SerpApi.Org
After spending most of last week scouting multiple AAU circuits (Nike, adidas, and Puma, in particular), the Kentucky men’s basketball coaching staff is sending out new scholarship offers left and right.
Throughout Tuesday, six talented high school recruits (two from 2027 and four from 2028) announced offers from the Wildcats. Kentucky has now offered 21 class of 2027 prospects and six from the 2028 cycle. Let’s briefly break down the newest targets for UK’s staff.
Asa Montgomery (PF) 6-7, 200 | Hillgrove (Powder Springs, GA)
2027 4-star: No. 28 overall, No. 4 PF
・Playing on the Nike EYCL (considered Nike’s second-tier circuit below the EYBL), Asa Montgomery led the league in scoring this summer at 27.9 points per game. He had plenty of college coaches watching him play for AOT at Peach Jam last week, including UK assistant coach Mo Williams. His stock is quickly beginning to boom. Since the start of July, he’s announced offers from Texas Tech, Florida, North Carolina, LSU, Louisville, Maryland, UConn, and now Kentucky. Montgomery was part of Team USA’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2026 FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup earlier this month.
Howard Williams (SF) 6-6, 225 | Dynamic Prep (Chicago, IL)
2027 4-star: No. 52 overall, No. 13 SF
・A member of Team Haliburton on the Puma PRO16 circuit, Howard Williams had a great week in front of assistant coach Mikhail McLean. Williams spent his junior year at Overtime Elite (GA) but will play at Dynamic Prep (TX) for his senior campaign. Illinois, California, Mississippi State, Washington, Florida State, and Oklahoma State have also offered him. Williams has taken one official visit so far, which was to Washington last month.
Bamba Touray (C) 7-0, 210 | Prolific Prep (Bradenton, FL)
2028 5-star: No. 3 overall, No. 1 C
・Another Puma PRO16 circuit, Bamba Touray is considered one of the best rising juniors in the entire country. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope also spent a day checking out Puma prospects alongside McLean last week. Watching Touray play in person was a big reason why. The seven-footer recently transferred from IMG Academy (FL) to the prestigious Prolific Prep (FL) for his upcoming junior year. Indiana, Georgia, Florida State, Ole Miss, Missouri, and NC State have also offered Touray.
Evan Willis (PF) 6-7, 180 | Crossroad School (Santa Ana, CA)
2028 4-star: No. 9 overall, No. 1 SF
・Sticking with Puma PRO16, Evan Willis was the third prospect from that circuit to hear from Kentucky, writing “Wildcats asked if I’m down to hunt, they like my instinct,” in his offer announcement post on social media. Pope and McLean were once again the ones who reached out with a scholarship. Georgia, Miami, TCU, Southern California, and Auburn are others to keep an eye on. His father played for Bruce Pearl at Auburn.
Brady Pettigrew (PG) 6-3, 170 | Bolingbrook (Lisle, IL)
2028 4-star: No. 17 overall, No. 2 PG
・Suiting up for Brad Beal Elite, Brady Pettigrew led the entire Nike EYBL 16U circuit at Peach Jam in scoring at 23.6 points per game. Pope and Williams are both leading the charge with the Illinois native, who plans to visit all of the Blue Bloods and a few others in the coming months. Pettigrew put together an impressive week at Peach Jam (including a game-winning and-one against JJ Crawford‘s team) and could be due to move up even higher in the player rankings.
DJ Okoth (SF) 6-6, 175 | Bartlett (Cordova, TN)
2028 4-star: No. 18 overall, No. 3 SF
・Another Nike EYBL 16U circuit player, DJ Okoth also had a big week at Peach Jam for Alabama Fusion. He averaged 22.2 points per game with Williams keeping a close eye on the Tennessee product. Pope is also involved in his recruitment. Tennessee, Mississippi State, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Providence have extended him offers, as well.
