Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Baba Oladotun Begins Official Visit

Mark Pope and his Kentucky coaching staff are hosting a crucial final official visitor. Five-star prospect Baba Oladotun arrived in Lexington on Friday for his weekend visit. The highly-touted wing will attend the Blue-White Game.

This visit is a significant step in UK’s pursuit of the elite recruit. Oladotun recently reclassified into the 2026 cycle and holds a scholarship offer from Pope.

Oladotun’s Profile and Recruitment Journey

Baba Oladotun is a 6-foot-8 wing from James Hubert Blake High School in Maryland. He is now ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. His recruitment has accelerated since his reclassification.

Kentucky’s interest in Oladotun dates back to July 2024. Pope personally extended a scholarship offer to him, marking the first offer to a 2027 recruit at the time. The staff conducted an in-home visit with him this past September.

A Pivotal Weekend for the Wildcats

This official visit represents the culmination of a long courtship. Oladotun has already taken official visits to other programs like Virginia Tech, Maryland, and Georgetown. His time in Lexington will be critical for Kentucky’s chances.

Oladotun is the thirteenth four- or five-star 2026 recruit to officially visit Kentucky since June. He is the final such recruit currently scheduled for a fall visit, closing out a busy recruiting period for Pope’s staff.

Securing a commitment from a talent like Baba Oladotun would be a major victory for Mark Pope’s vision for Kentucky basketball. The program is pulling out all the stops this weekend to make a lasting impression.

Dropping this nugget your way

Who is Baba Oladotun?

Baba Oladotun is a five-star basketball prospect in the 2026 class. He is a 6-foot-8 wing from Silver Spring, Maryland, and is considered a top-ten national recruit.

Why is his visit to Kentucky important?

This is his final scheduled official visit this fall. It represents a key opportunity for Mark Pope’s staff to solidify their relationship with him before he makes a college decision.

What other schools is he considering?

Oladotun has already taken official visits to Virginia Tech, Maryland, and Georgetown. These schools are considered major competitors in his recruitment.

How did Kentucky first get involved?

Kentucky’s interest began in July 2024. Mark Pope personally offered him a scholarship, which was the first he extended to a recruit from his original class.

When did he reclassify?

Baba Oladotun announced his move from the 2027 class to the 2026 class in August of this year. This move made him eligible to play college basketball a year earlier.