Boom! 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward from Atlanta, GA flips commitment from Kansas Basketball and pledges to Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats

In a stunning development, 6-foot-8, 200-pound small forward Samis Calderon from Atlanta, Georgia, has flipped his commitment from Kansas Basketball to pledge allegiance to Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats. The decision comes after a reported secret meeting with Coach Pope, where the Wildcats’ head coach outlined a compelling vision for Calderon’s future a source tells KSR+

The Flip Heard Around College Basketball

Calderon, one of the most versatile and highly sought-after forwards in the 2025 class, had been a cornerstone of Kansas’s recruiting class. His decision to switch commitments caught the college basketball world by surprise, as the Jayhawks were seen as favorites to secure the Atlanta native’s talents.

However, sources close to Calderon revealed that a late push from Kentucky, spearheaded by a one-on-one meeting with Coach Pope, proved to be the turning point. Calderon explained his decision in a statement:
“Kentucky offers me the best platform to grow and achieve my goals. Coach Pope and I connected on a level that made me believe in his vision for me as a player and a person. I’m ready to make history at Kentucky.”

What Changed?

Calderon’s flip highlights the dynamic recruiting power of Mark Pope and his staff. Kentucky’s storied basketball tradition, coupled with Pope’s emphasis on developing players for the NBA, appealed strongly to Calderon. The secret meeting reportedly focused on Pope’s detailed plan for Calderon’s development, emphasizing his fit within Kentucky’s fast-paced system and his ability to thrive in a pro-style offense.

Kansas had made an equally compelling pitch, banking on their own storied program and a clear role for Calderon in their future. Yet, Kentucky’s late push, combined with its NBA pipeline and the energy surrounding Pope’s leadership, proved irresistible.

Immediate Impact for Kentucky

The addition of Calderon is a massive win for the Wildcats. At 6-foot-8 and 200 pounds, Calderon is a dynamic scorer, a tenacious defender, and a versatile playmaker who can excel on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, coupled with his size and athleticism, makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents.

Calderon’s commitment strengthens Kentucky’s 2025 class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. With his blend of skills and maturity, Calderon is expected to make an immediate impact, both as a scorer and a leader.

A Blow for Kansas

For Kansas, the loss of Calderon is a significant blow to their recruiting class who had invested heavily in securing Calderon’s commitment, seeing him as a key piece in their lineup. Fans and analysts have expressed frustration, with some pointing to Kentucky’s relentless recruiting strategies as the deciding factor.

The Road Ahead

For Samis Calderon, the focus now shifts to preparing for life in Lexington. Playing in the SEC under the bright lights of Rupp Arena will provide Calderon with the perfect stage to showcase his talent and prepare for the NBA.

For Kentucky, Calderon’s commitment underscores the Wildcats’ resurgence under Mark Pope, as they continue to attract elite talent and position themselves as perennial national championship contenders.

Conclusion

Samis Calderon’s decision to flip his commitment to Kentucky is a testament to the Wildcats’ recruiting power and Mark Pope’s ability to connect with top-tier players. With Calderon in the fold, Kentucky’s future looks brighter than ever, and fans can’t wait to see this rising star don the iconic Kentucky blue.