It’s been a busy Monday for Kentucky Basketball, with several major storylines emerging about the Wildcats’ recruiting efforts. Here’s everything Big Blue Nation needs to know.
Kentucky Basketball Lands Crystal Ball Prediction for Cherif Millogo
Mark Pope has received an expert prediction from Joe Tipton of On3 to land Cherif Millogo, a four-star center in the class of 2027.
The 7-foot-4, 250-pound big man was on campus earlier this month and was photographed with Mark Pope at Keeneland. He shared a glimpse of his official visit on social media, saying he was “blown away” by the experience.
Millogo, a native of West Africa, has one of the highest ceilings in the 2027 class. His incredible frame, combined with an unusually quick and athletic skill set, makes him a unique prospect who could develop into one of the top centers in college basketball. He is still raw and unpolished, but Pope and his staff would be eager to work with him and develop his potential.
Millogo is currently the 44th-ranked recruit in the class of 2027, according to 247Sports. He is considered a top-five center in the class and the second-ranked recruit in California, behind UConn commit NaVorro Bowman Jr.
Kentucky Makes Final Four for Demarcus Henry
Five-star forward Demarcus Henry’s recruitment will reach its climax later this week, as he has set his commitment date for Friday. He officially announced his final four schools today, and Kentucky made the cut. His final list includes the Wildcats, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Louisville.
Arkansas and Louisville were regarded as the early frontrunners for Henry, but North Carolina and Kentucky have surged late to put themselves at the forefront of his recruitment.
The No. 1 forward in the class of 2027, Henry is a blue-chip recruit with an estimated NIL valuation of $1.2 million, according to On3. He took his official visit to Kentucky in early October.
End of My Kentucky Basketball Rant
After an incredibly disappointing recruiting cycle last year, Mark Pope is making it clear that he isn’t holding back this time around. He has already secured five-star recruit Ryan Hampton, and landing Millogo, Henry, or both would make a clear statement of ambition.
With Kentucky also heavily involved in the recruitment of other top prospects, including CJ Rosser, Lewis Uvwo, Paul Osaruyi, and Marcus Spears Jr., it’s an exciting time in Lexington.
