Kentucky basketball could be in for a very important Thursday evening.
After being granted eligibility earlier this week following a court ruling, Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler is now preparing to make his next decision. According to KSR, the 6-foot-10 forward is expected to choose between Kentucky and BYU, with a decision potentially coming Thursday.
For Kentucky, this is a recruitment that has developed quickly but could have a significant impact on the Wildcats’ roster.
The Wildcats have been aggressive in their pursuit of Kohler since he became eligible, and that effort continued Thursday with a lengthy 2.5-hour Zoom meeting between Kohler and the Kentucky staff. The extended conversation gave Mark Pope and his staff another opportunity to make their case and explain why Lexington could be the right destination for Kohler’s final season of college basketball.
There is also an interesting connection between Kohler and Pope that makes this recruitment particularly intriguing.
Pope previously recruited Kohler when he was the head coach at BYU. Kohler, a former four-star prospect from Utah, seriously considered the Cougars coming out of high school. His connection to Utah and BYU made Pope a familiar figure during that recruitment, although Kohler ultimately chose Michigan State and played for longtime Spartans head coach Tom Izzo.
Now, several years later, Pope is once again trying to land Kohler — only this time, he is doing so at Kentucky.
That history could make the decision even more fascinating.
BYU has an obvious advantage because Kohler would be returning to his home state and playing for a program with which he already has a connection. Kevin Young has also built an intriguing system at BYU, making the Cougars a legitimate option for a player looking for an opportunity that could prepare him for the next level.
But Kentucky offers something different.
Kohler could immediately address one of the biggest questions surrounding the Wildcats heading into the upcoming season: rebounding.
Kentucky has plenty of offensive talent, but there are concerns about whether the roster has enough physicality and consistency on the glass. Adding a 6-foot-10 forward with Kohler’s experience could provide Mark Pope with another reliable frontcourt option.
His shooting ability would make the fit even more appealing.
Kohler’s ability to stretch the floor from the forward position could open up Kentucky’s offense and create additional driving lanes for the Wildcats’ guards. Playing alongside Kentucky’s talented perimeter players, he could provide valuable spacing while still giving the team size and rebounding ability in the frontcourt.
That combination is difficult to find.
Kentucky’s pursuit of Kohler is also connected to another major storyline surrounding the final scholarship spot: Mark Mitchell.
The Wildcats remain heavily involved with the Missouri forward, who is continuing to fight for his eligibility. Mitchell recently appeared in court in Louisville as he waits for the outcome of his eligibility situation. If Mitchell ultimately becomes eligible, Kentucky is expected to remain a major contender for his services.
However, landing Kohler could change the equation.
Mitchell and Kohler would bring different strengths to the table. Mitchell would provide Kentucky with additional defensive versatility
