**Mark Pope Visits Top Recruits Tay Kinney, Plans Meetings with Deron Rippey and Baba Oladotun**
*Lexington, KY —* Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is making headlines on the recruiting trail this week, as he intensifies efforts to secure top talent for the Wildcats’ future rosters. Pope made an in-person visit to elite 2026 guard Tay Kinney and is scheduled to meet with highly touted prospects Deron Rippey and Baba Oladotun later this week.
Kinney, a 6-foot-2 combo guard out of Louisville, has seen his stock rise significantly over the summer. Widely regarded as one of the top guards in the class of 2026, Kinney impressed at multiple national showcases with his explosive scoring ability and defensive tenacity. Pope’s visit underscores Kentucky’s serious interest in keeping the in-state talent close to home.
Next on Pope’s itinerary are visits with two more high-ceiling prospects: Deron Rippey and Baba Oladotun. Rippey, a dynamic point guard from New Jersey, is known for his elite speed and court vision. He has drawn interest from multiple blue-blood programs, and Pope’s personal outreach signals that Kentucky is firmly in the mix.
Meanwhile, Oladotun, a 6-foot-9 forward with Nigerian roots playing high school ball in Texas, is seen as a rising star in the 2026 class. His combination of size, mobility, and shooting touch makes him an intriguing modern frontcourt prospect. A strong showing in EYBL play this summer has catapulted him onto the national radar.
Pope’s aggressive recruiting approach reflects his vision for reshaping the Wildcats’ roster with high-upside, versatile players who fit his system. With early contact periods now open, Kentucky is wasting no time in laying the groundwork for future success — and Pope’s personal involvement is making a strong impression.
The Wildcats’ recruiting push continues to gather steam — and Pope is cle
arly all in.