Kentucky Basketball has filled the final spot on Mark Pope's coaching staff, hiring Alfred Aboya, who has led the NBA Academy Africa programme in Senegal until its closure this year. The move was reported by KSR's Jack Pilgrim on Saturday and gives the Wildcats a foothold in international recruiting.
Aboya brings a varied résumé to Lexington. He previously served as an assistant and player development coach with the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League and has coached the Cameroon men's national team in FIBA competitions. He also has ties to Kentucky recruiting target Chreif Millogo, who is originally from West Africa.
As a player, Aboya suited up for the UCLA Bruins from 2005 to 2009 and was part of the winningest class in Bruins history with 123 wins. He later played in several overseas leagues with brief NBA G League stints. Pope is expected to lean on Aboya's international background as Kentucky looks to elevate its high school and global recruiting efforts.
