In a move that has surprised many within the college basketball community, the University of Kentucky has announced the addition of former international pro and Bahamas national team forward Willis Mackey Jr. to its men’s basketball staff as a graduate assistant.
While graduate assistant roles are typically filled by recent players transitioning into coaching, Mackey’s selection has raised eyebrows for several reasons — primarily due to his unconventional path and limited name recognition among Kentucky’s fanbase. A standout at University of Northwestern Ohio, Mackey went undrafted in the NBA but carved out a successful career overseas, playing professionally in Europe and representing the Bahamas on the international stage.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who has already made headlines with his aggressive rebuild of the program following the departure of John Calipari, defended the decision.
> “Willis brings something different,” Pope said in a press release. “He’s a guy who understands the grind, the overseas hustle, and what it means to earn everything. That kind of perspective is invaluable to young players.”
Still, the hiring has sparked mixed reactions online. Critics have questioned whether Mackey’s background equips him to support one of college basketball’s most storied programs, while others have expressed concern that the program is veering too far from tradition under Pope’s leadership.
> “A lot of GAs come from blue-blood backgrounds or recent top-tier college experience,” one fan tweeted. “Mackey’s résumé just isn’t what we’re used to seeing at UK.”
Supporters, however, argue that Pope’s approach reflects a modern, more inclusive mindset — one that values hustle and global experience over name-brand pedigrees.
Mackey, who has yet to speak publicly since the announcement, will begin his duties this summer as the Wildcats prepare for a pivotal 2025–26 season under Pope’s new regime.
Whether this hire proves to be a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Kentucky basketball — and its newest addition to the bench.
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