As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for the upcoming basketball season, head coach Mark Pope is actively strategizing to enhance the team’s roster. Following a Sweet 16 exit against Tennessee, Pope is focused on both retaining key players and recruiting new talent to solidify the Wildcats’ competitiveness in the NCAA.
Potential Return of Key Players
A significant development is the potential return of standout guard Otega Oweh. After transferring from Oklahoma, Oweh led Kentucky in scoring during his junior season, delivering consistent double-digit performances. Notably, on February 26, 2025, he scored a career-high 28 points, including the game-winning shot against his former team, the Oklahoma Sooners. His experience and scoring ability would be invaluable for Kentucky’s aspirations in the upcoming season.
Recruitment Efforts and Transfer Portal Activity
In addition to focusing on retaining core players, Coach Pope is actively exploring the transfer portal to bolster the roster. One notable acquisition is Kam Williams, a 6-foot-8 freshman wing from Tulane. Williams averaged 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, showcasing impressive shooting accuracy with 41.5% from three-point range and 48.5% overall. His decision to join Kentucky over other prominent programs underscores the Wildcats’ appeal under Pope’s leadership.
Kentucky has also expressed interest in several high-profile transfers:
Ja’Kobi Gillespie: A guard from Maryland who averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game. While Kentucky has reached out, Gillespie is favored to choose Tennessee, his home-state team.
Magoon Gwath: A 7-foot center from San Diego State, recognized as the Mountain West Conference Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year. Gwath’s defensive prowess and ability to shoot from deep make him a valuable target for Kentucky’s frontcourt.
Vyctorius Miller: A 6-foot-5 shooting guard transferring from LSU. Despite a lower-leg injury impacting his previous season, Miller’s scoring capabilities have attracted Kentucky’s attention, leading to a scheduled Zoom meeting to discuss potential recruitment.
Silas Demary Jr.: A 6-foot-5 guard from Georgia, known for his versatility and size. Demary Jr. averaged 13.5 points per game last season, and Kentucky has extended a scholarship offer following a meeting with his family.
Additionally, Kentucky has shown interest in Yaxel Lendeborg, a forward from UAB who has entered the transfer portal and declared for the NBA Draft. Lendeborg averaged 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, and his decision will depend on NBA evaluations and collegiate opportunities.
Departures and Roster Changes
The Wildcats are also experiencing roster changes. Guard Kerr Kriisa has entered the transfer portal after a season shortened by a foot injury. Kriisa expressed gratitude to the Kentucky community and seeks new opportunities for his final year of eligibility.
Furthermore, former Kentucky center Zvonimir Ivisic, known as “Big Z,” has entered the transfer portal for the second consecutive offseason. After transferring to Arkansas last year, Ivisic is exploring options for a program that offers a more prominent role.
Incoming Talent and Future Prospects
Kentucky’s future remains bright with the official signings of top recruits Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno. Johnson, a 5-star guard, and Moreno, a 4-star center, are expected to make immediate impacts. Coach Pope praised Moreno as the best center in his class, highlighting his passing, vision, rim protection, and shooting potential.
Moreno has also garnered attention for his recent performances. After leading Great Crossings to a state championship, he impressed at the McDonald’s All-American practices and was named the 2024-25 Kentucky MaxPreps High School Basketball Player of the Year. His averages of 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game underscore his readiness for collegiate competition.
Under Coach Mark Pope’s guidance, the Kentucky Wildcats are navigating a dynamic offseason marked by strategic recruitment and roster adjustments. The potential return of key players like Otega Oweh, combined with the infusion of talented transfers and incoming freshmen, positions Kentucky for a competitive and promising season ahead.
