The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program is continuing its strategic evolution under head coach Mark Pope, and the latest addition to the support staff underscores the team’s global reach and commitment to nurturing rising coaching talent. Bahamian basketball standout Willis Mackey Jr. has officially joined the Wildcats as a graduate assistant for the 2025–26 season, stepping into a key developmental role behind the scenes.
This appointment not only adds international flavor to the Wildcats’ staff but also provides Mark Pope with a young, dynamic figure who has deep roots in both competitive basketball and coaching. The news of Mackey’s hiring was confirmed through his own Instagram post, signaling a new chapter in a career that has taken him from the Caribbean to European leagues and now into the heart of collegiate basketball in the United States.
From the Islands to the Bluegrass: Who is Willis Mackey Jr.?
Born and raised in the Bahamas, Willis Mackey Jr. is no stranger to basketball success. He carved out a strong collegiate career in the U.S. before heading to Europe, where he gained valuable playing experience in several countries, including France and Switzerland. Mackey’s game was defined by athleticism, hustle, and a team-first mentality—traits that translate well into coaching.
Following his professional playing career, Mackey transitioned into coaching, where he quickly made a mark. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach at Chipola College, a powerhouse in the junior college basketball scene located in Florida. His work there, both on and off the court, gained him attention as a developing coaching mind with international perspective and a strong work ethic.
Now, with his move to Lexington, Mackey is ready to take his coaching career to the next level.
Replacing Leander Ridgeway: A Seamless Transition
Mackey steps into the graduate assistant position formerly held by Leander Ridgeway, who recently accepted an opportunity in the NBA. Ridgeway, a familiar figure to head coach Mark Pope from their days at BYU, has joined the Utah Jazz as an assistant video coordinator. His move is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of how Mark Pope’s coaching tree continues to expand into professional basketball.
Ridgeway’s departure left an important opening, one requiring someone with tactical understanding, commitment to team development, and a familiarity with the rigors of high-level basketball. Mackey checks all those boxes—and more.
As a graduate assistant, Mackey will work closely with Kentucky’s players in practice sessions, video review, skill development, and overall team logistics. These roles often fly under the radar, but they are essential for the functioning of a modern college basketball powerhouse. Given his playing experience and previous coaching stint, Mackey appears well-prepared to fill those shoes.
A Bahamian Brotherhood: Reuniting with Mikhail McLean
One of the more intriguing aspects of this hire is Mackey’s reunion with fellow Bahamian Mikhail McLean, currently a full-time assistant coach at Kentucky. McLean, like Mackey, has represented the Bahamas on the international stage and shares similar values rooted in discipline, culture, and loyalty to their home country.
Their bond goes beyond just being compatriots. Both men have been pivotal figures in Bahamian basketball’s recent growth, especially as the national team seeks to make a mark on the global scene. Mackey has represented the Bahamas in FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers and World Cup qualifying tournaments, often going head-to-head against some of the world’s top basketball nations.
Together at Kentucky, McLean and Mackey will bring a unique cultural and tactical insight to the program—adding new dimensions to player mentorship, especially for international or first-generation college athletes navigating Division I basketball.
What Mackey Brings to Kentucky
Hiring a former international player like Willis Mackey Jr. isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a calculated decision aimed at expanding Kentucky’s basketball IQ and player development capability.
Here’s what Mackey adds to the program:
International Insight: His experience playing against global competition gives him a broad understanding of playing styles and strategy.
Player Relatability: As someone who recently transitioned from player to coach, Mackey can connect with current student-athletes on a personal level.
Defensive Mindset: Known for his defensive tenacity as a player, Mackey can help instill a strong team-first mentality in Kentucky’s younger roster.
Cultural Perspective: With a growing number of international recruits in NCAA basketball, his presence also helps broaden Kentucky’s global appeal.
For Coach Pope, these assets are vital in shaping a well-rounded, competitive program.
Mark Pope’s Vision Taking Shape
Since taking over as head coach, Mark Pope has aimed to modernize Kentucky basketball—not just through roster building, but through infrastructure, training, and staffing. Pope’s emphasis on fast-paced play, player empowerment, and analytics-driven preparation means he needs a support system capable of adapting and evolving quickly.
By bringing in someone like Mackey—who is young, adaptable, and enthusiastic—Pope continues to build a team behind the team. In an era where graduate assistants often go on to land full-time coaching or front-office roles, having someone with Mackey’s pedigree enhances the professionalism and depth of the Wildcats’ support system.
Looking Ahead: A Win-Win Situation
For Mackey, this role is a stepping stone. Graduate assistant positions at major programs like Kentucky are launching pads into long-term coaching careers. He’ll have the chance to learn from elite coaching minds, observe high-pressure game planning, and contribute to the development of top-tier athletes.
For Kentucky, this is a low-risk, high-upside hire. The program gains a coach who is passionate, experienced, and has already proved himself at various levels of the sport. And with both Mackey and McLean on staff, Kentucky strengthens its connection to the Caribbean—potentially paving the way for future Bahamian recruits to consider Lexington as their college basketball destination.
Final Thoughts
The hiring of Willis Mackey Jr. as a graduate assistant is more than just filling a vacancy—it’s a strategic, meaningful move that reflects the changing face of Kentucky basketball. It honors a tradition of excellence while embracing new perspectives and cultures.
As the Wildcats prepare for what promises to be an intense 2025–26 campaign, all eyes may be on the players and head coach, but smart fans know that the real work often begins behind the scenes. With Mackey now part of the Wildcats’ inner circle, Kentucky just got stronger, smarter, and more connected to the global game
