Yesterday we took a look at Travis Perry and how he fits with Mark Pope. While writing that piece Mark Pope officially got his first commitment as the HC of Kentucky basketball and it’s Collin Chandler. Chandler checks in as a top 40 recruit from the 2022 class. He has great size at 6’4” with length you want for a guard in the SEC. Lets project how he fits with Mark Pope.
Offensively
Chandler is the profile of guard that Pope has excelled with at BYU. He’s got great size and length and able to score anywhere on the floor. He’s a consistent shooter both off the bounce and on catch-and-shoots but is a very good finisher at the rim. His great first step allows him to take advantage of driving lanes that open up due to his (and his teammates) shooting.
To go with his great size he also has tremendous explosiveness. Chandler will thrive in an up-tempo offense and in transition, which Pope uses effectively. Collin had no issue finishing at the rim through contact at the HS level but will certainly need to fill out his frame before he’s ready for the physical war that is the SEC.
Defensively
It’s always hard to project how a guy will translate defensively at the next level because AAU ball often leans into some bad habits. That being said I still think there is some things we can learn.
Chandler projects to be a plus defender at the next level due to his length and athleticism. I also really like his instincts and seems to have a good feel as well as quick hands. He probably gambled too much at times looking for run-outs (he got a few) and that won’t fly in big boy CBB. Chandler will need to fill out his frame to avoid getting bullied but he has all the physical tools you’d want.
2024 Outlook
I love how Chandler fits with Mark Pope. I know some fans rolled their eyes when they saw a commit from BYU flip to Kentucky, but Chandler is a legitimate SEC recruit. He is BYU’s highest rated recruit ever and has the physical profile as well as skill to be a very good player at the highest level of CBB.
I’m not sure we’ll see that this season though. Chandler has spent the last two years in Sierra Leone for his mission. That means he’ll be coming in as a 21-year-old Freshmen but also that he hasn’t played organized basketball in two years. This is obviously something Mark Pope is used to dealing with and there is a ramp-up process. However, I would not expect Chandler to come in and be an immediate difference-maker.
I’d count on Chandler being a contributor that grows in importance later in the year. Year 2 for Chandler will be when we really see him take off.
