Today marks the first of many visits high school recruits will make to the University of Kentucky with head coach Mark Pope leading the program.

Will Riley is in visiting the school today and, according to 247S ports, currently sits as the 22nd-best player while ranked as the third-best small forward in the class of 2025.

In addition to Kentucky, the 6-foot-8 wing is being heavily recruited by Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas & Illinois. In fact, Riley was at Illinois yesterday and will visit Alabama on Thursday.

For the last 14 seasons, John Calipari largely owned the recruiting front, bringing top-tier talent to Lexington year after year. Now it’s Pope’s turn to put his own spin on things and recruit players that have talent but also fit a specific system on offense/team culture.

Pope clearly sees a lot in Riley and wants the rising star to wear the Kentucky blue uniform. While there’s hefty competition also in the running for Riley, Kentucky has as good of a sales pitch as any other program in the country and Pope and his staff will begin that pitch today.

Tweet of the Day

Quite the weekend for these guys.

Headlines

Lexington Super Regional Set for Saturday Evening Start – UK Athletics

The Wildcats are making their third Super Regional appearance, Oregon State its ninth.

Men’s Basketball Announces Two Staff Additions – UK Athletics

Nick Robinson joins as Director of Operations, Randy Towner as Strength Coach

Mark Pope Will Recruit His Own Way – Vaught’s Views

Lots to like about what’s to come.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings agree to 4-year, $140M deal – ESPN

Probably worth every penny.

Kentucky will play Oregon State in Lexington Super Regional – KSR

Big weekend ahead.

Padres’ Tucupita Marcano faces MLB ban for betting – ESPN

Potentially for life.

Kentucky Football Offers Kentucky Baseball Commit – KSR

Special athlete.

NBA trade candidates: who could soon be moved – CBS Sports

KAT cracks the top-10.

Kentucky adds Nick Robinson, Randy Towner to staff – KSR

As expected.

Latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft – CBS Sports

Sheppard remains in the top-5.