Lexington, KY – The buzz around Kentucky Wildcats basketball continues to build under new head coach Mark Pope, and this week, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Pope, a Kentucky alum and former national champion, delivered a message that could reshape the future of the program: he personally informed the nation’s No. 3 basketball recruit in the class of 2025 that he is officially a top priority and has a green light to lead a new chapter in Big Blue Nation’s storied history.
The recruit? None other than Josiah “JoJo” Adams, the electrifying 6-foot-8 wing out of Montverde Academy in Florida, widely considered the most versatile two-way player in the class. Known for his length, athleticism, elite basketball IQ, and positional versatility, Adams is drawing comparisons to NBA All-Stars like Paul George and Jayson Tatum. While Kentucky was always on his radar, the hiring of Pope and his vision for the future may have elevated the Wildcats to the front of the pack.
A Program Reimagined: Pope’s Blueprint
When Pope took over for John Calipari in April 2025, there were skeptics. Though beloved in Lexington as a former player and passionate ambassador of Kentucky basketball, Pope was not a household name on the national coaching stage. But just weeks into his tenure, he has managed to do what few thought possible: rebrand Kentucky basketball while preserving its core identity.
His message to Adams was reflective of that vision.
“You’re not just another recruit to us,” Pope told Adams on a recent Zoom call. “You’re the foundation of what we’re building. We want you to come in and lead—lead with your game, your voice, and your presence. We’ll surround you with players who compete at your level and a system designed to unleash your full potential.”
According to sources close to Adams’ camp, the message resonated deeply. “It wasn’t just about basketball,” said one family member. “Coach Pope talked about legacy. He talked about winning, yes, but also character, leadership, the Kentucky brand, and how JoJo could be the face of that next era.”
Why Adams Matters
Recruiting rankings can often be misleading, but not in this case. Adams is as advertised.
He averaged 21.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game as a junior, shooting 50% from the field and 38% from three. Scouts love his ability to create space, defend multiple positions, and lead in transition. His motor never stops, and his work ethic has earned praise from coaches at all levels.
Adams has already logged visits with Duke, Kansas, Alabama, and UConn. Kentucky was late to re-engage following the coaching change, but Pope made it a priority to close that gap fast.
“I don’t care how late it is,” Pope reportedly told his staff, “we’re sprinting out of the gate.”
Adams is reportedly intrigued by Kentucky’s commitment to modernizing their offense under Pope—introducing more NBA-style movement, spacing, and pace, all of which suit his game perfectly.
The Recruiting Pivot: Pope’s Personal Touch
What’s making the difference for Kentucky is Pope’s unique approach to recruiting. While other programs are flooded with staff visits and NIL presentations, Pope has taken a more personal route. He’s FaceTimed recruits from the Joe Craft Center locker room. He’s sent customized scouting videos breaking down recruits’ high school games—drawing parallels to how they’d fit into Kentucky’s new schemes. He even invited Adams’ high school coach to a closed-door scrimmage to showcase how he teaches concepts.
“Pope is different,” said recruiting analyst Evan Daniels. “He’s personal, detailed, and incredibly passionate. He’s not just selling Kentucky—he’s selling relationships, accountability, and a pathway to the league.”
For Adams, whose inner circle values stability, culture, and development, the personal connection made an impact. “Coach Pope didn’t talk at JoJo—he talked with him,” said a source close to the family. “That means something.”
What Adams Could Bring to Kentucky
If Adams commits, the ramifications are huge. For starters, he becomes the centerpiece of Pope’s first full recruiting class—a clear sign that Kentucky remains a destination for elite talent even post-Calipari.
From a basketball standpoint, Adams fills the exact mold Pope wants at the wing: a 6’8” slasher who can guard 1–4, stretch the floor, and serve as a secondary playmaker. His frame, instincts, and feel for the game make him ready to contribute immediately in the SEC.
“He’s the type of guy who can anchor your defense, be your go-to scorer, and elevate everyone around him,” said an NBA scout who’s tracked Adams since his freshman year. “If Pope lands him, he’s getting a one-and-done with All-American potential.”
NIL, Fit, and Family: What Still Matters
While the connection to Pope is strong, other factors will still weigh heavily into Adams’ decision.
NIL opportunities will undoubtedly play a role. Kentucky has made significant strides in building a competitive NIL infrastructure, thanks to partnerships with businesses throughout Lexington and a university-backed initiative designed to provide long-term financial planning and brand development for its athletes.
The fit also matters. With Pope emphasizing player development and a pro-style system, Adams could see Kentucky as the ideal launching pad. But he’ll also have to consider potential teammates, returning players, and how the roster is shaping up.
Family influence will be critical, too. Adams’ parents are deeply involved in the process, and they are reportedly impressed with Kentucky’s academic support, mentorship programs, and alumni network—features they see as valuable beyond basketball.
Ripple Effect: Recruiting Momentum
Adams’ growing interest in Kentucky could have a domino effect on the rest of Pope’s 2025 class.
Already, elite point guard Terrence McNeil (ranked No. 12 nationally) has said he’s intrigued by the idea of playing with Adams. So has Jordan Faulk, a 6’10” stretch big from Georgia who recently listed Kentucky in his final five.
“If JoJo pulls the trigger for Kentucky, watch how quickly others follow,” said Daniels. “He’s that type of player.”
In today’s recruiting world, momentum matters. A commitment from a top-three prospect immediately places Kentucky back in the headlines, reassures the fan base, and sends a message to the rest of college basketball: Mark Pope isn’t just here to coach—he’s here to win.
The Big Blue Nation Reacts
When the news broke that Adams had received a direct, personalized call from Pope with an emphasis on being the program’s future face, Kentucky fans on social media erupted.
“JOJO TO UK ⚪️ LET’S GOOOO!” tweeted one user.
Another wrote: “Mark Pope playing chess. He knows what he’s doing. Adams is HIM. Get ready, BBN.”
Pope himself has yet to comment publicly on the exchange, but insiders say he believes he’s made the kind of impression that could lead to a verbal commitment sooner than expected.
What’s Next?
Adams has not announced a commitment date, but sources close to his recruitment say he may move faster than initially anticipated. With Kentucky now fully in the mix—and possibly leading—it wouldn’t be surprising to see an official visit to Lexington scheduled in the coming weeks.
There is also growing speculation that Adams could headline a summer announcement special broadcast on national television, giving further visibility to the Wildcats’ recruiting resurgence.
Until then, Pope and his staff are continuing to push forward—not just with Adams, but with building out a class that reflects toughness, versatility, and basketball smarts.
As Pope told a local radio station recently:
“This isn’t about rebuilding. This is about evolving. We’re Kentucky. We don’t wait—we lead.”
Final Thoughts
Mark Pope’s direct outreach to Josiah Adams is more than a recruitment—it’s a statement. A statement that Kentucky remains a premier destination for elite talent. A statement that the Wildcats’ brand will be carried not just by tradition, but by innovation, culture, and personal relationships.
Adams now has the opportunity to be the first major domino in Pope’s reimagining of Kentucky basketball. If he chooses Lexington, he’ll not only be joining a program rich in history—he’ll be helping write the next great chapter.