BREAKING: FIVE-STAR GUARD  COMMITS TO KENTUCKY WILDCATS OVER KANSAS, BAYLOR, AND ALABAMA — STATES TWO BIG REASONS FOR CHOOSING BIG BLUE NATION…..READ MORE….

The Mark Pope era at Kentucky just landed a massive recruiting win.

Elijah Moore, a five-star combo guard from Sierra Canyon, has committed to the Kentucky Wildcats, choosing UK over a loaded list of programs including Kansas, Baylor, and Alabama. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard is ranked as the No. 2 combo guard and No. 8 overall prospect in the Class of 2025.

His decision marks a major win for Coach Pope, who is quickly proving he can maintain Kentucky’s blue-blood status on the national recruiting scene.

“Kentucky’s culture, legacy, and Coach Pope’s energy made it an easy decision,” Moore said at his televised commitment announcement on Tuesday. “It just feels like the place where I belong. I want to win, and there’s no better stage than Rupp Arena.”

Moore is an electric, two-way guard with the ability to take over games as a scorer or facilitator. He averaged 23.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game last season while shooting over 40% from three. His game has drawn comparisons to a young Tyrese Maxey, with even more passing feel.

Coach Pope, now in his second year with the Wildcats, couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Elijah is the kind of guy who embraces the grind,” Pope said. “He’s got the motor, the IQ, and the hunger to be great — and he wants to do it at Kentucky. This is a cornerstone piece for what we’re building.”

Moore stated two major reasons for choosing Kentucky: the program’s historic legacy of producing NBA talent and the energy and vision that Coach Pope brings to the future of Wildcat basketball.

“You walk into that gym, you feel the banners, the pressure, and the pride,” Moore said. “It’s not just a program — it’s a movement. I want to add to that history.”

Kentucky fans erupted on social media minutes after the commitment aired. Hashtags like #MooreToBBN, #ElijahEruption, and #BBNReloaded quickly began trending as excitement spread across the Bluegrass State.

With Moore now committed, Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class rockets into the Top 5 nationally, and he’s expected to be the centerpiece of what could be another Final Four-caliber group.

“Elijah brings fire and focus,” one recruiting analyst said. “This kid could be one of the most impactful freshmen in college basketball next year.”

Moore has already hinted at helping recruit other elite players to join him in Lexington, stating, “I’m not coming alone. I want to win with killers.”

He plans to enroll in the summer of 2025 and is expected to be a Day 1 starter. His presence adds firepower to a backcourt that continues Kentucky’s tradition of elite guard play.

“I’m ready to suit up and go to war in front of Big Blue Nation,” Moore said. “Let’s go get a banner.”