Mark Pope is in Chicago watching Chaz Lanier at the G League Elite Camp

Mark Pope is back on the recruiting trail. This time, he’s in Chicago at the NBA’s G League Elite Camp to check on a handful of potential transfer portal additions. Most notably, Pope is there to watch North Florida transfer Chaz Lanier.

Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney posted on social media that Pope is in attendance at the camp, which began on Saturday and continues throughout Sunday. The G League invited 45 prospects to participate with a select number of them sliding into the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, which begins on Monday.

Lanier, who averaged 19.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season for North Florida on efficient shooting splits, plays for Team 1. He’s reportedly considering UK and Tennessee if he elects to return to college. He’s not the only significant Kentucky target at the camp trying to work their way into the NBA though. Miami transfer guard Wooga Poplar, who’s also hearing from the Wildcats, is in Chicago and is teammates with Lanier.

During Saturday’s opening game, Lanier posted five points and three rebounds in 12 minutes Poplar added four points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 14 minutes. Team 1 beat Team 2 by a score of 93-83.

Other notable players in attendance with connections to Kentucky include Keion Brooks Jr. (Washington) and recent transfer Ugonna Onyenso.

Kentucky coach Mark Pope is in the gym for today’s action at the G League Elite Camp.

Several key portal names participating in the event, most notably for UK purposes North Florida’s Chaz Lanier.

Game 2, featuring portal names like Lanier + Wooga Poplar tipping shortly. pic.twitter.com/2uaFxQ8Neh

— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) May 12, 2024

In an effort to round out his debut Kentucky roster for the 2024-25 season, Pope is looking to add one (or both) of Lanier or Poplar. Additionally, BYU’s Jaxson Robinson, who has already received an invite to the Combine, is another top target for the ‘Cats. If Robinson pulls out of the draft, Kentucky is expected to be his choice.

With the Combine running from Monday until next Sunday, we’ll soon have a better idea of who intends to return to college or remain in the draft pool.