josh Howard has emerged as a must-watch wing. He speaks glowingly of Kentucky, with UNC, Kansas, and Duke also heavily involved.
👶 2027: The Next Wave of Stars on Pope’s Radar
🦍 CJ Rosser | PF | Team United | No. 1 Overall
Rosser is Kentucky’s first 2027 offer and brings elite athleticism and skill at 6’9″. “Big-time school that produces NBA prospects,” he said of UK. The interest is mutual.
🦁 Obinna Ekezie Jr. | C | Vegas Elite | No. 2 Overall
The Louisville transplant originally from Nigeria towers at 6’11″ and dominates the paint. With deep family basketball roots and a polished game, he may be Pope’s dream modern big man.
🌪️ Baba Oladotun | SF | Team Durant | No. 4 Overall
A reclassification candidate to 2026, Oladotun was Kentucky’s first offer in the 2027 class and remains high on their board. He’s skilled, athletic, and smart — the total package.
Names to Watch: More EYBL Standouts Drawing Kentucky’s Eye
2026 Class:
- Anthony Felesi (Vegas Elite)
- Jalen Montonati (MoKan Elite)
- Christian Gibson (Houston Hoops)
- Austin Goosby, Dakari Spear (Drive Nation)
- Dean Rueckert (Utah Prospects)
2027 Class:
- Beckham Black (AB Elite)
- Paul Osaruyi, Darius Wabbington (AZ Unity)
- Marcus Spears Jr., Ryan Hampton (Drive Nation)
- King Gibson (Team United)
- Donovan Davis, Dooney Johnson (Team Herro)
- Charles Pur (Team United)
2028 Class:
- Shalen Sheppard (Oakland Soldiers) – Yes, Reed Sheppard’s cousin. Kentucky will absolutely be watching this one closely.
Final Word
Mark Pope and Kentucky are everywhere at Peach Jam and for good reason.
With top-5 talent across multiple classes, the Wildcats are laying the foundation for future Final Four runs. From Tyran Stokes’ power and poise, to Cameron Boozer’s national spotlight, to Baba Oladotun’s next-level potential, this week in North Augusta could shape Kentucky basketball for years to come.
Stay tuned. The stars of tomorrow are playing today and Mark Pope has front-row seats.
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