HAMPTON to UK

Dr.LutherSan

All-American
Sep 6, 2019
4,401
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Poap Caynt Ruhkroot
I'm thrilled about the commitment, but let's not act like Pope isn't the worst recruiter in UK history and subpar amongst other top programs. Hopefully the previous recruiting failures was his error period of his career and this is the start of something new.

I know people roll their eyes when the NBA is mentioned, but Hampton has the POSSIBILITY to significantly turn the tide on Pope’s recruiting ability if this guy is a lottery pick one-and-done.
 
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fisherscatfan

All-Conference
Jan 17, 2010
1,179
2,586
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I'm thrilled about the commitment, but let's not act like Pope isn't the worst recruiter in UK history and subpar amongst other top programs. Hopefully the previous recruiting failures was his error period of his career and this is the start of something new.

I know people roll their eyes when the NBA is mentioned, but Hampton has the POSSIBILITY to significantly turn the tide on Pope’s recruiting ability if this guy is a lottery pick one-and-done.
I‘m just going to be happy for the time being.
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,423
8,028
113
I'm thrilled about the commitment, but let's not act like Pope isn't the worst recruiter in UK history and subpar amongst other top programs. Hopefully the previous recruiting failures was his error period of his career and this is the start of something new.

I know people roll their eyes when the NBA is mentioned, but Hampton has the POSSIBILITY to significantly turn the tide on Pope’s recruiting ability if this guy is a lottery pick one-and-done.
I don't know that he is the worst recruiter in UK history LMAO. He recruited Otega Oweh, Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, Jaxson Robinson, Kobe Brea, Denzel Aberdeen, Malachi Moreno, Milan Momcilovic and Ryan Hampton so far. I can name a lot of 2.5 year stretches at UK worse than that
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,423
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But Cowboy, there are over 300 aren't there 🙂
We have to be grateful for the money, when so many are unhappy with Pope. When the money is there, they will come, and I think he gets ur done 🥳
If he's your coach, you should support him like you would Cal or Rick. And if "We are Kentucky", it shouldn't matter if there are 309 other teams should it?
 
Jul 6, 2025
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How in the world do we know he was the highest bidder? You don't think Hampton wouod have gotten more money if he had waited six more months to sign? Come on dude

Guys this isn't rocket science. We haven't even been able to land guys when we ARE the highest budder. Pope flew ro Israel and couldn't land a guy when the opposition just made a call. Even mom strung us out for days when we were the top offer.

So suddenly we're just reeling in guys when we're not? Cmon now.

The one variable is maybe we were the only people willing to pay for a reclass for someone that probably wont be productive this season. Even as talented as he might be, hes going to be playing vs guys 22-25 years old.
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,423
8,028
113
Guys this isn't rocket science. We haven't even been able to land guys when we ARE the highest budder. Pope flew ro Israel and couldn't land a guy when the opposition just made a call. Even mom strung us out for days when we were the top offer.

So suddenly we're just reeling in guys when we're not? Cmon now.

The one variable is maybe we were the only people willing to pay for a reclass for someone that probably wont be productive this season. Even as talented as he might be, hes going to be playing vs guys 22-25 years old.
It hurts doesn't it? LMAO
 

KyKevin

All-Conference
Dec 28, 2021
1,912
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I don't know that he is the worst recruiter in UK history LMAO. He recruited Otega Oweh, Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, Jaxson Robinson, Kobe Brea, Denzel Aberdeen, Malachi Moreno, Milan Momcilovic and Ryan Hampton so far. I can name a lot of 2.5 year stretches at UK worse than that



Damn good point, some pretty good players.
 

Starrcade

Freshman
Jun 4, 2026
54
81
18
Try learning what you are talking about troll. Once the season ended, I was good with letting him go. When the University decided to keep him, I threw all my support behind him until after next season and then Ill assess it again. Thats called being fair dip****
You just have a premium membership and know you're untouchable to always call people names. Here's your exact quote. I thought you were making fun of yourself but I guess you were just being a hypocrite and blowing with the wind.

I was actully complimenting you as I thought you were being humble. Nevermind, lol.





UKCowboys said:

"Yeah, maybe if we call for it they will fire him now. They probably didn't realize we wanted him gone after the season."
 

