Caleb Holt Dominates Eurocamp

Caleb Holt Dominates Eurocamp as MVP, Strengthens Kentucky Ties Amid Recruiting Battle

As basketball fans shift their eyes to the future, one thing is becoming clear: Caleb Holt is the real deal. The 6-foot-5, five-star guard from the class of 2026 showed exactly why he’s one of Kentucky’s top recruiting targets by dominating the international stage at the 2025 adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy. Suiting up for Team 3SSB Select, Holt not only helped his team secure the championship  he took home MVP honors in the process, proving he can shine even among pro-ready talent.

Holt averaged an impressive 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and 2.7 assists over three games, including a standout performance in the title game with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals against Team NBL Next Stars  a squad loaded with projected 2025 NBA Draft picks. Holt did it all with NBA scouts from all 30 teams in the building.

This breakout moment only amplifies the buzz surrounding Holt’s recruitment, with Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and assistants Jason Hart and Cody Fueger already putting in heavy work. They visited Holt for an in-home visit in April, and ever since extending a scholarship offer in July 2024, the Wildcats have been in strong contention alongside Alabama, Auburn, and Houston.

More Than Just Holt

Holt wasn’t alone in making headlines for Big Blue Nation. Two other top Kentucky targets  Tay Kinney and Anthony Thompson also flashed their talent in Italy, further showcasing the depth of Kentucky’s recruiting board in the 2026 cycle.

Tay Kinney – Steady Playmaker Despite Cold Shooting

Kinney, a 6-foot-3 Kentucky native ranked No. 17 overall, opened Eurocamp strong with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists on 4-10 shooting. Though he struggled to score in the final two games (combining for just 10 points on 3-21 FG), Kinney showed other dimensions of his game with six assists, five steals, and only one turnover. The UK coaching staff has made him a priority target, recently visiting him in-home and staying in consistent contact. He’s set to play his senior year at Overtime Elite, where development and exposure are practically guaranteed.

Anthony Thompson – Quiet Killer in Limited Minutes

While less flashy, 6-foot-8 wing Anthony Thompson made his presence felt when it mattered. Ranked No. 14 overall in 2026, the Ohio native went a perfect 4-for-4 from the field for 12 points in the championship game, adding another nine-point performance in the opener. Though his Sunday showing was quiet, Thompson’s efficiency and versatility as a forward continue to make him an appealing fit for Mark Pope’s modern system. Kentucky has hosted him multiple times in Lexington and remains in heavy pursuit.

What’s Next?

The 2026 class is beginning to take shape, and Mark Pope is wasting no time in building deep connections with elite talent. Holt, Kinney, and Thompson each bring different strengths to the table, but their mutual respect for Kentucky  and the effort from Pope’s staff  could pay dividends down the line.

Holt’s MVP performance in Europe just might be the turning point that cements Kentucky’s status as his future home. For now, Big Blue Nation can only watch, wait, and hope Pope’s persistence lands a class that could define his tenure in Lexington.