Kentucky basketball is already working on the future, and Mark Pope has added another major name to the Wildcats’ recruiting radar.
DJ Okoth, a highly regarded 2028 prospect from Tennessee, is scheduled to visit Lexington for Big Blue Madness on October 2, giving Kentucky an important opportunity to make an early impression on one of the nation’s top young players.
Okoth is a 6-foot-6, 175-pound wing from Bartlett High School in Memphis. Rivals currently ranks him No. 7 nationally and No. 1 among small forwards, making him one of the most coveted prospects in his class.
Kentucky extended a scholarship offer to Okoth on July 21 after he impressed during Peach Jam with Alabama Fusion’s 16U team. He averaged 22.2 points per game during the event, further raising his profile among college coaches and recruiting analysts.
The upcoming visit is particularly significant because Okoth has already expressed his appreciation for Kentucky’s style of play and Pope’s coaching approach.
«“I like how they play basketball. I just like how they play, their coaching style, and everything,” Okoth previously told KSR.»
He also offered strong praise for Pope, saying, “He’s a great guy who knows the game really well.”
Now, Okoth will get to experience the Kentucky program firsthand when he arrives in Lexington for Big Blue Madness.
A Recruiting Battle Is Beginning
Kentucky isn’t the only program receiving attention from Okoth. He is also scheduled to visit Tennessee on October 16 and Vanderbilt on November 14. Those are currently the only other confirmed visits.
That makes Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness opportunity especially valuable. Pope and his staff will have a chance to showcase the atmosphere surrounding Kentucky basketball while giving Okoth a closer look at the program.
The young wing is coming off an impressive sophomore season at Bartlett. He averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 56 percent from the field while helping his team win a state championship.
Okoth’s reputation isn’t built solely around scoring. His energy, athleticism and defensive activity have also drawn attention. Rivals analyst Jamie Shaw has praised his ability to create deflections, crash the offensive glass and make hustle plays on both ends.
He has also received an invitation to the Team USA Junior minicamp.
There is still a long way to go before Okoth makes his college decision, but Kentucky has already put itself in position to be part of the conversation.
October 2 could be the first major step in what becomes a very important recruiting battle for Mark Pope and the Wildcats.
