Kentucky’s recruiting radar has shifted into familiar territory—international waters—and one name is starting to generate serious buzz: Serbian guard Savo Drezgic. While nothing is official, the Wildcats’ continued involvement in his recruitment has sparked conversation across college basketball circles.
What makes this situation especially interesting isn’t just the player himself, but why Kentucky is suddenly in the mix at this stage.
For a program that already looks loaded heading into the 2026-27 season after major additions like Milan Momcilovic, the idea of still circling back for another international guard has raised a few eyebrows.
Kentucky Still Has One Spot — And They’re Not Rushing It
Mark Pope’s roster is already deep, balanced, and built around versatility. Most programs would be satisfied and shut things down at this point.
Kentucky, however, still has one scholarship left open—and that alone changes the conversation.
Rather than filling it quickly with a low-risk depth piece, the Wildcats appear to be evaluating higher-upside options, including Drezgic, who has become one of the more intriguing international guards on the market.
According to reports from recruiting insiders, Kentucky remains in contact as he narrows his list, which also includes programs like Gonzaga, Arizona State, and California.
That continued communication is what has people talking.
A Guard With a Unique Background
Drezgic’s path is not a traditional one.
The 6-foot-4 guard previously spent time in the U.S. at Georgia, though his role there was limited, appearing in just a handful of games. After that stint, he returned overseas to continue developing his game with Mega, a well-regarded professional program in Europe.
There, he showed noticeable production, averaging around 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds per game, while gaining valuable experience against grown professional competition.
At just 19 years old, that combination of youth and pro-level exposure makes him a fascinating evaluation piece for college programs.
Why Kentucky’s Interest Is Turning Heads
The real reason this recruitment is getting attention is timing.
Kentucky doesn’t need a starter-level guard. The roster already includes experienced options and a solid structure in the backcourt. Yet the staff is still exploring a player who brings international experience, size at the guard position, and long-term upside.
That signals something important: Kentucky isn’t just filling gaps anymore—they’re stacking options.
Even more interesting is the possibility that Pope could use a player like Drezgic in a developmental or rotational role, easing him into the system while maintaining depth behind established guards.
The One Concern: Shooting Consistency
Like most international guards making the leap to the SEC, the biggest question is perimeter shooting.
Drezgic’s numbers—roughly 35% from three-point range and 77% from the free-throw line—suggest a player who can hit shots but isn’t yet a high-level sniper.
In a Kentucky system that values spacing and perimeter efficiency, that will be closely evaluated.
Still, there’s belief within recruiting circles that his frame, defensive potential, and playmaking ability could outweigh those concerns in the right system.
What Happens Next Could Matter More Than It Looks
Whether Kentucky ultimately lands Drezgic or not, the fact that they are still actively involved says something about how the program is operating under Mark Pope.
This isn’t reactive recruiting—it’s selective, calculated, and aimed at maximizing upside even when the roster already looks strong.
And that’s why this situation has people paying attention.
Because when Kentucky starts chasing players other top programs want late in the cycle, it usually means one thing:
They think there’s still room to get better.
