Kentucky basketball recruiting never slows down, and head coach Mark Pope just proved it again. On Wednesday afternoon, Pope and assistant coach Cody Fueger made the trip to check in on Anthony Thompson, one of the crown jewels of the 2026 class. According to recruiting insider Jacob Polacheck, the Wildcats are keeping the full-court press on the 5-star forward — and with good reason.
Ranked No. 7 nationally by 247Sports, Thompson is the type of player who can completely change a program’s trajectory. And make no mistake: Kentucky wants him badly.
Why This Visit Matters
This isn’t the Wildcats’ first run at Thompson. Kentucky officially offered him during Big Blue Madness in 2024, a moment that put the 6-foot-8 Ohio product firmly on the Big Blue radar. He followed that up with an official visit in January 2025, where he took in Kentucky’s showdown with the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena. Now, with another official visit set for September 24th, the staff’s in-person check-in shows just how high Thompson sits on Pope’s priority list.
Kentucky isn’t just recruiting Thompson — they’re rolling out the blue carpet.
Thompson’s Scouting Report
Thompson has the kind of skill set that makes scouts drool. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he’s the definition of length and versatility. Coaches rave about his ability to score from anywhere on the floor while also making his presence felt defensively.
Elite Scorer: Thompson averaged 22 points per game this season on the 3SSB circuit, knocking down 39% from three-point range. His left-handed jumper is nearly impossible to contest, and he’s expanded his arsenal by attacking the rim with authority.
Defensive Nightmare: With his size and instincts, Thompson averaged nearly two blocks per game and chipped in 1.6 steals. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a plug-and-play weapon at the next level.
High Ceiling: Still just 17 years old, Thompson is younger than many of his peers but already producing at a superstar level. His motor, efficiency, and consistency have all taken leaps forward — and evaluators believe he’s only scratching the surface.
Simply put: Thompson is the type of player who doesn’t just fill a roster spot — he changes the ceiling of a team.
The Recruiting Battle
Back in late July, Thompson narrowed his list to seven schools, and Kentucky was among the finalists. While the competition is stiff, Pope’s recent visit signals that the Wildcats are prepared to go toe-to-toe with anyone to land him.
Kentucky’s message is clear: they see Thompson as a future centerpiece, someone who could step into Lexington and immediately become a face of the program. With another official visit on the books, all eyes will be on how Thompson reacts to the full Kentucky experience later this month.
What It Means for Big Blue Nation
Mark Pope is already building momentum on the recruiting trail, and landing Anthony Thompson would be another massive statement. With his size, skill, and defensive versatility, Thompson looks like the exact kind of modern forward who thrives in today’s game.
For Kentucky fans, this isn’t just another name on the recruiting board. This is the type of recruit who can help bring championships back to Lexington. If Pope can seal the deal, Big Blue Nation will have plenty of reasons to believe the future is brighter than ever.
