Mark Pope is already preparing Kentucky for the 2026-27 season, but the Wildcats’ head coach is also looking well beyond the upcoming campaign.
With the 2027 recruiting class beginning to take shape, Pope and his staff are making their presence felt on the recruiting trail. Kentucky already has a major commitment in five-star guard Ryan Hampton, but the Wildcats are continuing to pursue several of the nation’s best prospects.
Pope recently made his way to Florida, where he visited Prolific Prep in Fort Lauderdale to watch two highly ranked 2027 prospects: five-star big man Lewis Uvwo and five-star guard Nasir Anderson.
Both players are ranked inside the top 10 nationally, making them potential game-changing additions to Kentucky’s future roster.
Lewis Uvwo Could Be Kentucky’s Next Defensive Superstar
Among the two prospects, Uvwo may be especially intriguing for Kentucky fans.
The 6-foot-11 center is currently ranked No. 7 in the 2027 class and possesses an extraordinary 7-foot-7 wingspan. He recently helped his team win a championship at ABCD Camp after recording 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
That defensive production is what has some observers drawing comparisons to former Kentucky superstar Anthony Davis.
Davis became one of the most dominant defensive players in college basketball during Kentucky’s 2011-12 national championship season, leading the Wildcats with his shot-blocking ability and defensive presence. Uvwo has the physical tools to potentially make a similar impact at the college level.
His offensive game still has room to develop, but his defensive upside is difficult to ignore.
The timing could also make Uvwo particularly important for Kentucky. Franck Kepnang is expected to finish his college eligibility after this season, while Malachi Moreno could potentially leave for the NBA following the 2026-27 campaign.
That could leave Pope needing another elite rim protector for the 2027-28 season.
Uvwo is reportedly scheduled to visit Lexington this weekend, giving Kentucky another opportunity to strengthen its relationship with one of the best big men in the class.
Nasir Anderson Is Another Major Target
Anderson is ranked No. 8 nationally and gives Kentucky another potential cornerstone in the 2027 class.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound point guard is a powerful left-handed playmaker who can consistently attack the basket and get downhill. With several elite point guards ranked among the top 10 in the class, Anderson has the talent to separate himself from the competition.
For Pope, recruiting is about more than simply offering scholarships. Building relationships early can be the difference when elite prospects eventually make their decisions.
Kentucky already has Hampton committed, and adding either Uvwo or Anderson would give the Wildcats another major piece for the future.
If Pope can land Uvwo in particular, Kentucky could potentially be adding a defensive anchor with the physical tools to remind fans of one of the greatest players ever to wear the blue and white.
The 2027 recruiting cycle is still developing, but Pope is making sure Kentucky is involved early—and that could become very important for the Wildcats down the road.
