Kentucky keeps rolling

Good morning! Today is the first day of summer practice, which means we’re one step closer to November. Let’s get to the news.

1. Kentucky’s huge high school addition

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is hot on the recruiting trail.

In the span of just a week, the Wildcats have landed the No. 1 overall player in the transfer portal, Milan Momcilovic, and now joining the party is the No. 6 overall player in the 2027 class, Ryan Hampton.

The 5-star announced his decision to commit to Kentucky on Sunday fresh off his official visit. Hampton tabbed his relationship with Mo Williams as a big factor in his decision.

Hampton, the 6-6 wing, is one of the best pure scorers in the 2027 class. So far this summer, Hampton sits third in points per game (21.5) and has shot the most free throws in the EYBL.

His commitment is huge for Pope not just because he’s changed the momentum of the program with another recruiting splash, but more so the fact that it’s early in the 2027 cycle. Hampton, the highest-ranked player to come off the board, will be able to help Kentucky go after some other big fish, including Hampton’s cousin and No. 1 overall prospect Marcus Spears Jr.

Pope has brought in some highly-touted prospects in previous cycles like Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno and Braydon Hawthorne. But none were top-10 talents. This is Pope’s biggest high school recruiting win yet.

2. Canada wins first-ever FIBA AmeriCup

In the 36-year history of the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, Team Canada has never won a gold medal. That all changed on Sunday night after a thrilling 67-65 win over Team USA.

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