BB Recruiting

2022 Nike EYBL Louisville Session Interview: Kwame “KJ” Evans Jr

Published

4 years ago

June 6, 2022

Photo By Tristan Pharis

Despite being criticized for his inconsistency and struggles against physicality, Kwame Evans Jr. has one of the highest ceilings in the class of 2023.

One of the biggest reasons for that is Evans’ 6-foot-10, 200-pound frame, making him such a physically gifted and raw prospect. Combine that with the perimeter skills of a guard/wing, and you can see why Evans is so highly touted.

Both sides of Evans could be seen at Nike EYBL’s Louisville session. In his worst performance of the weekend, Evans scored all 4 of his points from the free-throw line and added only 1 rebound in 21 minutes. Whereas he shined against Lebron James sponsored Strive For Greatness, recording 16 points (8-9 FG) and 7 rebounds.

While being more of a prospect than a player, many top schools are sold on his potential. Evans’ recruitment looks to be a battle between Oregon and Arizona, with Kentucky being the dark horse.

I had the opportunity to interview to talk about his recruitment and more, so let’s see what he had to say.

What has pushed Arizona from outside your final list to the perceived favorites right now?

“Tommy Lloyd came to Montverde as soon as he offered me. Generally talking about what I need to do and what he sees in me for the school and what he wants me to be at Arizona.”

Where would you say Kentucky ranks amongst your finalists?

“All schools are the same right now.”

Let me rephrase that. In the upper half?

“Yeah.”

In the most recent 247 player rankings, you had a little bit of a drop. I’m assuming you’re going to use that as motivation, but what areas are going to look to improve on going forward?

“All areas, my whole entire package. Every time I step onto the court, just play hard and do what I can to get a W. I really don’t worry about it, but I do have to prove something right now.”

What factors are most important to you when making your college decision?

“The system, where I fit in, the place and atmosphere, and NIL.”

Kentucky was your first official visit, but with you recently visiting Oregon, how do the two schools compare?

“They compare pretty close. Oregon was nice. They had a whole bunch of nice facilities because Nike is right there. Kentucky has the pedigree there. They have nice people that work hard. The city is nice.”

What has the communication been like with Kentucky?

“It’s been good. They told me good luck a few days ago and told me to get some W’s heading into this weekend. It’s been cool.”

Check out this breakdown of KJ Evans to familiarize yourself with the Kentucky target.

Related Topics:Arizona Kwame Evans Jr NIL Oregon

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Basketball Receives Prediction to Land International Star Nikola Kusturica

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2026

Tristan Pharis

Kentucky basketball has taken over as the favorite for Serbian star Nikola Kusturica, a projected lottery pick in 2028, with a prediction backing the Wildcats.

Just when many believed Kentucky’s roster was complete in terms of contributing players, Mark Pope might have an ace up his sleeve.

Last week, it was reported that Kentucky was among the frontrunners to land 6-foot-8 Serbian wing Nikola Kusturica. At the time, Gonzaga was thought to be the team to beat, having a more defined role to offer, compared to Kentucky, who has one remaining roster spot and a good amount of depth in wing positions.

Since then, things have shifted in a big way.

Gonzaga received a commitment from 18-year-old French guard Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa on Sunday. By Tuesday night, the Wildcats received a Crystal Ball prediction from 247Sports’ Travis Branham to land Kusturica, with a confidence level of 7 out of 10.

The 6-foot-8 wing currently plays for FC Barcelona in Spain’s Liga ACB and EuroLeague system. He just turned 17 years old and is reportedly seeking a two-year college opportunity before becoming draft-eligible in 2028, where he is already being projected as a lottery pick.

The on-court résumé speaks for itself. In the 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket, he averaged 20 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while leading Serbia to a championship and was named tournament MVP. He also helped Barcelona capture the Adidas NextGen Finals championship last month, posting 20 points and 10 rebounds in the title game against Real Madrid.

Next, Kusturica will represent Serbia in the FIBA U17 World Cup from June 27 to July 5, and a college decision could come before then.

Mark Pope is carrying a lot of momentum in recent weeks after retaining Malachi Moreno and adding Milan Momcilovic to this season’s roster, as well as landing the first top 10 prospect of his career in Ryan Hampton. If he can close on Kusturica, that would cap off the roster in a significant way and continue to change the narrative around his recruiting ability.

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Earns Commitment From No. 6 Prospect in 2027 Class Ryan Hampton

Published

2 weeks ago

June 7, 2026

Kai McClelland

Photo via UK Athletics

How about a Sunday boom in the recruiting world for you BBN?

Ryan Hampton, the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2027 class, has officially committed to the University of Kentucky! This is Mark Pope’s first top-10 prospect that he’s earned a commitment from.

Hailing from Rockwall, Texas, Hampton recently took an official visit to campus with his family, which began on Friday, June 5 and spilled into Sunday, June 7, his commitment day.

The five-star wing averaged 21.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during the most recent EYBL Circuit, playing for LivOn and Nightrydas.

Hampton was the first recruit in the 2027 to officially visit with the Wildcats, and now he’s the first to call their shot early and choose the blue and white.

Pope has signed Milan Momcilovic, the No. 2 ranked transfer, and Hampton, his first top-10 high school prospect just in the past week.

It’s been a crazy week for recruiting, with the narrative around Pope’s ability slowing fading as the top guys continue to be attracted to the Kentucky brand.

BB Recruiting

Fast Riser Big Man Yann Kamagate Receives Scholarship Offer From Kentucky

Published

1 month ago

May 18, 2026

Tristan Pharis

Fresh off the first live recruiting period of the offseason, Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats have extended their first scholarship offer of the 2028 class.

Yann Kamagate, a prospect who went from unranked to the top five in 247Sports’ most recent recruiting rankings, received an offer from the Wildcats, he confirmed to KY Insider on Monday.

“Not everyone gets the chance to be seen by greatness,” Kamagate told KY Insider. “I’m grateful for the offer from Kentucky.”

Kentucky assistant coach Mikhail McLean, who works with the Wildcats’ big men and their development, watched Kamagate first-hand this past weekend in the Adidas 3SSB circuit in Mishawaka, Indiana.

The 7-foot big man was the talk of the weekend, displaying a high motor, extreme athleticism — a reported 7-9 winspam — and great feel for the game. On the circuit, he is averaging 13.9 points, a circuit-leading 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game.

Originally from the West African country of Burkina Faso, Kamagate moved to the United States just a year ago and has only been playing basketball for three years. Now, he is challenging for the top spot in the 2028 class.

He is currently represented by former NBA player and UCLA star Luc Mbah a Moute. Which is relevant as he is currently playing for the California Adidas team, Compton Magic, and attends La Cañada Flintridge (Calif.) St. Francis.

The offer is the latest signal that Mark Pope’s staff is casting a wide and aggressive net this offseason, and targeting players whose trajectories are trending sharply upward. Kamagate fits that profile exactly.