dailyloe.com – The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team held a Zoom call with G-League star Dink Pate on Tuesday, according to a report from KSR’s Jack Pilgrim. This virtual meeting underscores the program’s active pursuit of the highly sought-after guard as the NCAA transfer portal opens. Head coach Mark Pope has identified Pate as a key target for the upcoming recruitment cycle.
Pope previously traveled to New York in late March to watch Pate play his regular-season finale with the Westchester Knicks. He had also attended a game in Philadelphia earlier that month to evaluate the player in person. These scouting trips demonstrate the sustained and serious nature of Kentucky’s interest in the prospect.
Dink Pate, a 6-foot-7 versatile guard, also conducted a Zoom interview with Southern Methodist University (SMU) on the same day. SMU now employs Jason Hart, who was previously Mark Pope’s top recruiter at Kentucky. Some analysts speculated Hart’s move could hinder UK’s chances, but Pope’s continued efforts show otherwise.
Pate has publicly stated his desire to play college basketball for the 2026-2027 season. He is a native of Dallas, Texas, and maintains a strong relationship with recruiter Jason Hart. Despite this connection, the Kentucky Wildcats are actively making their case to secure his commitment.
The recruitment process coincides with the official opening of the NCAA transfer portal. Kentucky’s staff is reportedly interested in several potential transfers. Dink Pate remains a prominent name on their list as they build the roster for future seasons.[]
Source: A Sea Of Blue
