Despite the Top 2026 recruit’s family ties to BYU through former coach Mark Pope, Maximo Adams’ recruitment is intensifying as powerhouse programs like Michigan State, Michigan, and Kentucky ramp up their interest, creating a fierce competition between Pope, Tom Izzo, and Dusty May.
How Will Mark Pope’s Family Connection Help With Maximo Adams?
Maximo Adams has known Mark Pope for years thanks to his older brother Marcus Adams, who played under Pope at BYU during the 2023-24 season. Marcus averaged 2.0 points per game before transferring to Cal State Northridge. This personal connection has given Adams insight into Pope’s coaching style and program culture.
“I think it’s a great program,” Adams said. “Mark Pope came from BYU, and my brother went to BYU. Then, he transitioned to Kentucky, and he’s a great coach.”
Maximo has been following Pope’s move to Kentucky ahead of the 2025-26 season and is impressed by the Wildcats’ recent success, even though he hasn’t watched much of their games.
Kentucky assistant coach Cody Fueger recently contacted Maximo after the Peach Jam, officially signaling Kentucky’s interest. This recruitment outreach marks a turning point in Maximo’s recruiting journey, introducing him to one of college basketball’s premier programs.
Why Are Top Programs Chasing Maximo Adams So Hard?
Maximo is drawing heavy attention from top-tier basketball programs across the country. Besides Kentucky, schools like Michigan State (led by legendary coach Izzo), Michigan (coached by May), Illinois, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Kansas have all expressed interest.
Maximo described the recruiting process as “great,” sharing that many colleges have contacted him and plans to visit several campuses soon. His first official visit was to USC in late June, and he plans to schedule more visits to find the right fit.
Maximo is focused on choosing a program where he can develop as a player and advance to the next level.
“I want to go somewhere I can get better and advance to the next level,” he said. He plans to make his college decision most likely next year after seeing how the high school season plays out.
Maximo is a versatile small forward who is comfortable playing both two and three positions. He prides himself on his ability to rebound, guard multiple positions, and shoot effectively from mid-range. This summer, he aims to showcase his basketball IQ and team-first mentality to potential programs.
During his recent season while playing in the spring 2025 Nike EYBL season with Team WhyNot, Maximo averaged 9.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 42.3% from the field. His skill set and athleticism make him a valuable target for programs looking to build for the future.
Basketball runs deep in the Adams family. His father, Marcus Adams, played collegiate basketball at UNLV before embarking on a professional career in Argentina. His brother, Marcus Jr., spent the last season at Cal State Northridge and is transferring to Arizona State for the 2025-26 season.
KEEP READING: BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Refuses LeBron James Comparison But Finds Commonality With Paul George
Although Maximo’s connection to Pope and BYU runs deep, the competitive nature of college basketball recruiting means Pope faces stiff competition from established coaches like Izzo and May. With top programs vying for Adams’ commitment, this 2026 small forward is poised to be one of the most sought-after recruits in the upcoming class.
As Maximo continues to evaluate his options and plan visits, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see where this talented young player lands and how Pope’s transition to Kentucky will impact his recruiting success moving forward.
