Christian Collins isn’t just another five-star recruit talking to Kentucky coaches. When the No. 3 prospect in the 2026 class describes Mark Pope as “like a proud dad,” you know something different is happening in Lexington. This isn’t the typical NIL-focused pitch that dominates modern recruiting.
What Makes Mark Pope’s Approach Different With 2026 Prospect Christian Collins?
Christian Collins, a five-star forward out of Bellflower, CA, revealed the personal side of his relationship with Kentucky Wildcats HC Mark Pope during a recent interview with KSR.
“[Mark Pope] is like a proud dad. He’ll be recording you and he’s cheering for you. He’s a really good guy,” Collins explained.
This connection goes beyond typical recruiting interactions. Pope coached Collins directly at the USA Basketball U19 Training Camp in Colorado Springs, giving both sides a chance to see how the other operates in real game situations. The experience allowed Collins to learn important details about how the Kentucky coach works and thinks during actual games.
While many coaches focus heavily on NIL deals and business aspects when pursuing top prospects, Pope’s approach centers on authentic relationships and basketball fundamentals. This coaching time during the training camp helped strengthen their bond in ways that traditional recruiting visits cannot match.
How Long Has Kentucky Assistant Jason Hart Been Building This Relationship?
Jason Hart’s connection with Collins stretches back much further than Kentucky’s recent recruiting push. The assistant coach has maintained contact with the California prospect since his freshman year of high school, building trust over several years.
“[Jason Hart] just got off the phone with me earlier,” Collins said, highlighting the regular communication between the two. Collins calls Hart “my guy” when discussing their relationship, revealing a comfort level that goes beyond standard coach-player interactions.
Hart’s ability to maintain long-term relationships with prospects has proven valuable for Kentucky’s recruiting efforts. During their most recent phone call, the assistant coach told Collins to “play hard with a high motor,” offering advice on continuing to improve his game.
Meanwhile, Collins has experienced a meteoric rise in recruiting rankings, jumping from unranked to No. 3 overall in just months. The 6’8″ forward for St. John Bosco HS (CA), has scheduled his official visit to Kentucky for October 12, 2025, giving both sides an opportunity to evaluate each other further.
5 SF Christian Collins (#3 NXN) today for @teamwhynot @NikeEYB
– 16 Points
– 7 Rebounds
– 3 Stocks
– 7/13 FG, 1/2 3P
– +12, 56-49 W.Christian is looking to get on campuses this fall, assume Kentucky will get a visit. @_ChristianC11_ @__N__X__N__#BBN #KentuckyBasketball pic.twitter.com/DRI6ylwvRw
— Dylan (@BigBlueDylan) July 17, 2025
Collins faces competition from powerhouse programs including Duke, Alabama, Arizona, California, Oregon, Texas, and USC, making Kentucky’s personal approach particularly important in standing out from the pack. Kentucky offered Collins on April 30, 2025, with Pope and his staff making multiple trips to California to watch him play and evaluate his development.
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The five-star prospect has praised Kentucky’s playing style and how they utilize long and versatile wing players, suggesting his skills align well with their system. His planned visit during football season will provide the complete Kentucky experience as he works toward his final decision in this competitive recruitment battle.
