The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program is adding a new face to its support staff. Bahamian native Willis Mackey Jr. is set to become a graduate assistant for the 2025-26 season. Mackey, who revealed the news on his Instagram profile, brings a mix of international playing experience and coaching promise to Mark Pope’s staff.
After recently serving as an assistant coach at Chipola College in Florida, Mackey is expected to fill the graduate assistant spot previously held by Leander Ridgeway. Ridgeway is reportedly heading to the NBA, where he will join the Utah Jazz as an assistant video coordinator, according to Hoop Dirt. Ridgeway had worked with Mark Pope during his time at BYU and continued that connection at Kentucky before making the jump to the pros.
Mackey’s acceptance of the job also reunites him with fellow Bahamian Mikhail McLean, who is currently an assistant coach at Kentucky. McLean and Mackey are both fixtures in the Bahamian basketball community and have represented their country at the highest level. Mackey has played for the Bahamas national team in various international competitions, including the FIBA AmeriCup and World Cup qualifying rounds.
After a brief college playing stint in the 2017–18 season with Northwestern Ohio—where he dropped 11 points and 5 rebounds in just one appearance—Mackey went on to play professionally in France from 2020 to 2023. His playing career was ultimately cut short by injuries, but he’s quickly transitioned into a rising coaching talent.
Kentucky’s latest hire adds both international flavor and a fresh perspective to its evolving staff.