It’s possible that the BBN was left with a bitter taste in their mouths after Miikka Muurinen’s abrupt return to recruitment and his subsequent commitment to Arkansas and John Calipari. Beyond the gaps Mark Pope is waiting to fill, not much can be said about the Wildcats’ current roster, particularly while Tyran Stokes’ recruitment continues unabated.
Nevertheless, regardless of what Muurinen did and what Stokes will do, the undeniably committed coach has continued to pursue five-star players. Ryan Hampton, a small forward, is being visited at home by Coach Pope today, according to KSR.
In addition to being one of the top prospects in the 2027 class overall, Hampton is a well-liked contender for a possible reclass. Take him any way you want, but Hampton’s addition to the Kentucky team this year in particular would be a game-changer.
Ryan Hampton Moves the Needle
According to 247Sports, Hampton is the best small forward and No. 5 overall player. He is a long, ball-dominant wing who would fit in perfectly between Ousmane N’Diaye and Alex Wilkins in the Wildcats’ current rotation.
The six-foot-six forward has a true jumper that he doesn’t need to be set to shoot, as well as lightning-fast quickness off the dribble. Although Hampton’s high potential and tangible intangibles are probably excellent indicators of his attractiveness, his current contributions are well worth the investment.
Pope and Kentucky will join Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Indiana, Tennessee, and a number of other schools on the forward’s radar if they make an official offer today (assuming he isn’t requesting more). Pope could use a recruitment victory like this one, but it will undoubtedly be difficult to acquire the man.
From the outside looking in, Hampton might be worth going above and above to obtain him for Pope and Kentucky. That is, a significant amount of the NIL budget for the initiative.
An NIL Predicament
However, acquiring Hampton and Stokes would seem to be financially impossible for Kentucky, particularly if Hampton intends to re-classify. Unless a few of the chicken people at Tyson wish to help an old friend, that is.
It’s unknown if Pope’s visit is a sign of Stokes’ impending decision, but Hampton shouldn’t be dismissed as a remote possibility.
In any case, Cats supporters should take solace in the fact that their head coach is preparing for the future when it comes to recruiting. Let the Stokes situation unfold and, for the time being, have faith that more is in the works with Hampton than we can currently see. Pope has a backup plan for his backup plan.
