Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope is taking a deliberate approach to the last open assistant coaching position on his staff, a decision that could be shaped by pending NCAA rulings.
The Final Assistant Spot
The Wildcats have already seen a wave of staff turnover this offseason, with veteran assistants Jason Hart and Alvin Brooks III departing for SMU and NC State respectively.
Adding to the mix, former Alabama State and Jackson State head coach Mo Williams has joined the program, bringing with him a connection to the state’s top point‑guard prospect, freshman Mason Williams.
With only one vacancy remaining, speculation has turned to former NBA guard Jamal Crawford, who would need to relocate to Lexington and weigh the future of his son JJ Crawford, currently playing on the AAU circuit.
Crawford’s potential move underscores a broader trend of NBA alumni seeking new challenges, while Pope’s staff continues to attract talent such as Milan Momcilovic and a top‑10 2027 recruit in Ryan Hampton, bolstering the Wildcats’ momentum.