BYU basketball solidified their spot as the leader for Croatian forward-slash-center Michael Ruzic recently, but with the big reportedly set to announce his commitment in the coming days, BYU's wandering eyes have managed to let Mark Pope -- our dear friend -- and the Kentucky Wildcats slip through the fence and narrow the Cougars' lead.
Ruzic, a 7-footer with perimeter shooting prowess and a graceful outside game, isn't quite the bruising, dominant paint presence that the Cougars are searching for to fill out the gaping void in their starting lineup, but he could prove to be some of the most valuable depth in the Big 12 Conference, adding an offensive edge to second-layer lineups that would hopefully supplement a defense-minded center.
With that in mind, it's only natural for Kevin Young's recruiting efforts to centralize in other areas, as a quality center is a must-have for any team looking to make a deep run through the NCAA Tournament field, which is now bigger than ever at 76 proud.
Last season's edition of BYU hoops lacked at the 5. Kevin Young is not content to wallow into mediocrity with yet another 5-star forward joining the fray.
But per a recent report, Ruzic will soon declare his commitment and Kentucky has joined BYU basketball near the top of a player's wish list.
Croatian F/C Michael Ružić is getting set to announce his commitment in the near future.
— Dylan (@BigBlueDylan) May 14, 2026
BYU has been the perceived favorite, but as time has passed with no commitment, we’ve seen BYU put their names in with other Bigs as well.
Kentucky has continued to recruit Michael Ružić,… https://t.co/ArbMvucAa4
I'm getting really, really tired of seeing Mark Pope's school's emblem alongside BYU in recruiting lists.
Not because he's proved to be a formidable foe -- quite the opposite -- but for the same reason why a stealthy mosquito is a nuiscance. I know you won't kill me, you can barely even pinch me, but won't you just leave me alone??
Kevin Young and Mark Pope have locked horns for many a recruit this offseason, with Rob Wright III and Collin Chandler opting toward Provo and very few recruits seriously considering Lexington at all. Santos didn't opt for either program, though BYU likely lost interest when resistance arrived from the Brazilian big, and if anyone is more desperate for a recruiting win -- of any size -- it's Mark Pope.
Still, BYU basketball isn't the same pushover they once were in the recruiting space. With NIL pockets as deep as anyone not named Louisville, the Cougars have the system, NBA track record, and personnel to compete for just about anyone. We'll see if BYU can't retain their edge for Ruzic.
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