Will Mark Pope Go After Treysen Eaglestaff Once Again in the Transfer Portal?

The landscape of college basketball has changed dramatically in recent years, and the NCAA transfer portal has become a pivotal aspect of roster construction for teams across the country. With its fluidity and unpredictability, the portal has allowed coaches to not only retain talented players but also find immediate impact players to fill gaps in their teams. This is especially true for programs like the University of Kentucky, a perennial contender in college basketball, where head coach Mark Pope is constantly looking to build the best possible roster for success.

One name that has piqued the interest of many fans and analysts in recent weeks is Treysen Eaglestaff, a 6’6″ guard who has demonstrated his scoring ability and versatile game. Eaglestaff, originally from North Dakota, has made waves in college basketball thanks to his impressive performances, including a 51-point game against South Dakota State and a 40-point outing against Alabama during the 2024-25 season. With his high scoring potential, many have wondered whether Kentucky, under Mark Pope, will once again pursue Eaglestaff in the transfer portal.

This article will explore whether Mark Pope will target Treysen Eaglestaff once again, breaking down Eaglestaff’s career, his transfer history, Kentucky’s current roster needs, and why a potential reunion could make sense for both parties. Additionally, we will examine the dynamics of Kentucky’s recruiting process and the implications that Eaglestaff’s presence could have on the Wildcats’ season and beyond.

Treysen Eaglestaff: A Rising Star in College Basketball

Before diving into the specific question of whether Mark Pope will pursue Eaglestaff again, it’s essential to understand who Eaglestaff is and why he’s an intriguing prospect. The 6’6″ guard is a dynamic offensive weapon known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility. Born and raised in the Midwest, Eaglestaff developed a reputation as a high-scoring player during his time at North Dakota, quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising players in the transfer portal.

During his sophomore season (2024-25), Eaglestaff had a breakout year, averaging 18.9 points per game. He showcased his ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it was pulling up for deep three-pointers, driving to the basket, or knocking down mid-range jump shots. His most notable performances included a 51-point game against South Dakota State, where he displayed his incredible scoring range, and a 40-point performance against Alabama, a team known for its stifling defense. These performances put Eaglestaff on the radar of several major programs, including Kentucky, who initially expressed interest in the high-flying guard.

But scoring isn’t the only aspect of Eaglestaff’s game that makes him a desirable prospect. His defensive skills are also noteworthy. At 6’6″, Eaglestaff has the size to guard multiple positions, and his lateral quickness and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a strong defender on the perimeter. His size and athleticism give him an edge on both sides of the ball, which is a crucial asset in today’s NBA-oriented college basketball game.

Despite the success Eaglestaff enjoyed during the 2024-25 season, the question now is whether Kentucky, led by Mark Pope, will make another push to bring him into their fold. The Wildcats have a rich history of developing top-tier talent, and Eaglestaff’s potential as a high-impact player has made him a target for many top-tier programs.

Eaglestaff’s Transfer Journey and His Relationship with Kentucky

Eaglestaff entered the transfer portal in March 2025 after a stellar season with North Dakota. His entry into the portal created a frenzy of interest from various programs, including Kentucky, who had been keeping a close eye on his development throughout the season. There was initial speculation that the Wildcats might target him as a potential addition to their backcourt, and it was reported that Kentucky reached out to Eaglestaff shortly after he entered the portal.

However, as the days went by, the situation evolved. Eaglestaff, who had garnered interest from a number of high-profile schools, initially committed to South Carolina in late March 2025. His decision to commit to the Gamecocks caused many to believe that Kentucky’s pursuit of Eaglestaff had ended. The Wildcats, at that time, seemed to have shifted their focus to other potential transfer targets who could fill the needs of their roster for the upcoming season.

Yet, in an unexpected twist, Eaglestaff decommitted from South Carolina in early April 2025, leaving his recruitment once again open. This development raises the question of whether Mark Pope and Kentucky will re-enter the fray and pursue Eaglestaff once again in what has been a whirlwind of a recruitment process.

Kentucky’s Roster and Needs for the 2025-26 Season

To understand whether Mark Pope will go after Eaglestaff, it’s crucial to examine Kentucky’s roster composition and the team’s needs for the upcoming season. Kentucky’s roster for the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be a balanced mix of returning players and incoming recruits. However, like many top-tier programs, Kentucky’s roster isn’t immune to turnover, especially given the high rate of players entering the transfer portal and the potential departures to the NBA.

