Seems like there’s increasing belief that Pope and staff are looking to Euros to fill out the rest of the roster. I know Rainmaker had made a list of guys that we were believed to eventually reach out to, would it be possible to use this thread to keep track of some of those guys (put stats, highlights, etc.)? Excited for the addition of Ndaye, especially at a position that seemed pretty weak this portal cycle.
Euro prospects
- Thread starter UKgrad22
- Start date
Cameron Houindo
Hugo Yimga Moukouri
Miikka Muurinen
Bogoljub Markovic
Alexandros Samodurov
Wini Silva
Sayon Keita
Luigo Suigo
There is a list to start with if people we have contacted. I believe we get 1-2 more off that list within the next 2 weeks.
Hugo Yimga Moukouri
Miikka Muurinen
Bogoljub Markovic
Alexandros Samodurov
Wini Silva
Sayon Keita
Luigo Suigo
There is a list to start with if people we have contacted. I believe we get 1-2 more off that list within the next 2 weeks.
I actually think Pope might have better success recruiting foreign players. I'd rather get our 1st choice of international players than getting stuck with 3rd and 4th choice American portal players.
Definitely an athletic phenom but Yimga is who I want, him and Houindo are the best of the list.
You can have good success with foreign players, it seems to have worked out well for UConn, UVA, Illinois etc
I'd throw Arizona and Gonzaga into that mix.
Agreed, and the bball world is changing to a less pg general oriented game. To a much more resemblance long lengthy stretch and playoff of it. Euro's are very accustom to this.
Wait til they see the racetrack!!!!!! Who knows we might get Jokic.
Honestly not a bad idea, get a couple of Eastern European players over here, offer them a horse instead of an NIL package and they’ll probably be sold!
Are there any links to show information about the listed possible targets?
Did anybody ever play College Hoops 2k8? It was my favorite college basketball video game of all time and on dynasty mode at small schools I’d recruit foreign players because nobody else would offer. Pope on that college hoops 2k8 strategy and I like it.
Honestly given the aau mentality of most US players, id just as soon have all euro roster.
In its current state, college basketball at the highest level requires selfless team basketball on both ends. Every really good team had one or more Euros. Duke was the only exception, but they dont count because get to pick whomever they want and can sort out drama queens.
So no Stokes or anymore portal guys? Or a mix 1-2 off your list and maybe Stokes and/or 1 more portal guy? Maybe whoever commits first gets the spots? Who do you actually think we end the class with bud?
Plus there is value in European players. You can get more for less money. They better really understand the importance of strength and conditioning though. European players are usually not physically ready to compete, especially in the sec.
It may well be the international players are more attracted to Kentucky than many American players and appreciate the opportunity to play here.
Perhaps they and Pope relate better to each other, also. If so, let's get the best ones we can and win with them. It's a global market now.
Perhaps they and Pope relate better to each other, also. If so, let's get the best ones we can and win with them. It's a global market now.
Correct Hannes Steinbach and David Merkovic were but most are usually super skinny and not ready for the physical competition and the speed of the game.
I wouldn’t put much hope in Muurinen. Probably not a fit with the staff. KSR (Jacob P) reported that there’s speculation that UK stopped going after him when there was talk of reclass because the kid is reported to have maturity and behavior concerns. His talent is undeniable but many in Europe openly talk about his issues that has caused many in the states to back off him. He seems destined to be a Tar Heel anyway due to family ties there.
I agree ... I'm all for it. Bring on the best from wherever they are ... even if we need a team translator instead of a GM !!
GO CATS !!I have been keeping an eye on Keita. We've had him on campus, kept in touch, and we are perceived to be a FrontRunner although Duke is also involved. he is more of a shot blocker rebounder type. A true center. Marcus Lee-esque?
Last edited:
Stokes definitely still possible and so is Tounde/Milan. We need 4 more guys so there is room.
This was posted in the transfer portal thread, but haven’t seen this guys name mentioned.
https://share.google/UROnZtsBu2Yii9ZcU
https://share.google/UROnZtsBu2Yii9ZcU
I watched Yimga’s videos, very athletic and a man’s body for someone that doesn’t turn 18 until July. Shooting splits 54/42/83 is exciting too. A 6-8 three man like this would interesting. Do we have a shot Rainmaker.
Last edited:
Sigh. So predictable to bag on the guy who doesn't come to UK. If he came here we'd be having to change our shorts.
He seemed to have no issue with Butler and actually helped him flourish when he could get on the floor.
Aberdeen was no point guard but by the end of the year he was serviceable despite some inherent flaws.
He was even getting quality lead guard time out of Robinson until he broke too.
I don't think point guard useage or knowing what to do with them is any serious issue, keeping one functional much more so. The injuries have been pretty much off the meter. Exacerbated further by not holding onto a credible backup last year that may have been a star for us the way things broke.
Are you more bothered by the fact that European coaches familiar with him are openly talking about it, that Jacob Polacheck reported it or that I acknowledged it? Either way I can’t conform the truth to your preference.
Question.. Does Stokes commitment(speak it into existence)keep UK from getting one of Milan/Tounde?
Yes we do if he goes college route. He is projected top 5 in 2027 which is his first eligible season already though. So he may stay overseas, we have offered him already and it was sizable.
He might go the college route but he might not. If he does, he might come here, but he might not. Keeping my ear to the ground though. I'll let you know what I hear.
Good post. We should read the signs on this guy.
Thanks bro, I Appreciate the response. Honestly, I’m not much on Tounde for Kentucky this season. Just seems like a kid who wants to be the star first. I’m sure in the right system and coaches he would definitely help a team, but with the money left, and with who we have, I don’t know. He’s a talented player for sure but not the best fit this season maybe. Looks to be several great players available and things are looking promising with some of them, couldn’t ask for much more than that. I still want Stokes, but there’s definitely some players that if we get, we’d all be happy and ready to start taking trash again.
