New head coach Mark Pope has been working non-stop since being hired by the Kentucky Wildcats.
Pope brought in numerous guys from the transfer portal and is now working to recruit talented prospects at the high school level.
Pope and his team recently spent a weekend in Indianapolis observing and meeting potential candidates who would be a good fit for the new Kentucky program.
One player that has caught Kentucky’s attention is five-star prospect Trey McKenney, who attends Flint, Michigan’s Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.
McKenney put on a show for the Kentucky coaching staff, leading the team to an 86-77 victory with 27 points and three rebounds.
After McKenney’s outstanding performance in front of Alvin Brooks and others, he spoke with Kentucky Sports Radio.
It would have great meaning. Since I was a young child, I have watched Kentucky,” McKenney remarked.
McKenney was not being looked at by John Calipari’s staff during his tenure in Lexington, but Pope has other plans with the 6-foot-3 guard.
“You never think Calipari would leave Kentucky. But Kentucky itself, even before Calipari they were a powerhouse. Being able to speak with Kentucky, one of the top colleges for basketball, is a blessing, McKenney said.
Michigan, Michigan State, Connecticut, Georgetown, Indiana, Ohio State, USC, and UCLA are among the schools who are interested in McKenney. At the moment, On3, Rivals, 247 Sports, and ESPN have him ranked 14th overall in the class of 2025, but ESPN has him ranked 13th.
McKenney has just been selected for the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team for 2024. After a five-day training camp in Colorado Springs, which Pope and his staff attended, he secured a position on the 12-man squad.
Although Kentucky hasn’t made an official offer to McKenney yet, it would now be possible given Pope’s new interest.
