Mark Pope Sets Sights on Future Star: Why Overtime Elite’s Taylen Kinney, a Top-20 2026 Recruit from Kentucky, is the Next Big Thing in Basketball
In the fast-paced world of college basketball recruiting, there are few names stirring as much excitement as Taylen Kinney. A 6’4″ point guard with the skills to dominate on both ends of the floor, Kinney is already considered one of the top recruits in the class of 2026. What makes his rise even more remarkable is his humble beginnings in Newport, Kentucky, and his impressive trajectory as part of the Overtime Elite program—a training ground for some of the most elite young basketball talent in the country.
This week, the basketball world was buzzing with news of a significant visit from Mark Pope, the head coach of the University of Utah’s men’s basketball program. Pope, known for his exceptional recruiting ability and commitment to building a strong, dynamic team, made his way to Overtime Elite to see Kinney in person—a move that signals just how highly the young guard is regarded as a future star in college basketball.
The Rise of Taylen Kinney: From Newport to National Spotlight
Taylen Kinney’s story begins in Newport, Kentucky—a small but proud city with a rich sports history. Raised in a basketball-centric community, Kinney was immersed in the game from an early age. His talent became evident early on, and by the time he hit his high school years, Kinney was already drawing attention from scouts across the nation.
In a basketball-crazed state like Kentucky, where high school hoops are followed passionately, Kinney’s skills didn’t go unnoticed. His smooth ball-handling, elite vision, and ability to control the tempo of a game made him a natural fit for the point guard position. But what truly set him apart was his ability to perform under pressure, especially in clutch moments—a quality that has become a hallmark of his game.
Kinney’s decision to join Overtime Elite was a major turning point in his development. The program, which has attracted top high school talent and is known for its focus on player development and professional-level training, provided Kinney the platform to refine his skills and face some of the best young talent in the country.
While Overtime Elite has quickly become a top destination for young prospects looking to bypass the traditional high school-to-college route, Kinney’s presence in the league only adds to its growing prestige. Coaches and scouts alike are paying close attention to Kinney, not just for his physical attributes, but for his basketball IQ and leadership qualities.
Why Mark Pope is So Interested in Kinney
Mark Pope’s visit to Overtime Elite was not just a courtesy call—it was a statement. With the Utes looking to build a program that can compete at the highest levels of the Pac-12, securing a player of Kinney’s caliber would be a monumental step forward. Pope has already built a reputation for identifying and recruiting top-tier talent, but his interest in Kinney underscores just how highly the guard is regarded in the recruiting world.
“We’ve been following Taylen for a while now,” Pope said in a recent interview. “He’s an incredibly gifted player with all the tools to succeed at the next level. His vision, his ability to make his teammates better, and his poise under pressure are qualities we value here at Utah. We’re excited to get a closer look at him and see how he fits into our future plans.”
Pope’s visit is part of a larger effort to strengthen Utah’s recruiting efforts and continue to bring in players who can make an immediate impact. Kinney, who is already considered one of the top-20 recruits in the 2026 class, has the potential to be a cornerstone player for any program lucky enough to land him. With his rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, it’s no surprise that top programs are scrambling to get in the mix.
What Makes Taylen Kinney Special?
Kinney’s skill set is well-rounded and reflects his experience playing at a high level. His ball-handling ability is exceptional for his size, and he has a natural feel for setting up his teammates in the right spots. Whether it’s running pick-and-rolls, navigating through defenses, or getting to the rim with ease, Kinney has shown that he can do it all.
But what sets him apart from other elite prospects is his maturity and leadership. Despite his age, Kinney has consistently been described by coaches as a player who doesn’t just play the game, but understands it at a deep level. He’s a floor general in the truest sense, constantly communicating with teammates and orchestrating the offense. That court vision, combined with his ability to score from all three levels, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Defensively, Kinney is equally impressive. His length and athleticism allow him to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple positions. While he’s still developing as a perimeter defender, his potential in this area is undeniable. His quickness and anticipation suggest that, with proper coaching, he could become a two-way threat at the next level.
The College Basketball Landscape: What’s Next for Kinney?
As for where Kinney will end up, it’s still early in the recruitment process. While he’s garnering interest from several high-profile programs, including the University of Utah, many top schools will likely make their move in the coming months. His decision will be influenced by a variety of factors, including his relationship with the coaching staff, the program’s potential for success, and the fit within the team’s playing style.
While Kentucky—his home state—has long been a basketball powerhouse, there’s no guarantee that Kinney will stay in-state. The allure of playing in a different environment, such as Utah, which has rapidly become a strong contender in the Pac-12 under Pope’s leadership, could be enticing.
One thing is certain: Taylen Kinney’s future is incredibly bright, and with Mark Pope now in the mix, the recruiting battle for the talented point guard is bound to heat up.
The Bottom Line
Taylen Kinney’s rise from Newport, Kentucky, to one of the nation’s top recruits is nothing short of inspiring. As a player, he’s on the fast track to becoming one of the most sought-after point guards in the class of 2026. With Mark Pope already paying close attention to his development, it’s clear that Kinney is on the radar of major programs across the country.
As the recruitment process unfolds, basketball fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see where Kinney lands—and just how high his potential takes
him in the world of college basketball.
