Kentucky has made contact with a former Tennessee Volunteer in the transfer portal.

Mark Pope has been actively pursuing talented players in the transfer portal, and his latest target appears to be one of the most promising yet.

Last season, among the standout centers in the SEC was Jonas Aidoo from Tennessee, boasting impressive averages of 11.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, one assist, and 1.8 blocks per game for the Volunteers. Standing at 6’11” and weighing 241 pounds, Aidoo is renowned for his shot-blocking prowess and dominance in the paint.

In a faceoff between Kentucky and Tennessee at Rupp Arena last season, Aidoo recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Even in the teams’ final encounter of the season, Aidoo contributed significantly with 11 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks, despite Kentucky securing the victory.

While Aidoo appears inclined towards joining Scott Drew’s program at Baylor, Coach Pope has made a late but notable effort to engage with him. It remains to be seen if Pope can influence Aidoo’s decision and secure a meeting before he commits to his next collegiate destination.

Aidoo may not be renowned for his shooting abilities, but his physicality, rebounding skills, and exceptional shot-blocking make him a desirable prospect, especially in the context of Pope’s coaching tenure at Kentucky.

Although Aidoo’s destination might ultimately be Baylor, there’s a chance that Coach Pope could make a compelling case for him to consider Kentucky.

Pope has demonstrated a willingness to pursue top-tier talent in the transfer portal, a departure from his approach at BYU, now that he’s at the helm of the Kentucky program.