In their quest to fill out the 2024 roster, Kentucky basketball has contacted multiple players, with the latest being Julius Halaifonua, a seven-footer out of New Zealand. Coach Mark Pope was interested if he reclassified to the 2024 class, and on Friday, he did just that, per Kentucky Sports Radio.
On3 had Halaifonua as the number 33 overall player in the 2025 class, and the number three center. Xavier and Virginia Tech were among the early favorites, but his move to the 2024 class could change things a bit.
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Pope’s offense rewards big men who can play inside, but also stretch the floor, and that’s something Halaifonua can do. He would be a terrific final piece of this year’s roster.
Logic dictates that Halafonua will make a decision relatively soon, so he can begin to work with the team. A timeline isn’t set, but with his reclassification official, Pope and his staff are certain to remain in contact, hoping to land that final roster member.