Courtside With Dad: Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Brings Daughter Shay to EYBL Memphis as Wildcats Zero In on Next Generation of Basketball Superstars
It was anything but an ordinary recruiting trip for Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope at Nike’s EYBL Session 2 in Memphis. Amid a jam-packed gym buzzing with scouts, cameras, and high-level hoops action, Pope had a special guest by his side — his youngest daughter, Shay.
In a rare blend of family and recruiting, the Kentucky head coach turned what is usually a high-pressure, high-stakes event into a memorable “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day.” And while Shay Pope wasn’t there in an official capacity, her presence added a personal touch to a weekend loaded with professional implications for the future of Kentucky basketball.
“She’s got an eye for talent,” Pope joked to reporters with a smile. “She already told me which guys we should prioritize — she might be onto something.”
Flanked by trusted assistants Cody Fueger and Jason Hart, Pope was laser-focused on evaluating elite high school prospects. The Memphis Sports & Events Center was alive with the energy of the nation’s top-tier young talent, and the Kentucky staff left no stone unturned. The Wildcats were spotted keeping close tabs on several standout players who are quickly becoming household names on the recruiting trail.
Among the top targets in attendance were 5-star forward Karter Knox, a high-flying, multi-level scorer drawing attention from coast to coast; elite point guard Jasper James, who dazzled the crowd with his court vision and composure under pressure; and big man Elijah Bryant, whose presence in the paint made every scout take notice.
But it wasn’t just about watching — it was about building. Pope and his staff were seen interacting with families, evaluating body language on and off the court, and showing a visible commitment to forming relationships early and authentically — an edge that could play heavily in Kentucky’s favor when decision time rolls around.
“The energy from Kentucky’s bench was different,” said one AAU coach in attendance. “They weren’t just here to observe — they were here to connect. That matters to these kids.”
While Kentucky is no stranger to blue-chip talent, Mark Pope is ushering in a new era of recruiting — one that blends basketball IQ, character, and culture fit with star power. With his daughter by his side this weekend, the message was clear: for the Pope family, and for the Kentucky basketball program, it’s personal.
As the EYBL circuit continues, all eyes will be on how these evaluations translate into future commitments. One thing’s for certain — the Wildcats aren’t just scouting players, they’re scouting leaders. And with Shay Pope giving her seal of approval from courtside, a new generation of Wildcats may be closer than ever to calling Lexington home.
