BB Recruiting

Recapping Nike EYBL Session 3 In Dallas

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2023

via Twitter

Over the weekend, Nike EYBL was in effect as Session 3 took place in Dallas. Many players took the floor looking to further prove themselves as a player. With that, a number of Kentucky targets had an impressive weekend. Let’s take a look:

(Note: Rankings via 247Sports)

Class of 2024

Tre Johnson (2024, No. 1 SG, No. 1 Overall)

Kentucky’s top overall target, Johnson had a good weekend showcasing his range and pure scoring ability. His best game over the weekend included 19 points and 5 rebounds against Georgia Stars. Through three sessions, he is averaging 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, while shooting 40% from the field.

Kentucky is all-in on the No. 1 overall prospect in 2024. Johnson is expected to make his decision before Peach Jam, which starts on July 3rd. Kentucky is in a battle with Texas and Baylor, Johnson’s home-state schools.

Baylor and Kentucky are seen to be in a close race for Johnson, with Texas behind the two schools.

He recently released his Top 6 schools which included Kentucky, Baylor, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, and Kansas.

NEWS: Tre Johnson, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, tells me he’s down to six schools.

Story: https://t.co/lvU26HylHz pic.twitter.com/J8WO2afJ3i— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 15, 2023

Karter Knox (2024, No. 5 SF, No. 15 Overall)

One of the more impressive top targets for Kentucky, Karter Knox has been making noise at Nike EYBL. He really filled it up this weekend, proving why he’s one of the top scorers in all of EYBL.

His best game this weekend included 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists against ProSkills. Through three sessions, Knox is averaging 21.2 points, which ranks 1st in 17U, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, shooting 53.5% from the field.

Knox has been proving himself as a top scorer in 2024, with Kentucky very interested in the Top-15 prospect, who has ties with both Kentucky and Louisville, who are the clear front-runners in his recruitment.

Session 3 @NikeEYB Notes

‘24 F Karter Knox has displayed his two-way game late tonight in Dallas. Strong frame & physicality have allowed him to bully opponents and attack in straight-line drives. Has also knocked down a couple of 3’s & has pulled down a few crucial boards. pic.twitter.com/WvZFhwoMDM— Alex Walulik (@alex_walulik) May 14, 2023

Boogie Fland (2024, No. 2 CG, No. 13 Overall)

As Kentucky’s top priority at Point Guard, Fland is proving why he is an elite guard. Showcasing his deep range as well as his pull-up ability, with a knack for scoring. He had a really good weekend, with his best performance being 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists against AZ Unity.

Through three sessions, Fland is averaging 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, and is shooting 46.3% from the field.

Fland has a number of suitors including Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Alabama, UCONN, St. John’s, and others. Kentucky is making a strong push for him, which is where he wants to take one of his visits to.

Fresh off a visit to Michigan, he is looking to ramp up his visits soon.

Billy Richmond (2024, No. 18 SG, No. 91 Overall)

Over the weekend, Richmond made his case to receive a huge jump in the next rankings update. His best performance this weekend included 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Through three sessions, Richmond is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, shooting a very efficient 54.6% from the field.

As far as his recruitment, he mentioned Kentucky, Memphis, and Louisville as schools he is wanting to visit among others. He is looking to make a decision during Peach Jam or “right after, he recently told 247 Sports’ Travis Branham.

@NikeEYB Session 3 – Dallas, TX. Update: Scholars (8-2) defeat @TeamThadNation (9-2) 75-72 behind Memphis native Billy Richmond 20 pts. TTN @35Derrion led all scorers with 21 pts.@ColinzCody @MemphoNewsLady @Leontaylor1983 @leroywatsonjr @GoTigers247 @memphispreps @johnvarlas pic.twitter.com/PEoSbvFMh3— Harold Rivera (@memphishoopers) May 13, 2023

Ahmad Nowell (2024, No. 6 CG, No. 50 Overall)

Another player who made a lot of noise this weekend, Nowell is due for a big jump in the rankings.

His numbers have jumped significantly since the first two sessions, which is why his recruitment has really picked up recently.

His best game this weekend included 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Through three sessions, he is averaging 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, and shooting 54.9% overall.

