Brandon Garrison is Coming: Former McDonald’s All-American Poised for Breakout Stardom as Mark Pope Praises His Relentless Work Ethic and Summer Surge
Lexington, KY — The offseason may be just getting underway, but for Brandon Garrison, it’s already shaping up to be a defining chapter in his young basketball career. With a reputation built on talent, toughness, and a tireless motor, the former McDonald’s All-American is capturing the attention of college basketball insiders once again—this time not just for what he’s done, but for the enormous leap he’s preparing to make.
Garrison, who transferred to the University of Kentucky following a standout freshman campaign at Oklahoma State, is turning heads with his work ethic, focus, and growth in just the first few weeks of the offseason. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, known for his player development prowess, could barely contain his excitement while discussing the 6-foot-11 forward’s rapid progress and potential to become a collegiate superstar.
“Brandon Garrison, man, he’s shown even in this young offseason, he is hungry right now,” Pope said during a recent interview. “He’s a McDonald’s All-American who had an unbelievable first year at Oklahoma State as a freshman, and then clearly took a massive jump forward last year, and I think he’s ready to emerge as a superstar. He understands how huge this summer is for him. He’s really focused. He’s got a very precise agenda, things he’s working on. I know he’s really hungry.”
That hunger is already manifesting in workouts, where Garrison is refining his footwork, stretching his shooting range, and improving his post presence—already a strength for the young big man. Those close to the program describe a player locked in, arriving early, staying late, and approaching every session with intensity and purpose.
Garrison’s freshman numbers at Oklahoma State paint the picture of a player with a high ceiling. Averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in just over 20 minutes per game, he provided a consistent presence in the paint and flashed the defensive instincts and offensive upside that earned him national acclaim coming out of high school. His performance against top-tier competition in the Big 12 proved that he could hold his own—and often dominate—on both ends of the floor.
Now, with a new environment, elite coaching, and a revamped Wildcats roster, Garrison is positioned to take his game to the next level—and perhaps become the cornerstone of Kentucky’s new era under Pope.
What separates Garrison from other high-potential transfers isn’t just his physical tools or his résumé—it’s the maturity and discipline he’s shown since arriving in Lexington. According to team sources, he’s approached the transition with humility and a deep commitment to improving, studying film, meeting with coaches, and building chemistry with his new teammates.
“He’s not just here to get minutes,” one Kentucky staff member noted. “He’s here to dominate. And he’s training like it.”
Coach Pope’s vision for Garrison involves using him in versatile ways, including as a rim protector, low-post scorer, and even in pick-and-pop situations that showcase his soft shooting touch. While Garrison has always had the tools, it’s the refinement and polish that are quickly elevating him from a promising contributor to a potential college basketball superstar.
The timing couldn’t be better. With Kentucky fans eager for a resurgence and the program entering a new chapter under Pope’s leadership, Garrison’s emergence could be the spark that ignites a fresh wave of excitement and success in Rupp Arena. He embodies the combination of old-school grit and modern versatility that makes him a perfect fit for Pope’s high-energy, fast-paced system.
More than anything, Garrison’s story is becoming one of hunger—hunger for growth, hunger for greatness, and hunger for a future that many now believe could lead him not just to national college stardom, but to NBA draft conversations in the near future.
While the summer has just begun, the message is already clear: Brandon Garrison is coming. And if the early signs are any indication, college basketball better be ready.
