It was a weekend to remember for 2027 four-star guard Reese Alston, who left Lexington with a major milestone in his recruitment. After an impressive visit, the talented young prospect added a Kentucky offer to his growing list of opportunities.
The 6-foot-2, 160-pound point guard from Second Baptist in Houston, Texas, received the scholarship offer shortly after attending Big Blue Madness on Saturday, Oct. 11. The event gave him a firsthand look at the energy and excitement surrounding Kentucky basketball under head coach Mark Pope.
Following the visit, Alston spoke with KSR+ to reflect on his experience in Lexington. He discussed his impressions of the program, the fan support, and the overall atmosphere all of which left a lasting impact as he continues to navigate his recruiting journey.
“It was definitely a great event,” Alston said. “There were a lot of people showing love to the basketball team. It’s a great community. The campus is great.”
Reese Alston wasn’t alone on his visit to Lexington he was joined by fellow 2027 standout Dawson Battie, a top-10 national prospect. The two shared the experience together, and like Alston, Battie walked away with a scholarship offer from Kentucky after the trip.
“It was good going on a visit with someone who has the same dreams as me,” Alston told KSR+. “We talked to some of the other recruits a bit, but I mostly hung out with Dawson, and we did the visit together.” The shared experience added another layer of excitement to an already memorable weekend.
The visit marked Alston’s first time stepping onto Kentucky’s campus, and the timing couldn’t have been better. He attended Big Blue Madness, where the Wildcats unveiled their 2025–26 squad and welcomed back former star John Wall for a nostalgic return to Rupp Arena making the night one to remember for the young point guard.
Reese Alston’s first trip to Kentucky couldn’t have come at a better time. The 2027 four-star point guard made his way to Lexington for Big Blue Madness, one of college basketball’s most electric events, and got to witness the unforgettable return of former Wildcat star John Wall.
Experiencing the tradition and energy of Rupp Arena firsthand left a strong impression on the young guard. The atmosphere complete with music, lights, and a packed crowd gave Alston a true taste of what makes Kentucky basketball so special.
“My impression was just how crazy it was,” Alston told KSR+. “It was loud, and there were so many people. I knew John Wall was coming, but seeing how much they love him there was wild.” The moment perfectly captured the passion of Big Blue Nation and the lasting legacy of its stars.
Reese Alston came away from his Kentucky visit confident that he would “fit in great” with Mark Pope’s system. During the trip, he had the chance to observe a walkthrough practice and was impressed by the pace and energy the Wildcats displayed, even in a lighter session. “I do a lot of the things that he wants from his players,” Alston said. “It was a normal practice, a walkthrough since they had things earlier in the day, but the intensity was still there. It was a high-energy practice.”
Beyond the on-court action, Alston said what stood out most was the chemistry within the team. He noticed how connected the players were with one another, describing an atmosphere built on camaraderie and trust. “Everyone knew everyone on the team,” he said. “Everyone had a bond, and they were close. It just felt like a family, and everyone felt welcomed.”
As his recruitment continues to heat up, Alston has already made an unofficial visit to Wichita State and plans to visit Purdue in January. His trip to Kentucky clearly left an impression, giving him a glimpse of what life could look like in a program rich with tradition and culture.
“During these unofficial visits, I want to see how the school is, the atmosphere, and things like that,” he said.
Reese Alston has quickly established himself as one of the premier guards in the 2027 recruiting class. The Houston (Texas) Second Baptist standout is currently ranked No. 22 overall in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking a composite system that averages evaluations from all three major recruiting services.
A dynamic playmaker with elite court vision and scoring ability, Alston has earned recognition as one of the most well-rounded point guards in his class. Rivals lists him as the No. 2 point guard nationally and the No. 9 overall prospect, underscoring his growing reputation as a high-ceiling talent capable of leading an offense at the next level.
With a strong combination of skill, leadership, and basketball IQ, Alston has become a top priority for several major programs, including Kentucky, which extended an offer following his recent Big Blue Madness visit.
“I’m a real point guard who wants to win and get his teammates involved,” Reese Alston said, describing the mindset that drives his game on the court. His approach reflects a maturity and focus rarely seen in players his age, emphasizing leadership and team success over individual accolades.
Basketball runs deep in Alston’s family he’s the son of former NBA point guard Rafer Alston, best known for his flashy handles and steady play during his professional career. Rafer recently spoke with KSR+ about his son’s development and what sets him apart as a young player.
“His greatest strength is his athleticism, his quick first step, and his ability to always be under control,” Rafer explained. “No matter what the defense throws at him, he stays composed. He’s not a kid who gets rattled. That kind of poise at his age is just tremendous.”
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