Stokes is from Louisville? Why is this such a huge task to get him here?

bluedom44

Senior
Apr 7, 2019
253
623
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I think something is off with Stokes. Even Kelsey checked out on him early due to the way he was acting. He's definitely a diva.
 

Smeegs

All-Conference
Nov 19, 2025
827
2,373
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He was a little kid when he left Louisville. Virtually his entire basketball playing life has been lived out West.

So I really doubt geography factors into his decision-making. Especially in this “all business“ NIL era where sentiment is no longer a consideration for seemingly anyone.
 

TheApostleSaulSmith

All-Conference
Mar 30, 2026
898
2,068
83
So many reasons:
  • It ain't the old days anymore. These are very high-dollar, big time business transactions, with a lot of interested parties aside from just the school and the player.
  • He's from Louisville but he doesn't have a ton of UK connections to exploit. And he didn't play HS here.
  • The Nike/Adidas situation
  • Mark Pope's recruiting struggles (or negative recruiting against Mark Pope, however you want to describe it)
  • Player development. We might not want to admit this part, but playing for Bill Self is an attractive prospect to young players. He can point at multiple guys that are currently stars in the league and say, "I helped make that happen". UK no longer has that advantage.
I'm as tired and frustrated as anyone. But it's an incredibly complicated recruitment. Just saying "why cain't we just sign him already?!?!" isn't helpful.
 

ZaytovenCat

All-American
Apr 25, 2013
24,075
8,861
97
lol this a cereal question? Have you seen the guy recruiting him for us? That’s why it’s such a monumental task.
 
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Dr.LutherSan

All-American
Sep 6, 2019
4,364
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I don't think kids at this level nor this generation care as much about college basketball.