He most recently received an offer from Kentucky, where he told KY Insider “it feels amazing.” He also holds offers from the likes of Tennessee, Memphis, Auburn, and Kansas among others.

Ahmad Nowell can GO 💨💥 19/5/5 on 4/6 from 3 in Team Final’s win over PG Elite @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/SZeazF1Gri— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) May 14, 2023

Class of 2025

Meleek Thomas (2025, No. 1 PG, No. 7 Overall)

Proving himself as an elite guard, Thomas is showing off his scoring ability on a loaded New Heights Lightning squad in EYBL.

He had an impressive weekend. His best game included 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Through the first three sessions, he is averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, and shooting 51% overall.

His recruitment has taken off since session 2 of EYBL, picking up offers from UCONN, Duke, Tennessee, and Louisville.

Darius Acuff (2025, NR)

Out of players who have proven to be a stock-riser, Acuff was the most impressive. As one of the top scorers in the 17U division, he was very impressive, especially alongside another stock-riser, in teammate Trey McKenney, who recently told KY Insider that Kentucky has “high interest” in him, and that he is expecting an offer soon.

An impressive duo, they are proving themselves as one of the top backcourts in EYBL. Acuff has been on a scoring tear. His best game this weekend included 30 points, 6 assists, and 1 rebound.

Through three sessions, he is averaging, 20.5 points, which is 2nd among 17U in EYBL, 4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, and shooting 47.7% overall.

He has recently received offers from Kentucky, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Kansas, and Indiana, and it’s not hard to see why.

2025 PG 6-foot-2 Darius Acuff Jr. has had a stock-boosting spring playing up 17U and one of the top scorers in the @NikeEYB at 20.5 PPG.

An elite 3PT shot maker, plays at his own pace with a mature game, and has displayed his ability to get to the rim @TheFamily_bball. pic.twitter.com/79NkIk9dSM— Samad Hines (@Samad_Hines) May 15, 2023

Class of 2026

Tyran Stokes (2026 F, NR)

One of the most impressive prospects in the class of 2026, Stokes is playing up two levels in 17U and is dominating. He is one that Kentucky really likes, and it’s not hard to see why after watching him.

Although his best game over the weekend was 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists, the stats shouldn’t fool you. Whenever he is on the floor, he has the elite ability to take over.

Through three sessions, he is averaging 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Kentucky has not extended an offer to the top-prospect, but they will be keeping tabs on him in the future. Stokes currently holds offers from the likes of Alabama, Arizona State, Louisville, and Xavier.

As one of the top prospects in the rising sophomore class, Stokes will only see his recruitment keep growing.

AJ Dybantsa (2026 SF, NR)

Along with Tyran Stokes, Dybantsa is a top-ranked player in the class of 2026, and is a superstar in the making. Playing up in 17U, he put on a scoring clinic this weekend.

His best game this weekend included 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. He is currently averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, shooting 52.7% overall.

Dybantsa is a future superstar, and he and Tyran Stokes lead the promising class of 2026.

#1 player in 2026 for a reason. AJ Dybantsa was making it look easy this morning.

🥶 20 PTS
🥶 7-10 FG
🥶 5 AST@ADybantsa @ExpressionsBall @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/2x18sTBG5H— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) May 13, 2023

There was plenty to be excited about from the weekend in Dallas at Nike EYBL. Here are some of my biggest stock risers from Session 3:

Great weekend for Session 3 of EYBL!

My stockrisers:

Darius Acuff (@DariusAcuff)
Trey McKenney (@mckenneytrey1)
Ahmad Nowell (@AhmadNowell0)
Billy Richmond (@BillyRichmondI)

Also, Tyran Stokes playing up and dominating 17U is something that shouldn't go unnoticed.— Wyatt Huff (@Wildcat_wave) May 14, 2023

BB Recruiting

Fast Riser Big Man Yann Kamagate Receives Scholarship Offer From Kentucky

Published

2 weeks 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.