UKWildcats1987

Heisman
Sep 9, 2021
20,037
35,286
113
Pope needs to sign more top high school players. It could earn him a year 4 even if on court results don't. I've said if he makes a sweet 16 and loses by single digits he is getting a year 4 no matter what.

Not saying I support or agree with that but just based on how UK athletics leadership is.
 
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NociHTTP

Heisman
Mar 8, 2023
12,749
19,993
113
Guys this isn't rocket science. We haven't even been able to land guys when we ARE the highest budder. Pope flew ro Israel and couldn't land a guy when the opposition just made a call. Even mom strung us out for days when we were the top offer.

So suddenly we're just reeling in guys when we're not? Cmon now.

The one variable is maybe we were the only people willing to pay for a reclass for someone that probably wont be productive this season. Even as talented as he might be, hes going to be playing vs guys 22-25 years old.
Where was it stated that he's playing this year?
 

KyKevin

All-Conference
Dec 28, 2021
1,912
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Adding Crawford would be a perfect way to sweep the early summer session of good news.

Pope is cookin' right now. I'm happy for him and for all of BBN!




Recruiting would pick up big time.
Coach Crawford of the Kentucky Wildcats 🥳
Sounds natural.
Go Cats
 

UKWildcats1987

Heisman
Sep 9, 2021
20,037
35,286
113
I see no downside to him reclassifying to 26. If he’s not ready he still gets to work out with high level players. If he is ready he gives the team a real boost on the perimeter. I have a gut feeling he reclasses.

He would clearly be better than the below average backup guards we have. Id be all for it. Maybe he is ready and so good he starts. Add a Hampton to this years team and I can project beyond a sweet 16.
 

Aike

Heisman
Mar 17, 2002
75,444
46,395
90
Firstly this is great news.

Second Pope is finally winning these battles where we're the highest bidder.

Third when we win the recruit as the highest bidder, the coach really doesn't deserve praise. Its like buying a home if you're the highest offer. The praise should be reserved when we win the recruit not being the highest bidder.

Fourth where did all this money come from? Did we find another mega donor?

Fifth will he play?
If the highest bidder on the house had to live with you for the next year, you may consider more than money.

Or what if selling the house at top dollar meant you were going to lose a chance to sell your next house for top dollar? Is it worth the risk?

Trying to play along with your analogy but I guess I’m saying that it might not be the best analogy. Selling a home is mostly transactional. Signing to play college basketball for a particular coach is only partly transactional.

It helps to have a bag, of course. But Pope isn’t the only coach with a bag.

The real verdict will come in when the games are played. Winning the recruiting wars is only proven out by competing for 1 seeds, Final Fours, and championships.
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,423
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You just have a premium membership and know you're untouchable to always call people names. Here's your exact quote. I thought you were making fun of yourself but I guess you were just being a hypocrite and blowing with the wind.

I was actully complimenting you as I thought you were being humble. Nevermind, lol.





UKCowboys said:

"Yeah, maybe if we call for it they will fire him now. They probably didn't realize we wanted him gone after the season."
Yeah, what about it? I did want him gone. No one with the school gives a hoot what I think, else we wouldn't have hired Pope or given Scott Drew of telling us no. They decided to keep him. So until we are knocked out of the NCAAT or win the thing next spring, I pull for the guy instead of ripping him for 10 months. He is doing a good job right now plain and simple
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,423
8,028
113
I see no downside to him reclassifying to 26. If he’s not ready he still gets to work out with high level players. If he is ready he gives the team a real boost on the perimeter. I have a gut feeling he reclasses.
On the other hand, we will be losing a lot of kids next season, and he can come in as a star instead of a supporting role. I have no issue with him staying with his class, though I think he would fit really well this year and would certainly get good minutes
 
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Starrcade

Freshman
Jun 4, 2026
54
81
18
Yeah, what about it? I did want him gone. No one with the school gives a hoot what I think, else we wouldn't have hired Pope or given Scott Drew of telling us no. They decided to keep him. So until we are knocked out of the NCAAT or win the thing next spring, I pull for the guy instead of ripping him for 10 months. He is doing a good job right now plain and simple

just saying. You are running wild, telling posters there shat stinks when yours wreaks. Carry on with the shamelessness.
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,423
8,028
113
just saying. You are running wild, telling posters there shat stinks when yours wreaks. Carry on with the shamelessness.
Nah, you are another new to the board troll, likely one with 20 other handles on here, who is butthurt because Pope is doing a good job
 

Starrcade

Freshman
Jun 4, 2026
54
81
18
Congrats to all of us that stuck with Pope, without wavering, as soon as he beat Sheyer and went 3-1 against the dirty Orange.
 

