Class of 2027 Standout CJ Rosser Discusses His Growing Relationship With Mark Pope and Kentucky Basketball’s Long-Term Vision for Him
The Kentucky Wildcats are wasting no time laying the foundation for future success under new head coach Mark Pope, and one of the earliest indicators of that ambition is the program’s pursuit of elite class of 2027 talent CJ Rosser. A rising star in high school basketball circles, Rosser has already garnered serious attention from national powerhouses, but it’s Kentucky—and more specifically Mark Pope—that’s caught his eye early in the process. As the Wildcats look to return to the top of college basketball, landing a player like Rosser could be a signal that Pope’s vision is not only bold but possible.
CJ Rosser, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard with elite athleticism and a rapidly developing all-around game, has quickly become a name to watch on the national radar. Though he still has three years left before he’s even eligible to step onto a college campus, his poise, skill set, and basketball IQ are already drawing comparisons to some of the most polished players in recent memory. His early exposure to high-level basketball through AAU circuits, national showcases, and high school tournaments has given scouts more than enough reason to believe he’s a future five-star talent. For Kentucky, identifying him this early in the cycle is more than just good scouting—it’s a calculated investment in the future.
Rosser recently spoke about his communication with Mark Pope and the University of Kentucky staff, and the message has been clear: he’s a top priority. “Coach Pope has been great,” Rosser said. “He talks to me about how I could fit into their system, how they’d develop my game, and what playing at Kentucky really means. It’s more than just basketball there—it’s a whole lifestyle, and they take that seriously.”
What has caught Rosser’s attention the most isn’t just the prestige of Kentucky basketball—it’s Pope’s willingness to connect with him personally and lay out a roadmap for growth. Pope, who has quickly earned a reputation as a player-first coach with a modern basketball philosophy, has emphasized player development, spacing, and NBA-style tempo as cornerstones of his system. That vision fits well with what Rosser is looking for in a future program. “I want to go somewhere that plays fast, that trusts their guards, and lets guys be creative,” Rosser said. “Coach Pope talks about all that. He sees me as someone who can play multiple positions, handle the ball, and score from anywhere.”
That type of freedom and trust isn’t always promised to young players, especially at programs with Kentucky’s level of talent and expectation. But Pope’s new era seems to be focused on building deeper relationships, with an emphasis on recruiting players who see themselves as leaders and long-term assets. Rosser has already been impressed by the attention to detail in Pope’s recruiting approach—text messages, personal phone calls, and frequent check-ins that go beyond basketball.
“He checks in just to see how I’m doing, how school’s going, how my family is. That means a lot,” Rosser said. “It shows he actually cares. And at this level, that matters just as much as basketball.”
Rosser’s high school coach has also noticed the extra attention Kentucky is putting in. “CJ’s been getting recruited by some great schools, but the way Kentucky’s been going about it, you can tell they’re serious,” the coach said. “They’re not waiting around until everyone else jumps in—they’re being aggressive and building that relationship now.”
Kentucky’s aggressive approach makes sense when you consider Rosser’s upside. He’s long, rangy, and already has the makings of an elite two-way guard. On offense, he’s capable of shooting from deep, attacking off the dribble, and finding open teammates with advanced court vision. Defensively, he’s active, vocal, and disciplined—qualities that often take years to develop but seem natural to him. That combination of size, skill, and versatility has coaches imagining him as a future college star and potential NBA lottery pick.
And it’s not just his game that stands out—it’s his maturity. Rosser speaks like a seasoned veteran, fully aware of the attention he’s receiving but not consumed by it. “I’m just trying to stay focused on getting better every day,” he said. “This recruiting stuff is cool, but it doesn’t mean anything if I don’t keep working.”
For Kentucky, players with that kind of mindset are invaluable. Pope is trying to rebuild a program culture that thrives on effort, unity, and adaptability. Rosser checks all those boxes. He’s driven, coachable, and eager to be part of something bigger than himself. And though his recruitment is still in its early stages, he already understands what makes Kentucky unique.
“Big Blue Nation is crazy—in a good way,” Rosser said with a smile. “I’ve seen the crowds, the support, the way they love their players. That’s a different kind of energy. You can feel it even just watching from afar. It’s a dream for a lot of kids.”
He’s not wrong. Kentucky remains one of the most iconic programs in the history of college basketball. The banners, the NBA legacy, the national media spotlight—it’s all there. But under Mark Pope, the emphasis seems to be shifting. While previous regimes may have focused on one-and-done phenoms and constant roster turnover, Pope is prioritizing chemistry and continuity. Landing a player like Rosser in the 2027 class would be a major win not just because of his talent, but because he fits that cultural vision.
Pope’s staff has also done their homework on Rosser’s family background and support system, recognizing that strong relationships off the court often translate to success on it. Rosser’s parents have emphasized the importance of education, community, and stability throughout his development, and Kentucky has made sure to appeal to those values as part of their recruitment. According to Rosser’s father, “Kentucky’s been impressive—not just in what they say, but how they follow through. They don’t just sell dreams; they show how they’ll help CJ reach them.”
That trust-building takes time, especially with underclassmen, but Kentucky seems willing to play the long game. They know other top programs will get involved—Duke, Kansas, Arizona, and Baylor have all expressed interest—and the recruitment will intensify. But if Pope and his staff can maintain this early lead in terms of connection and communication, the Wildcats will be tough to beat.
The recruiting trail for the 2027 class is still very much in its infancy, and a lot can change. Rosser is in no rush to make a commitment and plans to take his time with visits, evaluations, and conversations with coaches. “I want to really get to know each program, see how I’d fit, and feel like I’m part of something,” he said. “I’m not chasing hype—I’m chasing the right fit.”
It’s a mature approach, and one that bodes well for Kentucky. As Pope continues to mold the program in his image, players like Rosser represent the next wave of stars who could define the future of Wildcats basketball. There’s still a long road ahead, but the early signs are promising.
For now, CJ Rosser will continue to work on his game, dominate at the high school level, and explore his growing list of college options. But make no mistake—Kentucky is firmly in the mix. With Mark Pope leading the charge and showing genuine investment in both the player and the person, the Wildcats are positioning themselves for another recruiting win that could pay off in a big way by the time 2027 rolls around.
And if Rosser does eventually choose Kentucky, it won’t just be because of the banners or the NBA pipeline. It’ll be because he believes in the vision, trusts the people, and sees Lexington as the place where he can grow into the player and man he wants to be.
