Collin Chandler to Join Pope, Kentucky After Calipari Exit, Decommitting from BYU

Mark Pope has landed his first major addition since being hired to replace John Calipari as Kentucky's head coach.

Collin Chandler told Travis Branham of 247Sports he will join the Wildcats after being released from his national letter of intent to BYU:

"I am grateful for Cougar Nation in taking me in as family from day one and supporting me in a precious time of my life. I have been blessed to be able to experience such a passionate and loving fan base. I am especially grateful for Coach Pope and the mentorship and trust he has given me from the very beginning.

"The journey of chasing dreams is beautiful. Chasing my dreams and aspirations in the game of basketball has always brought me so much joy and fulfillment. The game means the world to me.

"I am grateful for Cougar Nation in taking me in as family from day one and supporting me in a precious time of my life. I have been blessed to be able to experience such a passionate and loving fan base. I am especially grateful for Coach Pope and the mentorship and trust he has given me from the very beginning.

"This journey has already taken me to places i could never have imagined. Growing up, my biggest dream was to play against the best players in the world. I am beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to do just that. Through the past couple of days, the path I had before envisioned has been blurred. After talking with my family and many prayers, this vision has become clearer than ever. I am humbled to get the opportunity to continue this journey at the University of Kentucky! Go Wildcats!"

Chandler was the No. 37 overall recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He signed a national letter of intent with BYU in November 2021, but delayed starting his college career to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Robby McCombs of Vanquish the Foe noted Chandler is expected to return from his mission on May 2.

At the time of his signing with BYU, Chandler was the highest-ranked recruit to join the team since Pope was hired as head coach in April 2019.

Pope left BYU on April 12 to take the same position at Kentucky. He was hired to replace John Calipari, who moved to Arkansas. The Wildcats' roster has been picked apart in the wake of Calipari's departure.

D.J. Wagner entered the transfer portal on Monday. Zvonimir Ivišić announced on Monday he was leaving Kentucky to join Calipari with the Razorbacks. Aaron Bradshaw committed to Ohio State after entering the transfer portal.

When Chandler was coming out of high school, Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports called him a "competitive guard who always plays in attack mode" and "a great shooter off the catch or dribble and knocks down the three-point shot with consistency."

Chandler is the third commit for Kentucky in the 2024 recruiting class. He joins guards Travis Perry and Billy Richmond as additions to the Wildcats roster for next season.