Kentucky’s basketball program has added a high-profile prospect to its 2028 roster, extending a scholarship to four-star guard Liam Mitakaro, a Canadian native who has been ranked No. 33 overall by 247Sports.
Mitakaro’s rise has been marked by a championship at Bella Vista Prep in Arizona, where his team captured the national title in April 2023. As a sophomore he contributed seven points in 17 minutes during the title game against Montverde Academy, and he finished the season averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
The Wildcats join a growing list of suitors that includes Arkansas, Kansas, Syracuse, Texas and UCLA. Mitakaro announced his commitment to Kentucky in late June, having begun regular conversations with UK coaches on June 15. He is one of only two backcourt players from the class to receive an offer from the university, the other being Brady Pettigrew.
Why the Offer Matters
Coach Adeel Sahibzada, who guided Mitakaro at Bella Vista, likened the guard’s scoring efficiency and work ethic to that of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, noting his ability to score from all three levels and his reputation as a deadly three-point shooter.
Mitakaro’s pledge reflects a strategic push by Kentucky to solidify its perimeter talent pipeline, a move that could shape the team’s depth and offensive versatility in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
Analysts expect Mitakaro to contribute immediately, projecting him as a potential starter within his freshman year. His blend of playmaking and shooting is viewed as a perfect fit for Kentucky’s up‑tempo style, and his early commitment signals a strong recruiting pipeline that could keep the Wildcats competitive in the SEC and beyond.