Kentucky’s 2025 Recruiting Class: A New Era Under Mark Pope
As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve, Kentucky Wildcats Head Coach Mark Pope is making a significant impact in his first full recruiting cycle. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the impressive 2025 recruiting class that is generating excitement among Wildcats fans.
Signed Players:
- Jasper Johnson: This 5-star guard, ranked No. 13 nationally by 247Sports Composite, is a standout player known for his explosive ability to get to the bucket and his impressive shooting range. Johnson, who stands at 6’4″ and 175 pounds, is one of the top guards in the 2025 class and has already committed to the Wildcats[2][4].Jasper Johnson is a top-level guy in the country, and his commitment is a huge win for us,” Coach Pope emphasized. “He checks all the boxes: talent, fit, and a deep appreciation for what it means to be a Wildcat”[1].
- Acaden Lewis: A 4-star guard ranked No. 32 nationally by 247Sports Composite, Lewis is celebrated for his versatility and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is the No. 5 point guard and the top prospect in the District of Columbia[3].
“Acaden Lewis brings a unique set of skills that will be invaluable to our team. His ability to create and distribute the ball is something we are very excited about,” Coach Pope noted[1].
- Malachi Moreno: As a 4-star center ranked No. 25 nationally by 247Sports Composite, Moreno is one of the best centers in high school basketball. He is known for his size, passing skills, and significant community involvement. Moreno, who is 6’11”, is the No. 1 prospect in Kentucky[2][3].
“Malachi Moreno is a big talent with an even bigger heart. He fits perfectly into our system and embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Kentucky Wildcat,” Coach Pope said[1].
National Rankings
- Class Ranking: Kentucky’s 2025 class is currently ranked 5th nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, with the potential to rise even higher with additional commitments[2].
SEC Rankings
- SEC Standing: Within the SEC, Kentucky’s 2025 class is ranked 2nd, only behind Arkansas. This positioning underscores the competitive edge that Coach Pope is bringing to the Wildcats[2].
Key Stats and Rankings
- Jasper Johnson: No. 13 nationally, No. 3 shooting guard, and No. 3 prospect in Georgia.
- Acaden Lewis: No. 32 nationally, No. 5 point guard, and No. 1 prospect in the District of Columbia.
- Malachi Moreno: No. 25 nationally, No. 3 center, and No. 1 prospect in Kentucky[].
Recruiting Targets
- Caleb Wilson: A five-star power forward ranked No. 5 nationally, Wilson is a key target for Coach Pope. He has narrowed his list to UK, North Carolina, Ohio State, Tennessee, and UCF. Wilson’s commitment could propel Kentucky’s class to the top of the national rankings
“Caleb Wilson would be the perfect fit to play the four in our system. His skills and size make him an ideal candidate to complete our 2025 class,” Coach Pope explained
Coach Mark Pope’s Approach
Coach Pope’s recruiting philosophy is clear: he seeks players who appreciate the program’s legacy, are highly talented, and fit the team’s system.
“These are kids that are seeing something way bigger than just themselves. They care about the right things. It’s guys that I want to coach,” Coach Pope said, highlighting the importance of players who understand and value the tradition of Kentucky basketball
