HAMPTON to UK

KyKevin

All-Conference
Dec 28, 2021
1,912
2,900
113
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



Like Aike says, the true test is how they do on the court. And we will see how Pope coach's them.
I think this bunch will be like his first year, but go further.
 

King1959

Sophomore
Jun 6, 2012
85
157
33
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.
Hampton’s father said he is not reclassifying.
 

Runt#1969

All-American
Dec 13, 2010
21,298
8,901
113
"I chose Kentucky because of Coach Pope and Coach (Mo) Williams," Hampton told 247Sports. "They showed me a vision and plan for me to reach my ultimate dreams and goals. They will challenge me to be the best I can be on and off the court."

"The development piece was key," Hampton continued. "They actually showed me from film and analytics what I can do to get better. Coach Pope didn't sugarcoat anything. Nothing is ever given at Kentucky, they are held to a higher standard and the bright lights are always on. I'm ready for the challenge."

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Pope's addition of Williams on the staff ( please let us add Crawford as well ! ..... ) is paying immediate dividends. Debate it all you want, but Williams and Crawford with Pope here at Kentucky can make some serious waves when they get things going. Don't think they won't. Where there's big blue smoke, there's usually big blue FIRE!
 

FLBBNFAN

All-Conference
Mar 25, 2025
822
1,596
93
It hurts doesn't it? LMAO
I have never seen people try so hard to be unhappy about landing the 6th best player in the 2027 class. Now the goal posts get moved and it's not a great addition because the kid cant shoot .

Im assuming if a guy has good mechanics with his shot then focusing on shot selection and having talent around you will raise your percentage . Would assume the coaches went over that during his visit here. Good grief just celebrate the win.
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,423
8,028
113
I have never seen people try so hard to be unhappy about landing the 6th best player in the 2027 class. Now the goal posts get moved and it's not a great addition because the kid cant shoot .

Im assuming if a guy has good mechanics with his shot then focusing on shot selection and having talent around you will raise your percentage . Would assume the coaches went over that during his visit here. Good grief just celebrate the win.
LMAO, I am dude. Read on
 

Cowtown Cat

Heisman
Aug 23, 2015
24,228
55,131
100
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.
He’s staying in 2027. Your last paragraph is wild. The narrative completely flipped. Lmao yall are so predictable. 🙄
 

MidseasonTweak

Heisman
Mar 1, 2020
10,261
17,596
113
"I chose Kentucky because of Coach Pope and Coach (Mo) Williams," Hampton told 247Sports. "They showed me a vision and plan for me to reach my ultimate dreams and goals. They will challenge me to be the best I can be on and off the court."

"The development piece was key," Hampton continued. "They actually showed me from film and analytics what I can do to get better. Coach Pope didn't sugarcoat anything. Nothing is ever given at Kentucky, they are held to a higher standard and the bright lights are always on. I'm ready for the challenge."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pope's addition of Williams on the staff ( please let us add Crawford as well ! ..... ) is paying immediate dividends. Debate it all you want, but Williams and Crawford with Pope here at Kentucky can make some serious waves when they get things going. Don't think they won't. Where there's big blue smoke, there's usually big blue FIRE!
If we can land Coach Crawford. Man... it would be just a cherry on top.
 

Im The Village Idiot

All-Conference
Sep 7, 2025
887
2,746
93
Whale, whale, whale, now I know where they went.
Well….

Whale Hello GIF
 

Anon651170

Redshirt
Jun 7, 2026
15
6
3
"I chose Kentucky because of Coach Pope and Coach (Mo) Williams," Hampton told 247Sports. "They showed me a vision and plan for me to reach my ultimate dreams and goals. They will challenge me to be the best I can be on and off the court."

"The development piece was key," Hampton continued. "They actually showed me from film and analytics what I can do to get better. Coach Pope didn't sugarcoat anything. Nothing is ever given at Kentucky, they are held to a higher standard and the bright lights are always on. I'm ready for the challenge."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pope's addition of Williams on the staff ( please let us add Crawford as well ! ..... ) is paying immediate dividends. Debate it all you want, but Williams and Crawford with Pope here at Kentucky can make some serious waves when they get things going. Don't think they won't. Where there's big blue smoke, there's usually big blue FIRE!
He's playing for the name on the front of the jersey. We didn't even have to spend any money. He loves the tradition and the fans that much. Big fan of Rupp's Runts I'm hearing
 

BlueSince92

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
10,822
3,510
230
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.
I sure hope he does. He’s exactly what we need to finish out this roster. People saying he can’t shoot are only looking at the downside of his streaky shooting, which in the real world has loads of upside—one reason he’s rated 6th in 2027—and will benefit greatly from our spread offense and from learning some shot selection and from being covered by people who also have to worry about Mom etc.
 

Runt#1969

All-American
Dec 13, 2010
21,298
8,901
113
I believe we're fine without him reclassifying, although I would love to see him fill out the last roster spot and ... let's just "see" how he does in practice and if he can earn some PT. He may be able to come in and contribute - even with significant minutes.

I know they've said he's not going to reclass, but ..... it could be even more of a win - win getting him here THIS season.... with the understanding above.

With all these pieces Pope has got in place for this upcoming year, adding Hampton would give us another player with great upside potential and a possible IMMEDIATE impact. Just getting a couple of these guys to step up and show some talent can go a long way for us this year.... and we need it ... THIS SEASON !

Go Big Blue !
 

Blue Jesus

Senior
Aug 24, 2013
515
762
93
This is a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Good to have a key recruit early to build around, and a guy with a brother who played in the NBA. My one slightly negative reaction is—we apparently beat out SMU, Nebraska, and LSU for his commitment, which makes me wonder where the other top teams are on that list for the #6 player. Nonetheless, happy to see Pope get an out of state top recruit, hopefully more to come. And Mo Williams has already done more for recruiting than Hart or Brooks did in two years.