Mark Pope’s big dream regarding Kentucky’s opening at the center of the team’s operation expired when Tyran Stokes chose Lawrence, Kansas over Lexington. A potential miracle fifth year from Otega Oweh then seemed like a possibility for all of two seconds before that, too, soured.
Kentucky was then left with a good roster potentially missing a great difference maker. With NIL funds meant for Stokes left over and room for a dynamic addition, the Wildcats are on the hunt for someone to come in and fill shoes that were never technically worn.
In my opinion, Pope and his staff should look no further than five-star wing Ryan Hampton. If Kentucky, who had an in-house visit with the soon-to-be star last week, could get Hampton to reclassify to this season, he could be the answer to the team’s superstar problem.
Answering the Superstar Problem
Now, this isn’t to say that someone like Alex Wilkins – a high-upside guard with a year of experience under his belt – couldn’t grow into a role like this one. But in Hampton, Kentucky would secure a playmaker with all the intangible tools, and expectations, to lead the way from the jump…