Five-star recruit and No. 6 overall player in the nation (per 247Sports) Ryan Hampton just became Mark Pope’s highest ranked grab ever on the high school front. While he’ll have to wait until 2027-28 to take the floor in Lexington, Hampton is already forecasted as that Kentucky team’s crown jewel.
But recruiting has really only just begun for the class after the current one, and while the Wildcats are off to perhaps the hottest one-commitment start in the nation, Hampton gives Coach Pope a real chance to turn up the heat even further.
As a litany of programs race after No. 1 overall recruit Marcus Spears Jr., with names like Texas, Arizona, Alabama, and Arkansas heavily involved, among others, Kentucky may have a special pitch to the power forward that no other suitor can claim.
Ryan Hampton and Marcus Spears Jr. are cousins. With the former already a confirmed Cat, you best believe Kentucky will be pitching a family reunion to the latter as his recruitment picks up steam.
A Family Reunion for Marcus Spears Jr.
Sam Lance, on The Field of 68, dove into this angle regarding Hampton’s decision and the Spears Jr sweepstakes: “Not only is this a huge win, but it’s early in the cycle. Kentucky
now has the highest-ranked committed player in the class, and he’s going to be able to help recruit. He’s cousins with the No. 1 player in the class, Marcus Spears Jr.”
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