Collin Chandler Flips Commitment From BYU To Kentucky
Apr 16, 2024, 7:31 AM | Updated: 7:42 am
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah – Heralded Farmington High School recruit Collin Chandler will join Mark Pope at Kentucky.
Chandler told 247Sports’ Travis Branham that he has been released from his letter of intent with BYU and will sign with the Wildcats.
BREAKING: Collin Chandler, the former No. 33 overall recruit in the 2022 class, has been released from his NLI to BYU and is headed to play for Mark Pope at Kentucky, he tells @247Sports.
Chandler has been away on a two-year mission and will make his freshman debut in 2024-25.… pic.twitter.com/oOZmAaQX8D
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) April 16, 2024
The former Farmington High School star is currently in the final stages of his mission in London, England, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will play for Kentucky during the 2024-25 season.
“I am grateful for Cougar Nation in taking me in as family from day one and supporting me in a precious time of my life. I have been blessed to be able to experience such a passionate and loving fan base. I am especially grateful for Coach Pope and the mentorship and trust he has given me from the very beginning,” Chandler wrote in a statement to 247Sports.
“…This journey has already taken me to places I could never have imagined. Growing up, my biggest dream was to play against the best players in the world. I am beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to do just that. Through the past couple of days, the path I had before envisioned has been blurred. After talking with my family and many prayers, this vision has become clearer than ever. I am humbled to get the opportunity to continue this journey at the University of Kentucky! Go Wildcats!”
Collin Chandler flips from BYU to Kentucky
Chandler was the highest-rated signee BYU basketball has signed in the internet era when he committed in the 2022 recruiting cycle.
In November 2021, Chandler picked BYU over offers from Utah, Arizona, USC, Gonzaga, and others. The 247Sports Composite ratings rated him the No. 37 overall prospect in the country, and he received a 0.9872 rating.
Chandler is a 6-foot-4, 170-pound combo guard who was named the 2022 Utah Gatorade Player of the Year at Farmington High.
In his senior year at Farmington, he averaged 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
During his recruitment, Chandler formed a strong relationship with Mark Pope, which led to him signing with BYU over his childhood team, the University of Utah.
Chandler becomes the first commit for Pope at Kentucky.
Since Pope left for Kentucky, BYU basketball has lost a handful of prospects to the transfer portal, and now Chandler has become the first signee to flip to the Wildcats.
BYU continues its search for their next head coach to replace Mark Pope.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.