Mark Pope’s New Freshman Class Reflects Shifting Trends in Modern College Basketball
Lexington, KY — As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, all eyes are on Mark Pope and his inaugural recruiting class at the University of Kentucky. After taking the reins from John Calipari, Pope has wasted no time assembling a group of freshmen that not only fits his basketball philosophy, but also mirrors the evolving landscape of college hoops.
This isn’t your traditional “one-and-done” roster. Rather, Pope’s freshman class represents a broader transformation happening across the NCAA — a shift toward system-oriented players, multi-year contributors, and international talent over pure-star power.
A New Blueprint for Success at Kentucky
Kentucky fans are used to blue-chip five-stars and NBA-ready names flooding into Lexington every year. Under Calipari, the Wildcats leaned heavily into the one-and-done model, producing lottery picks year after year. But in an era defined by the transfer portal, NIL deals, and increasing parity across college basketball, Mark Pope has opted for a more balanced and sustainable approach.
His new freshman class — while still talented — is less about flash and more about fit.
“We recruited guys who want to win, want to stay, and want to grow,” Pope said during media day. “I’m looking for players who are tough, smart, and committed to team basketball. That’s what wins in March.”
Breaking Down the Freshman Class
Pope’s 2025 class includes a mix of three- and four-star recruits, some under-the-radar talents, and a couple of international players who bring experience from overseas pro circuits. Key members of the class include:
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Eli Morgan – A 6’4” combo guard from Colorado known for his high basketball IQ and defensive tenacity. Not a flashy scorer, but a glue guy who can run the offense and make winning plays.
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Luka Petrovic – A 6’10” forward from Serbia who has played against professionals in Europe. Skilled in the pick-and-pop game, he’s an ideal stretch-four for Pope’s spacing-heavy offense.
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Tariq Greene – A 6’6” wing out of Atlanta, Greene is an explosive athlete who prides himself on defense. While still raw offensively, his energy and length could earn him minutes early.
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Brayden Marks – A coach’s son from Indiana, Marks is a floor general in the purest sense. He’s not expected to lead the team in scoring, but he could end up running the show for years.
The absence of five-star, top-10 names may concern some fans at first glance, but Pope is playing the long game — and he’s doing so in 
Reflecting a National Trend
Mark Pope’s recruiting strategy mirrors what’s happening across the country. More and more programs are eschewing the high-risk, short-term upside of one-and-dones in favor of cultivating players who will develop over time and bring program continuity.
This mirrors success stories like UConn, which built its national championship teams around experienced players and NBA-level role talent. Houston, Purdue, and Creighton have all found similar success without top-10 recruiting classes.
Moreover, the rise of the transfer portal means that rosters are constantly in flux. Coaches are now building with flexibility in mind. A high school recruit who commits to staying for 2–3 years and buys into the system is now just as valuable as a one-and-done lottery talent.
NIL and the International Pipeline
Another major development reflected in Pope’s class is the international influence. With NCAA rules becoming more welcoming to foreign players and the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) market maturing, the U.S. college system is more appealing than ever for European, African, and Australian prospects who want exposure and development before going pro.
Players like Petrovic weren’t even on Kentucky’s radar five years ago — now, they’re considered key program pieces. Pope has embraced this global outlook, leaning on his connections and building a culture that appeals to international players who value structure, education, and development.
Make no mistake — Mark Pope understands the pressure that comes with leading a blue-blood like Kentucky. But he’s not trying to copy the past; he’s trying to build something new, rooted in stability, teamwork, and modern basketball.
His first freshman class may not make headlines like the Calipari groups of old, but it may ultimately build a stronger foundation for long-term success. These aren’t rental players. They’re building blocks.
“We’re not looking to win the NBA Draft,” Pope said with a smile. “We’re looking to hang banners.”
Mark Pope’s freshman class is more than just a group of newcomers — it’s a symbol of where college basketball is headed. In an era defined by movement, money, and momentum, he’s betting on culture, cohesion, and commitment.
And if this group performs the way Pope expects, Kentucky might be on the verge of not just a new season — but a new era.
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