We won’t know until next fall whether newly-minted Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is able to win as much as John Calipari was. But on the recruiting trail, he’s working just as quickly as his predecessor.
According to Travis Branham of 247Sports, former four-star 2022 shooting guard Collin Chandler has been released from his letter of intent at BYU and has committed to Kentucky instead. Chandler has not played for his first two years at BYU due his two-year mission.
247Sports rated Chandler as the No. 33 overall prospect coming out of high school in 2022. He was the No. 6 combo guard in the country and the top overall player from the state of Utah.
In a statement, Chandler expressed gratitude to the BYU basketball program for being so welcoming and to Pope for being his mentor.
“I am grateful for Cougar Nation in 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 said, via 247Sports.
“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.
“I am grateful for Cougar Nation in 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.
“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!”
It’s a nice start to the Mark Pope era of Kentucky basketball.
Who else will Pope bring to Lexington?