BB Recruiting

Robert Dillingham Talks Kentucky, Says He Is “Ready” to Make a Decision

Published

4 years ago

June 3, 2022

Tristan Pharis

Photo By Tristan Pharis

Despite a 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame, Robert Dillingham may be the best scorer in the 2023 class.

This past weekend at Nike EYBL’s Louisville session, Dillingham showed his ability to score at all three levels, showcasing his speed, finishing ability, ball-handling skills, and perimeter shooting which collectively make him the offensive weapon that he is.

Averaging 22.4 points and 2.6 assists per game, Dillingham was one of the leading scorers over the weekend, doing so at a very efficient clip, shooting 56% from the field and 45% from three.

Another thing fans will like in addition to his electric style of play is his dog mentality and toughness. Dillingham did not back down against anyone or any challenge, reminding me somewhat of Tyler Ulis.

With all momentum trending towards Kentucky in his recruitment, and reports saying he is ready to make a decision, I caught up with Dillingham for an interview. Let’s recap what he had to say.

When you reopened your recruitment following your decommitment from NC State, Chin Coleman told you, “I’m not going to lose you this time”. What does it mean for Kentucky to be so interested in you?

“It definitely means a lot because they were heavily recruiting me before I committed to (N.C.) State, but that doesn’t really lock anything down. I still have my recruitment open to everyone.”

Dillingham also added that he felt a lot of pressure to reclassify, which he is confident he will not do, as he wants to add to use this year to add to his slender frame. With his commitment, he feels like a lot of that pressure will be lifted.

As far as the schools that Dillingham is referring to, the most recent five that have been in contact include Memphis, Kentucky, Louisville, USC, and Arkansas. Saying he”loves” Penny Hardaway at Memphis, and talks to Coach Nolan Smith and Kenny Payne at Louisville.

How does the staff see you fitting into the roster if you were to commit to Kentucky?

“Really just being an impact player as soon as I come in. I’m pretty sure because that is what I talked to them about. He (Chin) said if DJ were to go there, we would both be impact players, but that is his word he gave me if I was to come there.”

Is playing with DJ Wagner an Intriguing Option? What would it be like?

“For sure. I feel like I’m an unselfish player and can play with anyone and adapt to how they play. He’s a bucket just like me. Playing with Aden (Hollaway, Team CP3 teammate), it’s the same thing. I let him hoop, and I can play with anyone who is a smart guard, honestly… He is a great player and I feel like me and him together, we are both playmakers, and we can both play off each other.”

This is true and good awareness by Dillingham. After watching both guards in person this past weekend and seeing their ability to play on or off the ball, they could share the point guard duties.

Known as being one of the best offensive playmakers in the class, what are you looking at to expand your game?

“Being a leader and getting bigger, being able to take contact and stuff. Becoming a better pro.”

While a June 24th commitment date has been reported, Dillingham says that is not set in stone, but he has his announcement set for this month and all momentum is trending towards the Cats.

If you hadn’t already, familiarize yourself with Dillingham’s electric style of play and watch Brian Thomas’ breakdown.

Related Topics:Arkansas Chin Coleman DJ Wagner Kenny Payne Louisville Memphis NC State Nike EYBL Nolan Smith Penny Hardaway Robert Dillingham USC

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.