One area where Kentucky could use some reinforcements is in the backcourt. While the Wildcats have several talented guards and wings on their roster, there is a need for additional scoring and playmaking ability. A player like Eaglestaff, with his ability to score from multiple areas of the floor, would provide an instant boost to Kentucky’s offensive capabilities. His versatility as both a scorer and defender could help fill the gaps left by potential departures or positional needs.

At the same time, Kentucky has a history of success in recruiting players who fit the mold of “positionless” basketball—players who can contribute at multiple positions and handle the ball when necessary. Eaglestaff’s size and skill set make him a perfect candidate for this style of play, as he can play both on and off the ball, giving Mark Pope flexibility in how he utilizes him in the offense.

Furthermore, Kentucky has often relied on transfers to fill key roles in their lineup. The Wildcats’ ability to develop players from the transfer portal has been a key factor in their success under Pope. With the 2025-26 season fast approaching, the Wildcats’ interest in adding another versatile player like Eaglestaff could make sense as they look to enhance their roster and compete at the highest level.

Why Mark Pope Should Pursue Eaglestaff Again

There are several reasons why Mark Pope and Kentucky might decide to pursue Eaglestaff once more in the transfer portal. First and foremost, his talent is undeniable. A player who can score 40 points against a team like Alabama is not someone you overlook, especially when you consider that Kentucky plays in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. Eaglestaff’s ability to contribute immediately on offense could make him an essential piece in Kentucky’s quest for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Additionally, Eaglestaff’s defensive capabilities are a perfect fit for a program like Kentucky, which has consistently been known for its tough, defense-first mentality. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and lock down opposing players on the perimeter would make him a valuable asset on the defensive end. In a conference like the SEC, where teams are constantly evolving and becoming more potent offensively, Eaglestaff’s defensive prowess could help Kentucky maintain its reputation as one of the top defensive teams in the nation.

Moreover, with Eaglestaff’s versatility, Pope would have the ability to experiment with different lineups and rotations, providing more depth and flexibility to the roster. In today’s college basketball environment, having players who can seamlessly switch between positions and roles is more important than ever. Eaglestaff’s ability to play both guard and wing would allow Kentucky to adjust to different opponents and strategies throughout the season.

Finally, the timing of Eaglestaff’s re-entry into the transfer portal could present a unique opportunity for Kentucky to make a move. As more players enter the portal and other teams finalize their rosters, Kentucky may find that Eaglestaff is once again available at a time when the Wildcats need an extra boost in their backcourt. This could present a rare opportunity for Pope to add a high-impact player late in the process, which has the potential to put Kentucky over the top in what promises to be a competitive season.

Challenges and Competition for Eaglestaff’s Commitment

While there are compelling reasons for Kentucky to pursue Eaglestaff once more, it is important to recognize the challenges that come with recruiting a player of his caliber. After decommitting from South Carolina, Eaglestaff’s recruitment is likely to attract a great deal of attention from other high-profile programs. Schools from power conferences will undoubtedly make a push for his services, and Eaglestaff will have a wide range of options to choose from.

Moreover, Kentucky’s current roster composition and recruiting efforts could influence how aggressively they pursue Eaglestaff. While the Wildcats have significant needs in the backcourt, they are also likely evaluating other transfer prospects who may better fit their system or offer a higher immediate impact. Mark Pope and his staff will have to weigh the potential fit of Eaglestaff with the overall roster dynamics and their long-term strategy.

Conclusion: Will Mark Pope Go After Treysen Eaglestaff?

In conclusion, while it’s difficult to predict with certainty whether Mark Pope and Kentucky will pursue Treysen Eaglestaff again, the possibility remains very much alive. Eaglestaff’s offensive and defensive skill set, combined with his size and versatility, make him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s system. If Pope believes that Eaglestaff can contribute immediately and help the Wildcats compete for a national championship, it’s likely that Kentucky will re-enter the recruiting battle.

As the transfer portal continues to shake up college basketball, it’s clear that Kentucky will continue to be active in shaping its roster for the 2025-26 season. Whether or not Eaglestaff is a part of that plan will depend on a variety of factors, but the Wildcats would undoubtedly benefit from his scoring ability, defense, and overall potential. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if Mark Pope and Kentucky make one last push for the talented guard.