The relationship is now starting to take shape, especially since Kentucky’s staff is still relatively new to the program and Kinney is a 2026 recruit. He will keep listening as long as the Wildcats keep reaching out. It will be crucial to get him on campus as soon as possible. Kinney wants to be a part of an offense that moves quickly and gets the ball up and down. That is consistent with the offensive philosophy of Mark Pope.
“That’s always been an offer I’ve wanted,” Kinney stated. “Kentucky is the school in Kentucky. You get that offer, you’re the guy in Kentucky.” However, as Kinney continues to establish himself on the recruiting scene, he will be pulled in different directions. John Calipari and Arkansas have recently entered the fray, and he claims that the schools with which he currently has the greatest mutual interest are Purdue, Xavier, and Indiana.
“I appreciate that they are contacting me.” Regarding those three programs, Kinney stated, “Just creating that relationship early.” They were all three placing early bets on me. They were still attempting to get in touch with me and arrange for me to visit the school whenever I was not the player I am now.
Kinney was already regarded as one of the Bluegrass’ top players as a sophomore in 2023–24. He shot 48.4 percent overall, 41.4 percent from long range, and 83.1 percent from the free throw line
