The spotlight shifts to Rock Hill, South Carolina this week as the highly anticipated adidas 3SSB Championships kick off on Wednesday, July 9, and run through Sunday, July 13 at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center. As one of the premier grassroots basketball events of the summer, the tournament will feature some of the nation’s top high school talent—all vying to impress scouts, analysts, and, most importantly, college coaches.
Among those watching closely will be the staff from the University of Kentucky. With a new era of Wildcat basketball under head coach Mark Pope well underway, Kentucky’s recruiting presence remains as strong as ever. And with the NCAA evaluation period open from Thursday through Sunday, expect plenty of college coaching heavyweights to be in the building—Pope and his assistants included.
While official visitor lists won’t be released until the event begins, there’s strong speculation about which prospects will attract Kentucky’s attention. Based on recruiting trends, staff visits, and ongoing interest, we can make some educated guesses about which players the Wildcats will be tracking throughout the weekend.
Among the names at the top of Kentucky’s radar is Jason Crowe Jr., the electrifying five-star guard from the Class of 2026. Crowe recently set his commitment date for July 18 and is rumored to have Kentucky high on his list. His performance this week could be a final showcase to reaffirm his value to the Wildcats’ staff. With elite scoring ability, a high basketball IQ, and next-level quickness, Crowe has the tools to thrive in Kentucky’s backcourt system.
Another key prospect to keep an eye on is AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class according to most recruiting services. Though his recruitment remains open and competitive, Kentucky has made efforts to stay in the mix. If Dybantsa suits up in Rock Hill, you can bet Pope and his team will be nearby with a watchful eye.
Also expected to draw attention is Tounde Yessoufou, a powerful and athletic wing with a reputation for elite two-way play. Kentucky’s staff has been monitoring Yessoufou closely this summer, and a strong performance at the 3SSB Championships could strengthen mutual interest.
The tournament will also give Kentucky’s coaches a chance to evaluate rising stars who may not yet be household names but are quickly climbing recruiting boards. The Wildcats have built a reputation not only for landing big-name prospects but also for identifying underrated talent early in the process.
With so many games taking place under one roof—and an endless supply of future stars in attendance—the 3SSB Championships offer a valuable opportunity for programs like Kentucky to build connections, evaluate progress, and refine their recruiting boards heading into the fall.
I’ll be heading down later this week to cover the action firsthand, with plans to speak with players, coaches, and recruiters on-site. It’s shaping up to be a pivotal few days for Kentucky basketball’s future, and fans should stay tuned for updates as Mark Pope and his staff continue laying the foundation for another elite recruiting class.