Marcio Santos’ coach wishes him ‘best of luck’ as Mark Pope visits Santos and his agent in Israel

BELGRADE, SERBIA - FEBRUARY 06: Marcio Santos, #3 of Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv in action during the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 27 match between Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv at Belgrade Arena on February 06, 2026 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Pedja Milosavljevic/Euroleague Basketball)

Is Kentucky Basketball on the verge of landing a commitment from Brazilian big man Marcio Santos?

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope visited Santos in Israel, and there are some reports out there that the Kentucky coach has extended an offer to Santos.

There is also another interesting note in this recruitment: Santos’ coach, Oded Kattash, wished his player “the best of luck” at Kentucky.

“We would always want him to stay, but we will wish him the best of luck,” said

There are also reports that Santos’ agent flew into Israel to meet with Pope. One would have to think that would be a good sign of UK’s chances to land Santos.

According to Tomer Givati of Israel Hayom, Santos’ agent flew into Israel to meet with Pope and that “Negotiations between the parties are progressing.” One would have to think that would be a good sign of UK’s chances to land Santos.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old is an agile center at 6-foot-8. This past winter, he averaged 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, one assist, and 0.6 blocks during the 2025-26 Winner League Season with Maccabi Tel Aviv

Santos is known for his passing and shooting ability, which would seem to be an appealing fit for Mark Pope’s offense.

While there’s still some time left to fill out the roster for the upcoming season, options are getting fewer and fewer, which is likely part of why we’re seeing Kentucky pivot to looking internationally after losing out on their big fish, Tyran Stokes.