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Before John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas he stressed the need to have an older roster at UK to compete for national titles.
When Mark Pope got to Kentucky he stressed the need to find players with elite talent who would also fit the Kentucky system.
Collin Chandler does both of those things and is Pope’s first commitment since taking over for Calipari. Chandler was a four-star guard in the 2022 recruiting class who had signed with Pope at BYU but got his release and is now committed to the Wildcats.
“I am grateful for Cougar Nation for taking me in as family from day one and supporting me in a precious time of my life. I have been blessed to be able to experience such a passionate and loving fan base. I am especially grateful for Coach Pope and the mentorship and trust he has given me from the very beginning,” Chandler told 247Sports Travis Branham. “The journey of chasing dreams is beautiful. Chasing my dreams and aspirations in the game of basketball has always brought me so much joy and fulfillment. The game means the world to me.
“This journey has already taken me to places I could never have imagined. Growing up, my biggest dream was to play against the best players in the world. I am beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to do just that. Through the past couple of days, the path I had before envisioned has been blurred.
“After talking with my family and many prayers, this vision has become clearer than ever. I am humbled to get the opportunity to continue this journey at the University of Kentucky! Go Wildcats!”
The 6-4 Chandler was the 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year in Utah when he averaged 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. That checks the talent Pope wants.
Now comes the older part. He has been away on a two-year mission and will be 21 next season. Compare that to Jayden Quaintance, a UK commit under Calipari who now is looking elsewhere, who would be 17 next season.
Branham described Chandler as an “athletic, tough guard who can score from all three levels, get downhill, and finish above the rim.”
He also said he always plays fast.
“Chandler takes no plays off and utilizes his blend of size, athleticism, skill, and instincts to impact the game on both ends of the court to put the ball in the hole, jump passing lanes, disrupt ball handlers, rebound, and even create for others,” Branham wrote.
He should be a great mentor for Kentucky Mr. Basketball Travis Perry and also would seem to fit extremely well with Reed Sheppard if he does opt to stay at Kentucky.
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Here is the biggest challenge with recruiting from the portal. Most portal kids want to go to a school where they can be a starter. They also want the most NIL money. Sheppard has already spent one season coming off the bench. If he were to stay, one would think that he would want to be assured of a starter’s role, and who would blame him?
Mark needs to fill starting roles at C, PF, and SF for sure and then fill out the roster with role players. I hope Reed stays, but wouldn’t blame him if he did go pro. I hope he makes his decision this week so Pope can recruit accordingly. The next two weeks will be intense.
Need to get Adou back for PF.
In my opinion
Would’ve huge if he comes back..
Can Burks play SF?
yes
Burks can play the 2, 3, and 4, but seems to fit the best at the 3. His opportunities last season did help him grow some but did not afford him a fair opportunity to display his best. The young man can shoot! Just my opinion, I feel Burks has massive potential and will fit exceptionally well in Pope’s system, and I want to see him stay!
Agree 👍
I hope Burks comes back. Calapari didn’t do him any justice. He should have redshirted him If he wasn’t going to play him. He provided a spark when he played. He should have gotten more minutes if he wasn’t going to be redshirted it was like a wasted season for him. He should have gotten some of Edwards minutes because Burks clearly had a higher motor than Edwards. I think Reed Sheppard is gone. Its silly that he has taken so long to announce what his plans are it kinda hurts Kentucky. Do you get 3 or 4 transfer guards? If he’s coming back you only need 2 portal guards if he leaves 3-4 guards. We already have the BYU transfer and Perry so if Sheppard comes back you need 1-2 more guards if he doesn’t you might need to get 3-4. If he’s holding out to say he’s leaving then just say your leaving. If your coming back let it be known so Pope knows who to go after in the portal. I would get 8 transfers. 3 guards, 3-4 forwards and 2 centers. You need at least 11 guys on the roster. Most teams go 8-9 deep..if you are playing a incredible pace then you need 10 solid players. I like a mix of 6 shooters and 4-5 extremely athletic players. I think that is the perfect blend.
TJ, you got be patient with Reed, he’s trying get all the information that he needs decide rather stay or go. Even his dad said there not going to be no rush of deciding. Time will come.
I strongly agree, Burks should have had a better opportunity last season! If he stays, no matter who else Pope may bring in, Burks will play serious minutes, and perform well!
Chandler sounds like an excellent fit into the UK roster which will restore the winning tradition. I agree he would be a good fit with Reed & Travis, if it so happens.
I also agree that Thiero & Burks are 2 players I hope to see at UK next season. They both deserved more PT and had much high efficiencies than the players with the most minutes except Sheppard. And yes, they were higher than Reeves.
Nice summary article!
IMO, Chandler is an outstanding first recruit under coach Pope!
I feel Perry stays, he is made for the system UK now has, and a much better fit under Pope than Cal.
Burks, I pray he stays!
Yes, Cal put plenty of players in the NBA however in these past several seasons he has also recruited over several good players that would have been that glue guy. Instead he encouraged those players to transfer out to other programs making room for those new shiny new freshmen iirc that started in 2015 and it’s been a down hill trajectory from there. How many recruits got thrown away that would have been that experienced defensive star that could have stopped gholke (pardon my spelling) this will be the last time I mention cal in one of my posts. I got so heated up on a post asob made they decided to ban me (I was a member since 2017) I won’t make that mistake on here……Mark bring us back because we have your back…
Ride Captain Ride
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