Mark Pope has official visits scheduled for each day this week

We know of one official visitor currently on Kentucky’s campus: BYU transfer guard Richie Saunders, who arrived last night. Turns out he’s the first of several visitors expected in Lexington this week.

Matt Norlander is reporting that Mark Pope has official visits scheduled for every day this week. The fun may extend into the weekend, with Norlander saying this could be a huge five to seven days for Pope’s roster-building efforts. Matt Jones confirmed the report, sharing that he was told Pope has “at least five” recruits coming in this week and a few more “possible.” In case you missed it, Kentucky secured a commitment from Drexel transfer Amari Williams on Sunday following his trip to Lexington.

Mark Pope has official visits scheduled every day this week w/ a different player. Richie Saunders—in the portal but also considering staying @ BYU—is first up. Will be a huge next 5-7 days for the future of UK's roster in Pope's Year 1. UK landed Amari Williams over the weekend. https://t.co/ePNRekvG3I

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 22, 2024

As @MattNorlander said, I am told Mark Pope has at least 5 recruits coming in the next week for on-campus visits and a couple more “possible”

Big week for start of the Pope era

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 22, 2024

Who are the other visitors? Utah State big Great Osobor is a name that’s been mentioned frequently in recent days, especially after he shared Williams’ commitment graphic on his Instagram story last night. The two Brits were teammates at Myerscough College in England. Yesterday, there was some buzz that Kentucky could be a contender for FAU star guard Johnell Davis as well. The transfer portal is open until May 1 for undergrads, so there are likely some names we haven’t even heard of as options yet.

If this weekend is any indication, the official visitors will get the VIP treatment, including an airport pickup from Mark and Lee Anne Pope, who a fan captured greeting Saunders and his wife at Bluegrass Airport last night. The day prior, Pope took Williams around Keeneland, where they got a taste of the Kentucky Basketball rockstar lifestyle.

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Mark Pope and Amari Williams at Keeneland pic.twitter.com/4PWP44da1d

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 20, 2024

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There’s no racing at Keeneland today or tomorrow, but we’ll still have our ears to the ground to bring you the latest on Saunders’ visits and who else is coming to town. For up-to-the-minute updates and scuttlebutt, join the conversation on KSBoard.

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