Felicity Harper · Nov 24, 2025, 5:36 PM ET
Mark Pope and his staff are already looking ahead to the future, and while the 2026 class remains a work in progress, the 2027 cycle is starting to take shape – or at least, it should. Kentucky hasn’t locked in a commitment for 2026 yet, but there’s still optimism that one of the top-tier prospects like Tyran Stokes or Christian Collins could end up in Lexington.
That said, the point guard position continues to be a question mark – not just in the current recruiting class, but in terms of long-term depth. And that’s where Braxton Keathley enters the picture.
Keathley, a 6’4″ point guard out of Martin County, Kentucky, is the kind of in-state talent that jumps off the screen when you watch him. In a recent preseason showcase, he didn’t just play well – he dominated.
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Keathley posted a jaw-dropping triple-double with 49 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and six steals. That’s not just a stat line – that’s a statement.
And it’s the kind of performance that should have college coaches across the region taking notice, especially those in Lexington.
What makes Keathley so intriguing isn’t just the scoring outburst. Sure, 49 points will grab headlines, but it’s the way he plays that really fits the mold of what Kentucky needs.
He’s a throwback-style point guard in a modern frame – someone who can score around the rim, facilitate for his teammates, and control the pace of a game. He’s not just a volume scorer; he’s a creator.
Watching Keathley on film, the first thing that stands out is his ability to get downhill. He’s a crafty driver who knows how to use his size and handle to get into the paint, and once he’s there, he can either finish through contact or kick out to open shooters. That ability to drive and dish is a must-have in Mark Pope’s offensive system, which thrives on spacing, ball movement, and versatility at the guard spots.
And don’t let the old-school label fool you – Keathley can shoot it, too. He’s shown range and confidence from beyond the arc, which is critical in Pope’s pace-and-space system. His shooting touch, combined with his vision and feel for the game, makes him a well-rounded prospect with real upside.
So far, it doesn’t sound like Kentucky has been heavily involved in Keathley’s recruitment, but nearby Louisville has already made some moves. That alone should raise some eyebrows in Lexington. Keathley may not be sitting at the top of every recruiting site’s rankings, but he’s a four-star talent with the kind of game that translates – and improves – at the next level.
For Pope and the Wildcats, the backup point guard spot has been a consistent area of need. Jaland Lowe has had trouble staying on the floor this season, and the year before, Lamont Butler dealt with similar availability issues. That kind of instability makes it even more important to find a relialble floor general who can step in and run the show when needed – not just as a backup, but potentially as a future starter.
Keathley looks like a player who could fill that role and then some. He’s got the tools, the mindset, and the local ties that make him a natural fit for Kentucky.
And while it’s still early in the 2027 recruiting cycle, this is a name the Wildcats should keep close tabs on. Letting a high-upside, in-state point guard walk – especially to a rival like Louisville – would sting.
But there’s still time for Pope and his staff to get in the mix and make their pitch.
Bottom line: Keathley can play. And if Kentucky is serious about building long-term depth at the point guard position, this is a recruitment worth watching closely.
