Two weeks into the transfer portal, and the Kentucky Wildcats have two commitments.
First, it was Kam Williams from Tulane, a 3-and-D type player who is ranked as the 26th best transfer (247 Sports).
Then, 20th-ranked Jaland Lowe from Pitt, one of the best playmakers in the portal, made the call for Kentucky.
Off to a good start, the Wildcats are expected to take 4-5 players from the portal, meaning there are holes still remaining to be filled.
The biggest need is another sharpshooter to help keep Mark Pope’s offense one that can dominate from the 3-point line.
There’s also the need for a facilitating big man to replace what Amari Williams brought to this Sweet 16 team. Brandon Garrison has shown promise, but not enough to think he’s someone you can consistently run offense through.
Nearly halfway through the portal period, let’s evaluate Kentucky’s top current targets.
Alvaro Folgueiras
The top-ranked player in the portal, Yaxel Lendeborg, was a perfect fit for Mark Pope, but he elected to commit to Dusty May and Michigan. That is even if he returns to college, as he is a potential first-round pick.
That said, eyes now turn toward Robert Morris transfer and Alvaro Folgueiras.
Folgueiras is not an explosive athlete and isn’t the strongest, but he does fit Mark Pope’s system as he is able to spread the floor and has good vision at the 4 spot.
Last season, Folgueiras averaged 14.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, and 3.2 APG for the Colonials, with 54.8% FG and 41.3% 3P splits. While it’s sometimes difficult to judge a player’s production at the mid-major level, Folgueiras translates. Against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament, he had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in a near-upset bid.
Folgueiras is currently back home in Spain with his family and has expressed wanting to visit schools before making a decision. However, given the landscape and the workings of European players and agents, he could commit at any time.
Kentucky is in a good position here, even drawing a prediction from Pete Nakos to land the talented forward. But as Magoon Gwath showed us, take transfer portal predictions with a grain of salt.
Mackenzie Mgbako
This is not Kentucky’s first go-around with Mackenzie Mgbako. John Calipari recruited the former five-star prospect out of high school in 2023 but chose Indiana after decommitting from Duke. After two seasons at Indiana and Kentucky going through a head coaching change, Mgbako to Kentucky remains a possibility.
With a 6-9, 220-pound frame, Mgbako has a great feel on the perimeter for his size. He is capable of making three rolling off screens and on the catch. He is also productive on the glass and has good length to make an impact on the defensive end.
Mark Pope and Co. have made several calls to Mgbako and even had him on campus for a visit this week, but things have been radio silent since. There may have been some pause with Kentucky being interested in Yaxel Lendeborg, so an update should come soon one way or the other.
Jaron Pierre
Kentucky needs to upgrade their athleticism this off-season and Jaron Pierre can certainly aid in that.
Ranked as the 33rd-best prospect, Pierre has power-conference athleticism and is a natural scorer. Scoring 777 points, he led the country in total points this season. Talking with Pierre and his agent, Kentucky is interested in Pierre playing the 2 spot and not having the ball as much as he has at his previous stops.
The two sides were scheduled for a Zoom on Friday, but no details have leaked.
Xaivian Lee
Kentucky’s newest contact is Xaivian Lee. A year away from an Ivy League degree, Lee entered the transfer portal on Friday, and Mark Pope and Lee quickly hopped on a FaceTime call.
At 6-4 and 180 pounds, Lee has good size for a point guard. What really stands out is his passing ability, with a 36 percent assist rate. While lacking some lateral quickness, Lee is shifty and creative enough to finish around the rim and create off the dribble. He also isn’t afraid to battle for rebounds.
It is not expected that Jaland Lowe’s commitment will affect Kentucky’s pursuit of Lee, but it could make it less likely on Lee’s part. UNC is looking to join the sweepstakes here.
Tyrone Riley
Top 50 transfer prospect Tyrone Riley was a legacy recruit for San Francisco, but he entered the portal after his freshman season with the Dons, averaging 9.7 PPG and 5.9 RPG
Riley and his family have strong ties with Kentucky assistant Jason Hart, who met with Riley on Wednesday before the recruiting dead period. Similar to Kam Williams, Riley projects as a 3-and-D player with more of an impact on the defensive end.
With Hart flying to see Riley, Kentucky clearly has interest, but how much remains to be seen. This recruitment could take a bit.
