Boom! 6-foot-2 Five-Star SG with NIL Valuation worth over $587,000 makes decision to join Mark Pope’s Kentucky over John Calipari’s Arkansas and Eric Musselman’s USC

Jason Crowe Jr. is the No. 3 ranked shooting guard and the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

This season, several college coaches have traveled to see the 6-foot-2 junior at his high school, Ingelwood (CA).

The following head coaches have visited him:

• USC’s Eric Musselman
• Kentucky’s Mark Pope
• Arkansas’ John Calipari

Assistants from Oregon, LSU, UCLA, Michigan, UCLA, and Washington have each all been in to see him as well.

Jason Crowe Jr. is the son of former professional basketball player Jason Crowe, who spent 13 years overseas playing for a variety of clubs. Crowe Sr.’s most successful season came in 2008, where he was crowned NZNBL champion, MVP, Most Outstanding Guard, and assist champion.

Crowe noted as a Peach Jam standout over the summer

Jason Crowe Jr. currently holds a $587,000 million On3 NIL Valuation, which ranks 30th in high school basketball.

In a massive recruiting victory, Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats have landed a commitment from 6-foot-2, five-star shooting guard Jason Crowe Jr., one of the most electrifying scorers in the 2026 class. Crowe, who boasts an NIL valuation of over $500,000, made his decision over John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks and Eric Musselman’s USC Trojans, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world.

A Game-Changer for Kentucky

Crowe Jr. has been a top priority for multiple blue-blood programs, but Pope and Kentucky ultimately won out. His elite shot-making, playmaking ability, and relentless scoring mentality make him an instant-impact player for the Wildcats.

Widely considered one of the most skilled guards in the nation, Crowe has averaged over 30 points per game in high school while displaying NBA-level footwork, handles, and deep range. His ability to create shots at all three levels has drawn comparisons to former Kentucky stars like Malik Monk and Tyrese Maxey.

Why He Chose Kentucky

Crowe Jr. was heavily recruited by both Arkansas and USC, but Kentucky’s winning culture, NBA pipeline, and NIL opportunities ultimately sealed the deal.

“Kentucky felt like home,” Crowe Jr. said. “Coach Pope and his staff showed me how I’d fit into their system, and they believe in me as a future star at the next level. I want to win at the highest level and develop for the NBA.”

Crowe also cited Kentucky’s historic guard development, which has produced NBA All-Stars like Devin Booker, De’Aaron Fox, and Jamal Murray. With Mark Pope bringing a fresh energy and modern approach to the program, Crowe is buying into the new era of Kentucky basketball.

What This Means for the Wildcats

Crowe’s commitment further solidifies Kentucky as an elite destination under Pope. He joins a strong recruiting class that will help the Wildcats compete for SEC and national championships. His explosive scoring ability will provide Kentucky with a much-needed offensive weapon, and he could emerge as a one-and-done lottery pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.

With the NIL landscape shaping today’s recruiting battles, Kentucky’s ability to land a high-profile prospect with a $500K+ NIL valuation signals their continued dominance in securing top-tier talent.

Looking Ahead

With Crowe Jr. now on board, Kentucky is expected to remain active in the 2026 recruiting class, targeting more elite talent to complement him. His commitment also puts added pressure on Arkansas and USC to adjust their recruiting strategies after missing out on one of the class’s biggest prizes.

Kentucky fans should be ecstatic—Mark Pope just landed a true game-changer in Jason Crowe Jr., and the future of Wildcat basketball looks brighter than ever.