Kentucky basketball isn’t waiting around when it comes to shaping the future of the program. Mark Pope and his staff have been on a tear this month, handing out multiple offers in the 2027 class to rising stars Beckham Black and Nasir Anderson. But the Cats aren’t stopping there — they’ve already jumped ahead to the 2028 class in search of their next foundational piece.
The Wildcats have officially reached out to Boogie Cook, a 6-foot-6, 175-pound small forward out of Louisville. Cook isn’t just another prospect — he’s a four-star talent, ranked No. 43 nationally in Rivals’ Industry Rankings, and he sits as the No. 2 overall player in the state of Kentucky for his class.
That combination of size, athleticism, and in-state star power makes this a recruitment worth circling for Big Blue Nation.
Why Cook Could Be Different
Kentucky has landed elite prospects for decades, but there’s always something extra when the Wildcats can lock down a homegrown player. Think of the excitement that came with past in-state talents — the energy, the pride, the fan connection. Cook could be next in line to carry that torch.
He’s got the tools: explosive first step, length to defend multiple positions, and a developing jumper that could make him one of the most versatile wings in his class. But what stands out even more is the timing. Pope is striking early, making sure Kentucky is one of the first schools in the door. That early investment could pay off in a big way.
The Big Blue Madness Factor
Cook is reportedly considering a trip to Big Blue Madness — the annual showcase that often turns prospects into believers. If he makes the visit, it could be the first major step toward building a lasting bond with the program. Anyone who’s experienced Madness knows it’s more than just a scrimmage. It’s a statement about what Kentucky basketball represents, and for a Louisville native like Cook, that moment could carry extra weight.
A Potential Momentum Shifter
Kentucky hasn’t yet secured its first pledge in the 2026 class, but that hasn’t slowed Pope’s vision. By already working on 2027 and now 2028 talent, the message is clear: Kentucky is planning for sustained dominance, not just short-term wins.
Landing Cook wouldn’t just give the Wildcats a highly ranked recruit — it could spark a wave of momentum. Imagine the recruiting message: Kentucky not only keeps elite talent home but also builds a future core around players who want to represent the Bluegrass on the biggest stage. That’s the kind of storyline that energizes a fanbase and catches the attention of other recruits nationwide.
It’s still very early, but Kentucky’s involvement with Cook shows that Mark Pope isn’t playing catch-up — he’s building ahead. If the Wildcats can eventually secure a commitment, this could be the type of in-state win that sends shockwaves across the recruiting landscape and fires up Big Blue Nation for years to come.
The future may still be three recruiting cycles away, but it’s not hard to imagine Cook in a Kentucky uniform, leading the next wave of Wildcats onto Rupp Arena’s floor.
