Mark Pope: "He's a hulking mass of physicality": Mark Pope hilariously describes Kentucky transfer Jayden Quaintance after their meeting

Jayden Quaintance is heading to Kentucky, and Wildcats coach Mark Pope opened up about his skill set. Pope discussed his meeting with Quaintance and what he discovered about him in a recent appearance on Kentucky Sports Radio.

"We're really excited about Jayden," Pope said on Friday. "In fact, I was just with him yesterday, and he is a hulking mass of physicality, and the greatest kid you're ever gonna meet in your life."

Pope added that Quaintance could be a difference maker for Kentucky after his impressive season at Arizona State, where he recorded six double-doubles at just 16 years old. Pope also gave some insight on the forward's recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee, which Quaintance had surgically repaired in March.

"He's a really impressive young man, so we're looking forward to getting him back," Pope said. "He's been incredibly diligent about his rehab. He's gonna race back and get healthy and strong as soon as he can, and he'll be a big part of our deal."

Quaintance could be back by the start of next season and will look to make an immediate impact on the Wildcats in his sophomore year.

NCAA Basketball: Iowa State at Arizona State - Source: Imagn

What Jayden Quaintance brings to Kentucky

Jayden Quiantance was a five-star recruit out of high school, ranked No. 8 nationally. When he committed to Arizona State in April 2024, he was the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect.

Quaintance originally pledged to Kentucky but decommitted when it was announced that John Calipari was leaving. Instead, he took his talents to the Sun Devils.

NCAA Basketball: Arizona State at West Virginia - Source: Imagn

Quaintance made an immediate impact at ASU. As a freshman, he started 24 games. The forward established himself as a sharpshooter, shooting 52.5% and averaging 9.4 points per game in 29.7 minutes.

He also had success in rebounding, recording 7.9 per game, good for 74th in the NCAA. Quaintance was a two-way force, with 2.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.

Syndication: Arizona Republic - Source: Imagn

He was a double-double machine for the Sun Devils and was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive Teams. Quaintance's physicality and versatile skill set would be boost to the Wildcats once he heals from his ACL tear.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez