Mark Pope is entering the most important offseason of his coaching career. It can not be understated or overstated; he must get every move inch perfect. That starts with nailing the targets he spends his NIL budget on. Here is who Kentucky is currently targeting.
Brett Decker Jr., Liberty
Brett Decker is a name that is probably familiar to anyone inside the Bluegrass state. He starred for Central Hardin before committing to Liberty out of high school. From there, he played sparingly in his freshman season before making a massive
jump in his sophomore year. The 6’3 guard is a dead-eye shooter who is shooting 47 percent for his career from deep, and averaged 17 points on 11 shots last year. He is a shot maker, but he hasn’t shown a huge shot-creating skillset just yet.
Tyrone Riley IV, San Francisco
Tyrone Riler is another name you will most likely already know. The Cats expressed interest last year before the 6’6 wing decided to return to the Dons for another season. He is another player who can play a specific role on a good team. He is not a lead star, but he is efficient, scoring 12 points on 47% from the floor. He has shown the ability to really rebound, though it was not as consistent as you’d like. Overall, he is a very solid low-floor player who can help fill out the roster.
Camren Hunter, Central Arkansas
Camren Hunter is more in line with Brett Decker Jr in terms of how they play the game. The 6’3 guard can really put the ball in the hoop; he averaged 21 points a game last season on 50% from the field. The one big concern you have is that at 6’3 and 205, can he drive in and finish against elite competition? He struggled to get on the floor during his one season at Wisconsin, but Greg Gard is an unusual coach to play for. He likes veterans in his system, and that limited Hunter to less than a point per game when he could get on the floor, which wasn’t very often.
Finley Bizjack, Butler
Finley Bizjack is another name that has been announced as being shown interest by Kentucky’s staff. The one-time Butler Bulldog is also going to be testing the NBA waters, so this one could play out a little longer than a lot of other recruitments. Bizjack is another guy who fills up the basket, but the one drawback here is that he really doesn’t make a lot of shots. He depends on getting to the line, which in the SEC is a dangerous strategy. He did score 17 a game last year, but it was on 42% from the field. Maybe he gets more efficient in a different environment, but that is a concern.
Miles Byrd, San Diego State
Miles Byrd is the reigning defensive player of the year in the Mountain West. He is a guy who can really get after it on the defensive end, and that is something you need on a nightly basis. He would be the guy guarding the best player on the floor on the other end, while his offensive game is a work in progress. Byrd averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks a night for the Aztecs last year.
It worked well with Lamont Butler; maybe lightning can strike twice.
International Prospects remain the most viable high school option
Mark Pope is doing a lot of work with Tyran Stokes, but that boat has likely sailed. That leaves him with Miikka Muurinen, Eric Del Castillo, and Sayon Keita as the most likely of commitment options. Quinn Ellis was also a part of that group, but it does appear his momentum has swung to Louisville. Dink Pate also remains a name to watch, but the relationship is weaker with Hart now at SMU.
This list will continue to grow, so stay with us. Anyone standing out to you guys, let us know in the comments.
