Will losing Jason Hart cost Kentucky basketball two big recruits

On Tuesday, Kentucky Wildcats basketball assistant coach Jason Hart left the Wildcats to take a similar position with SMU. His time in Lexington didn't pan out as well as Big Blue Nation had hoped, and he wasn't able to help land any elite recruits to this point. However, his departure could wind up costing them a couple of big names for next season.

Tyran Stokes is the number one overall player in the 2026 class. He's also one of the few remaining players available that could make an immediate impact. He has Kentucky in his final three, though Kansas seems to have the lead.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self is reportedly contemplating retirement, though, which in theory could give the Wildcats an advantage again. Hart was the lead recruiter on Stokes, making it a questionable relationship between he and Kentucky. Also, NBA G League guard Dink Pate could return to the college ranks next year, and Kentucky was the heavy favorite to land him.

Once again, Hart was a big part of that. Pate played for Hart previously, and with Hart gone, the connection with the Wildcats may be severed as well. Obviously, Kentucky and their fans will have to wait and see how things play out.