Dr.LutherSan

All-American
Sep 6, 2019
4,401
8,890
113
I don't know that he is the worst recruiter in UK history LMAO. He recruited Otega Oweh, Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, Jaxson Robinson, Kobe Brea, Denzel Aberdeen, Malachi Moreno, Milan Momcilovic and Ryan Hampton so far. I can name a lot of 2.5 year stretches at UK worse than that
He's done alright with the transfer portal. However, I don’t see how anyone can make an argument for his high school recruiting.
 
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Jul 6, 2025
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If the highest bidder on the house had to live with you for the next year, you may consider more than money.

Or what if selling the house at top dollar meant you were going to lose a chance to sell your next house for top dollar? Is it worth the risk?

Trying to play along with your analogy but I guess I’m saying that it might not be the best analogy. Selling a home is mostly transactional. Signing to play college basketball for a particular coach is only partly transactional.

It helps to have a bag, of course. But Pope isn’t the only coach with a bag.

The real verdict will come in when the games are played. Winning the recruiting wars is only proven out by competing for 1 seeds, Final Fours, and championships.

Nowadays revenue sports nowadays is transactional too my friend.
 

KyKevin

All-Conference
Dec 28, 2021
1,912
2,905
113
You just have a premium membership and know you're untouchable to always call people names. Here's your exact quote. I thought you were making fun of yourself but I guess you were just being a hypocrite and blowing with the wind.

I was actully complimenting you as I thought you were being humble. Nevermind, lol.





UKCowboys said:

"Yeah, maybe if we call for it they will fire him now. They probably didn't realize we wanted him gone after the season."






Doesn't change my thinking, that they are true fans, even true fans get pissed and say things in the heat of the moment.

Do you have a wife 😂
 
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Runt#1969

All-American
Dec 13, 2010
21,302
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Well, well.... keeping a *little bit* of faith in Pope's ability to get the kind of players we NEED here seems to be a wise move, for those like me, that didn't jump on the bandwagon to fire him. I understand everyone wants Kentucky to succeed and succeed NOW. And it's doable in this era of wild west NIL spending. No excuses.

And it's ok to have been critical and demanding of Pope to deliver. He still has to. Nothing has changed in that regard.

With this development, the narrative has most definitely changed, however. We're getting a new A.D. ( I hope it's Mullins) and hopefully a renewed sense of success for Kentucky Athletics as a whole. The whiffs are now starting to become some really nice POW-ZAM - KAPOW - BOOMS ! Hampton signing is not the end. Milan and Hampton, for me, are huge steps in the right direction for the conversation about Kentucky basketball.

We have to give Pope credit in his first year, bringing in guys that, if they had remained healthy, might've been able to go deeper in the tournament. Pope's second year was a huge miscalculation and a gamble. It was a very difficult year and nobody can ever be satisfied with that here.

I'm glad Pope has finally found some traction and the narrative now is much more positive and optimistic. Hampton is a huge get, for all of us that said "all Pope needs to do is get a top freshman recruit or two every year, get portal players that can make a diference to fill out the roster, and we should be alright."

Well, it's moving in that direction, at the very least ... NOW.

Great Sunday news ! Enjoy, BBN !

Go Big Blue !
 

Starrcade

Freshman
Jun 4, 2026
54
81
18
Doesn't change my thinking, that they are true fans, even true fans get pissed and say things in the heat of the moment.

Do you have a wife 😂

Do true fans call people a liar and a Dipshb$it when they are the one lying? Crappy as it gets IMO and in the opinion of 99.9% of society. No true fan I'd ever want to meet, lol.
 
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