Kerr Kriisa rocks Kentucky blue for the first time in Lexington

Mark Pope snuck one past us with West Virginia transfer Kerr Kriisa‘s commitment to Kentucky, an abrupt addition with no warning beyond a Cody Fueger ‘boom’ — Danny DeVito walking away from an explosion wearing a puppy sweater with cash falling from the sky, to be specific.

pic.twitter.com/aZYOz9Zsgt

— Cody Fueger (@Cody_Fueger) May 1, 2024

And then Pope did it again bringing Kriisa in for his official visit to Lexington — a celebratory trip, as the Kentucky head coach called it. He wanted to give the 6-3 guard a chance to get the lay of the land and tour the facilities for the first time since his commitment, kicking his feet up and enjoying a weekend at his new home on the school’s dime.

Included in the visit? A photoshoot, of course, Kriisa wearing Kentucky blue and white for the first time as an official member of the Wildcats

The West Virginia transfer shared photos from his trip to Lexington this weekend, looking like a kid born to play at Kentucky and help the program win its next national championship.

Take a look:

We know what happened in that photoshoot, Kriisa telling the Kentucky staff he’d be wearing No. 77 this season — and not because it’s Luka Doncic’s number, to be clear. That bum from the Dallas Mavericks stole it from the newest Wildcat first and Kriisa is simply taking it back.

Again, this is the same guy who once said “it’s pretty easy to get into his head” after guarding Doncic in the 2022 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. He’s got no fear.

In fact, Pope can’t help but chuckle when thinking about the fan-favorite Kriisa will become in Lexington, likely right away. Shoot, he might already be, and he’s been a Wildcat for a matter of days.

“All I can say is, Big Blue Nation, you are welcome. Enjoy,” Pope told Alan Cutler on ESPN Sports Radio 1300AM/92.5FM.

And he said the same in a follow-up interview with Andy Katz of NCAA.com.

“Kerr Kriisa — this cat, man,” he said. “If there was anybody in the history of time that needs to play in front of BBN for their final year of college basketball, it’s gotta be Kerr Kriisa.”

It wasn’t just a photoshoot and facility tour for Kriisa on his visit, though. The Kentucky signee was also treated to a VIP experience at John Legend’s private concert in Lexington on Friday, Pope singling out his future guard on stage with Big Blue Nation extending an ovation to the West Virginia transfer.

“Kerr Kriisa is one of the top guards in the country. He committed to us a week ago and he’s here right now,” Pope said. “Would you mind giving it up for Kerr Kriisa? If you don’t know him, you will. He’s going to be really, really special for us.”

Two UK legends@UKCoachStoops & @CoachMarkPope at the @The15Club_nil club @johnlegend event! #BBN #KentuckyBasketball #KentuckyFootball pic.twitter.com/o24WheSAtj

— Nate Novie (@BleedBlueNate) May 10, 2024

And here’s Kriisa being wined and dined leading up to the fancy event

Not a bad way to make your official debut as a Wildcat — clearly a player Pope is excited to suit up in blue and white.