BB Recruiting

Mark Pope and Staff on the Road for First Live Summer Recruitment Period

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2026

Kai McClelland

Photo via UK Athletics

Mark Pope and his coaching staff are hitting the road for the first live recruitment period of the summer, starting first with the Nike EYBL games in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mark Pope and the Kentucky staff are hitting the road for the first live recruiting period of the summer.

Starting in Memphis at Nike EYBL. https://t.co/X4yyCMmwsG— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) May 15, 2026

With the first game tipping off at noon on Friday, May 15, Kentucky will be keeping its eye on several of the top targets in the 2027 class.

Participants include CJ Rosser, Ryan Hampton, Reese Alston and Chase Lumpkin, the most recent offer. All have been contacted by the Wildcats and heavily pursued up to this point.

Although no offers for the 2028 class have been set in stone, Kam Mercer is a name of value to watch this weekend as he has visited Kentucky already.

With a pit stop over at the Adidas 3SSB games likely in play this weekend too, these next three days serve as an important opportunity to garnish interest for incoming classes.

Enroute pic.twitter.com/eVZVA211h7— Mo Williams (@mowilliams) May 14, 2026

With Mo Williams and others making their first trips as members of the staff, the Big Blue Nation can anticipate some life in the freshman recruitment process.

BB Recruiting

Milan Momcilovic believes Kentucky and Mark Pope are a good fit for him, “That would be a good fit and he’d be a good coach for me”

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2026

Tristan Pharis

Milan Momcilovic says Kentucky would be a good fit if he withdraws from the NBA Draft — and he loves how Mark Pope's system plays. Here's what BBN needs to know.

IMAGN

The NBA Draft deadline is fast approaching, and many players with fringe first-round grades are weighing the options of remaining in the draft or returning to college. Obviously, Kentucky’s Malachi Moreno is one such player, but so is Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic.

Following a Zoom call with his representation last week, Mark Pope has firmly placed Kentucky in the race to land Momcilovic’s services, who self-admittedly believes it would be a good fit.

“I think Kentucky would be a good fit,” Momcilovic told the Herald-Leader at the Draft Combine. “I obviously went against Pope at BYU his first year in the Big 12, and I loved how his team played. I think we went 1-1 against them, but they killed us at their place, because they fly the ball up the court and shoot 3s. I really like the way they play.”

Momcilovic also had a first-hand look at this past year’s Kentucky team, torching the Wildcats for 20 points and sending them home in the Round of 32. He believes he could fill a need that was missing from that team: shooting.

“Kentucky last year, he didn’t have enough shooters around him to really coach, I feel like, the way he wanted,” Momcilovic said. “But I think — if I were to choose Kentucky — that would be a good fit for me. I feel like I’d be a great player for him, and he’d be a good coach for me.”

Momcilovic is considered to be the best shooter in this year’s draft class. Becoming the first men’s basketball player in history to both lead the country in 3-point percentage (48.6%) and make the most 3-pointers (136) in a single season, it’s easy to see why.

The recruiting market for a player like Momcilovic is narrow. At this point in the offseason, few schools have the money remaining in their budget to pay him, expected to receive upward of $4 million, or are able to offer a solidified role. He is aware of that.

“There’s not a lot of schools that still have a lot of money and a lot of roster spots left,” Momcilovic said. “So it’s not like I’m choosing between 15 schools. It’s going to be three or four.”

Momcilovic confirmed he hasn’t spoken directly with the Kentucky staff yet, putting his full focus on the NBA Draft process, but conversations with his camp have happened.

“I personally haven’t talked to them yet,” he said. “I know some people around me have talked to them. So, they’re in there. I’ll say that. But I’m not really focused on that route right now.”

While tempting, money is not at the forefront of his decision if he returns to college. Instead, he is prioritizing fit, looking to raise his stock in a weaker draft class.

“I’m not gonna go money hunt for like the top school that offers me the most money,” he said. “So, I mean, obviously, it’s really cool to hear some of those numbers, and it’s tempting. But for me, I don’t need all that. I just need a good spot where I can go.”

Momcilocic still has multiple workouts scheduled with teams ahead of the withdrawal deadline, May 27th. In less than two weeks, with the decisions of Moreno and Momcilovic, Kentucky’s roster and season outlook could look completely different, for better or for worse.