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University of Kentucky head coach Mark Pope had high praise for a rising basketball phenom this week, calling Kennedy High School\u2019s star player \u201cone of the best\u201d he\u2019s ever seen.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n During a post-scouting interview on Wednesday, Pope couldn\u2019t contain his excitement when asked about the young athlete, whose name has quickly become known across recruiting circles.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n > \u201cI\u2019ve watched thousands of players throughout my career,\u201d Pope said. \u201cBut what I saw in this young man at Kennedy was special \u2014 poise, skill, leadership, and the kind of court vision you just don\u2019t teach. He\u2019s one of the best I\u2019ve ever seen at this level.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Though Pope didn\u2019t reveal whether the Wildcats have made an official offer, sources close to the program suggest the player is high on Kentucky\u2019s recruiting radar for the 2026 class. The Kennedy star, who averaged over 27 points and 8 assists per game this season, has already received interest from multiple Division I programs.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pope\u2019s endorsement adds fuel to the growing hype around the young guard, who has drawn comparisons to NBA greats for his explosive first step and maturity beyond his years.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kennedy\u2019s head coach, Rick Ellison, also weighed in on the attention:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n > \u201cWe\u2019ve known he was special from day one,\u201d Ellison said. \u201cBut hearing someone like Coach Pope speak so highly of him\u2014that\u2019s big. The kid works hard and stays humble. He deserves it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the summer circuit heats up, all eyes will be on this rising star to see where his journey leads next.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"