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Kentucky basketball head coach Mark Pope gives an update on the upcoming 2026-27 season during a press conference in Lexington, Kentucky July 24, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
As Kentucky Basketball sits less than 100 days away from the start of the season, head coach Mark Pope still has two important decisions to make: filling the final roster spot and completing his coaching staff.
After Alvin Brooks III departed and Jason Hart left for SMU, Pope replaced one vacancy by hiring Mo Williams. He also pursued Jamal Crawford for another staff role, but that effort ultimately did not work out.
Even so, Pope still has Cody Fueger and Mark Fox on staff, while Director of Basketball Operations Nick Robinson has taken on an increased role, particularly in recruiting. However, adding another staff member would provide additional help with practices and recruiting.
With international recruiting continuing to grow, Pope understands the importance of expanding Kentucky’s reach overseas. The Wildcats have already landed international prospects such as 7-foot center Ousmane N’Diaye, while adding forward Andrija Jelavic the year before, though he ultimately transferred after one season.
“I think in the last 40 years, just tapping into Europe has been something that’s really important,” Mark Pope said on The Alan Cutler Show. “You’re seeing it have some real success. Illinois is the poster child right now for having international success. And before them, it was Gonzaga. Before them, it was Saint Mary’s. Kind of setting these trend lines for having heavy international influence on their teams. So, that’s something that we’re heavily considering right now.”
As more programs invest in international recruiting, Pope acknowledged Kentucky could benefit from adding an international coach. However, the decision may depend on how the NCAA ultimately rules on future player eligibility.
“If the NCAA pulls back and says, ‘No, that’s not the way that it’s running,’ and it’s more status quo, then the pressure to do that would be less,” Pope said. “I’ve been interviewing coaches for the last two months, and I’ve gone through a list of international guys that I really liked, that are really talented.
“I just actually had an interview last week. I’m not going to give you the name, but a big-time, high-profile international coach. So we’re kind of dancing right now, trying to see which way the NCAA is going to go and how our staff is going to fill out.”
With the season approaching, it will be worth watching how Pope completes his coaching staff and whether Kentucky ultimately looks overseas for its final addition.
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