Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope is making moves for the recruiting class of 2027. As they wait for any update regarding Tyran Stokes’ commitment, they have, for the time being, turned their attention towards 7’1 recruit Obinna Ekezie Jr.
On Wednesday, Ekezie announced on social media that Pope and his team conducted an in-house visit with him in Florida. Ekezie is considered a top-three prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.
“I appreciate Coach Pope, Coach Fueger, and Coach McLean of Kentucky for coming by for an in-home visit. Blessed for the opportunity and great conversation,” Ekezie wrote on X.
Back in October, Obinna Ekezie Jr. visited the Kentucky Wildcats during their exhibition match against Purdue. Back then, he had high praise for Mark Pope and his team.
“Kentucky is good,” Ekezie said, as per On3. “They’ve been very consistent in recruiting me. They’ve really been showing me that they’d love to have me in their program. That’s what you need from a program. (Mark) Pope always tells me that he wants to help me get better as fast as possible. He shows me the way he wants me to improve and the stuff that I have to improve on.
Amid their 2027 recruitment drives, the Wildcats are still hoping to land Tyran Stokes. He is considered the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class. However, he has kept everyone guessing about his collegiate future, even after the McDonald’s All-American game.
Back in October, Stokes was expected to make his commitment to Mark Pope’s team. However, he refrained from doing so while exploring other offers and opportunities, with Kentucky, Kansas, and Oregon being reported as his final three options.
A look at Kentucky’s 2025-26 season under Mark Pope
In April 2024, Mark Pope was hired to replace John Calipari as head coach of Kentucky. In his debut campaign, he helped the program make the March Madness. However, they were eliminated in the Sweet 16 by the Tennessee Volunteers.
This season, the Wildcats once again made the NCAA Tournament. Pope and his team defeated Santa Clara 89-84 in the first round. However, their hopes of competing for a national championship were crushed following an 82-63 loss to Iowa State in the second round.
Kentucky finished the 2025-26 season with a 22-14 (10-8 SEC) record.
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