JUST NOW: Mark Pope was in to watch a critical 2026 five-star recruit at Adidas 3SSB
Mark Pope, always active on the recruiting trail, made his presence felt today at an Adidas 3SSB showcase — he was in the gym watching one of the key five‑star prospects in the 2026 class. (Yardbarker) The recruit in question is Tay Kinney, a Newport, Kentucky native currently playing for Overtime Elite in Atlanta. (SI)
What makes this moment stand out is how strategic it’s becoming to Pope’s recruiting strategy. Kinney isn’t just any prospect — he’s viewed as a primary target in the 2026 cycle (often ranked among the top guards nationally). (Hoops HQ) Kentucky has already been involved: he’s taken unofficial visits, there’s mutual interest, and today’s live scouting is part of a deeper push. (Yardbarker)
Walking into the 3SSB event, Pope wasn’t just a passive observer. Reports indicate Kentucky’s coaches, including Pope and Jason Hart, were “in the gym early” to get eyes on Kinney. (On3) They wanted to see how he competes against elite-level peers, measure how his shot looks in real time, and observe his decision-making under pressure. (On3)
Seeing Pope manually rebounding for him in a side court moment has already drawn attention — it underscores not just interest, but a coaching style that’s hands-on, relationship-driven, and attentive to small interactions. (SI) That kind of “court time with the coach” is invaluable in recruiting, especially for a guard like Kinney, whose fit in a system matters almost as much as raw talent.
The battle for Kinney is not without competition. Louisville, among others, is also vying hard for him. (A Sea Of Blue) But Pope showing up to 3SSB is a statement: Kentucky wants him, and they’re making it visible on a national stage. (Yardbarker)
This also reflects a shift in how Pope’s staff is operating. Rather than waiting on names or just sending offers, they’re front-loading evaluations and building personal rapport early. That’s essential in the current college basketball landscape, where players and families value connection, trust, and coaching vision as much as program prestige.
If Kentucky can land Kinney, it would be a major coup. He brings size, playmaking, and shooting ability that fits many modern offensive systems. And as a Kentucky native, there’s the added narrative of keeping local talent home. Pope’s presence here shows he’s not just chasing stars — he’s chasing the right ones, and willing to do the footwork in person.
In short: Pope’s attendance today at Adidas 3SSB to watch Tay Kinney is more than a recruiting visit. It’s a signal. One that says Kentucky is serious in 2026, that Pope is deeply engaged, and that he sees Kinney as a linchpin in building his next elite class.