PHOTO: Kentucky’s Mark Pope and Jason Hart mark their attendance for 2026 five-star guard Brandon McCoy

Mark Pope, the head coach of the University of Kentucky men's basketball team, along with assistant coach Jason Hart, has been vigorously scouting top talent for the 2026 recruiting class. Their active spring and summer recruiting efforts continue this weekend as they attend Peach Jam, the season-ending Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) event at the Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Pope and Hart have concentrated on identifying and evaluating five-star prospects, including Brandon McCoy Jr., a highly regarded guard in the 2026 class. The coaches recently began the live period in Atlanta, flew to Puma Pro16 in Indiana, and are now at the gym in Peach Jam to watch McCoy, the Boozer twins and Caleb Wilson.

This year's Peach Jam spans two "evaluation periods," allowing college coaches to observe prospects off-campus. Brandon McCoy Jr., a top-tier five-star guard, recently showcased his skills at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam. Playing for the Arizona Unity 17U team, McCoy impressed with a tough step-back 3-pointer and an acrobatic layup. In a game against the Oakland Soldiers, McCoy tallied 19 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Kentucky has already scouted several top prospects during last weekend’s Peach Jam recruiting window, including top-ranked class of 2025 recruit AJ Dybantsa, top-ranked class of 2026 recruit Tyran Stokes and local prep basketball star Jasper Johnson.

As the new head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, Mark Pope's primary objectives are to lead the UK to postseason tournament victories and secure SEC championships.

Former coach John Calipari had a 49-31 record against Kentucky’s primary rivals (Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, North Carolina and Tennessee) over his 15-year tenure. In the past four seasons, UK has a 10-10 record against these rivals, including a 0-1 record against Duke and a 5-4 record against Tennessee.

Mark Pope pursuing recruitment of top-ranked Tyran Stokes

Tyran Stokes, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound power forward, is the top-ranked player in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite. Stokes, originally from Louisville recently showcased his versatility by winning gold at the 2024 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Turkey, averaging 12.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

The Kentucky Wildcats, under the new leadership of Mark Pope, have maintained their interest in Stokes. Initially offered a scholarship by John Calipari last November, Stokes remains the sole 2026 recruit with a Kentucky offer.

Mark Pope has continued this pursuit with vigor, watching Stokes both on the Nike EYBL circuit and internationally in Turkey.

"Coach Mark is telling me it would be good to be home … Great coach," Stokes noted.

Mark Pope's dynamic approach has left an impression on Stokes.

"We both have a lot of energy," Stokes said. "He's just always talking about how I can improve."

Despite interest from other top programs such as Arkansas, Kansas, Southern California, UCLA and hometown Louisville, Kentucky remains a strong contender due to its proximity to Stokes' family.