5 talent powerhouses that can make an impact at Mark Pope’s Kentucky ft. AJ Dybantsa

As Mark Pope takes the reins of the Kentucky Wildcats, he steps into a storied program with a legacy of excellence and sky-high expectations. To maintain and exceed these standards, Pope is focusing on securing top-tier talent from the 2025 recruiting class.

At the recent Nike EYBL Peach Jam, reporters and scouts closely followed several top prospects, observing their performances in detail.

Five standout players who could significantly bolster Kentucky’s roster

#5 Acaden Lewis

Acaden Lewis, a top point guard prospect, has Kentucky included in his recently announced top eight schools. The 6-foot-3 left-handed playmaker exhibited his dynamic skills at the Peach Jam, averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

His advanced defensive capabilities further enhance his appeal as a recruit. Lewis’ ability to control the game with the ball in his hands makes him a valuable addition to any collegiate program.

#4 Brayden Burries

Brayden Burries has almost wowed everyone with the consistency and productivity level at Peach Jam. The 6-foot-4 guard had an average of 22.2 points with 10.0 rebounds per game.

His shooting efficiency was noteworthy, boasting splits of 50.0% from the field, 41.7% from 3-point range and 76.9% from the free-throw line. Kentucky extended an offer to Burries following his standout performances, indicating the school's strong interest in his talents.

#3 Jasper Johnson

Jasper Johnson, the highly sought-after 2024 Overtime Elite prospect, has caught attention. The athletic left-handed guard, referred to as a high scorer, has recorded a top-10 scoring average at the Peach Jam with 19.8 points per game.

Despite concerns over his shooting percentages—37.9% from the field and 25.5% from beyond the arc—Johnson remains a potent offensive force.

#2 Caleb Wilson

The Wildcats have been interested in Caleb Wilson, and both coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Jason Hart have been following him fairly closely during the Peach Jam. Wilson, the No. 5 prospect of the class of 2025, created effective spaces to average 17.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game with a shooting percentage of 62% from the field.

His defensive prowess earned him the Peach Jam Defensive MVP title, with averages of 1.9 steals and 2.8 blocks per game, highlighting his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.

#1 AJ Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa, already committed to Kentucky for the 2024-25 season, stands out as a pivotal recruit. The 6-foot-9 power forward, ranked as a five-star prospect and the No. 8 overall player in his class by 247Sports, showcased his skills at the Peach Jam.

Dybantsa led the Oakland Soldiers to the 17U championship game, averaging an impressive 23.1 points per game. His dominant presence on the court solidified his reputation as a future star for the Wildcats.