Kentucky Wildcats Making Power Moves: Targeting Magoon Gwath and Vyctorius Miller to Bolster Roster for Next Season
The Kentucky Wildcats are not slowing down in their quest to build a formidable squad for next season. Under head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky has been aggressively pursuing top talent in the transfer portal, and two names now emerging as prime targets are San Diego State’s Magoon Gwath and LSU’s Vyctorius Miller.
With a significant roster shake-up expected due to departures, the Wildcats are looking to add size, defensive prowess, and scoring depth—and both Gwath and Miller could be key pieces in that puzzle.
Magoon Gwath: A Defensive Anchor with Huge Upside
One of the Wildcats’ biggest needs heading into next season is size and rim protection, and Magoon Gwath would provide just that. The San Diego State standout, who was named the Mountain West Conference Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, is a versatile big man with the ability to impact both ends of the floor.
Standing 6-foot-10, Gwath was an elite shot-blocker, averaging 2.6 blocks per game as a freshman. His presence in the paint would give Kentucky an immediate defensive boost, helping them control the boards and protect the rim against high-powered SEC offenses.
But Gwath isn’t just a shot-blocker—he has stretch-big potential, having knocked down 0.7 three-pointers per game last season. His ability to step out and hit shots makes him an intriguing option for Pope’s system, which values floor-spacing and versatility.
Kentucky is not the only suitor for Gwath, with Michigan also in the mix. However, the Wildcats’ rich history of developing big men, combined with Pope’s own experience as a former post player, could give them a major edge in this recruitment battle.
Vyctorius Miller: A Scoring Guard with Playmaking Potential
Kentucky isn’t just looking to strengthen the frontcourt—the backcourt remains a priority as well, and LSU transfer Vyctorius Miller has caught their attention.
Miller, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, is a four-star prospect from the class of 2024 who showcased his scoring ability as a freshman at LSU. He averaged 8.9 points per game on 44.7% shooting while adding 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Though he struggled from deep, shooting just 31.8% from three, his offensive versatility and ability to create his own shot make him an intriguing option for Kentucky.
Despite battling a lower-leg injury late in the season, Miller has shown flashes of high-upside potential. With proper development, he could emerge as a dynamic scoring threat in the Wildcats’ backcourt.
Kentucky’s interest in Miller is real—a scheduled Zoom meeting between him and the Wildcats’ coaching staff signals that Pope and his team are seriously considering adding him to the roster. However, Kentucky is facing stiff competition, as Tennessee, Michigan State, Houston, UCLA, Georgia Tech, Memphis, and USC are also in the mix.
How Gwath and Miller Fit into Kentucky’s Roster Plans
The Wildcats have already secured a commitment from Tulane transfer Kam Williams, and they are expected to continue targeting high-impact transfers and elite freshmen.
Adding Gwath would give Kentucky a dominant defensive presence in the paint, helping them replace lost frontcourt depth.
Bringing in Miller would add scoring firepower and backcourt versatility, ensuring that the Wildcats have enough offensive weapons to compete in a tough SEC landscape.
Pope’s system is built on balance, toughness, and player development, and both of these transfers would fit seamlessly into his vision for the program.
What’s Next for Kentucky?
With the transfer portal still open and roster decisions being made across the country, Kentucky remains one of the most active and intriguing teams in the market. If Pope and his staff can successfully land Gwath and Miller, they will be taking another major step toward building a contender for next season.
Will the Wildcats secure these two key additions? Big Blue Nation will be watching closely as Kentucky’s offseason roster moves continue to unfold.
