REPORT: Kentucky warmly welcomed him home from 2-year mission trip, because Mark Pope values him.
Since being named new Kentucky coach on April 12, Mark Pope has signed four assistant coaches and eight new players for the Wildcats’ 2024-25 team. Pope has done so, at least in part, by providing a personal touch, since he has been seen picking up candidates from Lexington’s Bluegrass Airport on several occasions. He went at it again late Thursday night.
After flying to Philadelphia to meet with Drexel transfer Amari Williams, who was having second thoughts about signing with Kentucky on April 23, Pope and new UK assistant Cody Fueger flew to Provo, Utah to welcome home UK signee Collin Chandler from his two-year Mormon mission, which took him to Sierra Leone in West Africa and then London, England.
Chandler, who originally signed with BYU from Farmington High School in Utah, was ranked No. 33 overall in the 2022 class by 247Sports, beating out Arizona, Oregon, Stanford, Utah, and Utah State, among others.
Chandler became the first commitment of the Pope era to Kentucky when he reversed his promise on April 16. On April 22, the UK officially announced Chandler’s signing. Chandler played for Farmington High School and scored 1,587 points, including 135 three-pointers. He also recorded 328 rebounds, 229 assists, and 105 steals.
“Growing up, my biggest dream was to play against the best players in the world,” Chandler told ESPN. “I am incredibly glad for the opportunity to do just that. The road I had previously envisioned has become clouded during the last few days. After many conversations with my family and prayers, this vision has become clearer than before. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my adventure at the University of Kentucky.”
Chandler was awarded Utah’s 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals as a high school senior. He had 15 games with at least 20 points, including a season-high 37. Chandler finished his high school career with 1,587 points, 135 three-pointers, 328 rebounds, 229 assists, and 105 steals.
“Collin Chandler is one of the most talented high school players in the country,” he remarked. “He has a silky-smooth jumper, a slick ability to get to the rim, an explosive burst, and, most impressively, tremendous processing speed as he scans space and time and creates plays instinctively.
“Collin is the epitome of a servant leader.” He chose to quit basketball and his life for two years to help people in Africa and Europe, all at his own expense. It won’t be long before every Kentucky fan feels his heart and love for others. I can’t wait to coach a man and player like him.