In his second year at the helm of the Kentucky Wildcats, head coach Mark Pope is assembling a roster that blends seasoned experience with youthful talent, aiming to position the team as a formidable force in the 2025-26 college basketball season. With strategic acquisitions and a focus on both local and international talent, the Wildcats are poised to make a significant impact in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond.
A New Era Under Mark Pope
Mark Pope, a former captain of Kentucky’s 1996 National Championship team, returned to Lexington as head coach in April 2024. In his inaugural season, he led the Wildcats to a 24-12 record, including a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Notably, the team achieved eight victories against Associated Press Top 15 opponents, tying a collegiate basketball record .(UK Athletics)
Pope’s first season was marked by a complete roster overhaul, as he built a team with zero returning scholarship players. Despite this challenge, the Wildcats finished the season ranked seventh nationally in points per game and set a program record with 341 made three-pointers .(CBSSports.com, UK Athletics)
Building a Star-Studded Roster
Frontcourt Strength
The Wildcats’ frontcourt for the upcoming season is both deep and versatile:
- Brandon Garrison (Jr.): Returning for his junior year, the 6-foot-10 center averaged 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season.
- Jayden Quaintance (So.): A transfer from Arizona State, Quaintance brings size and rim protection. He averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. However, his availability at the season’s start is uncertain due to an ACL injury sustained in late February .(CBSSports.com, On3, FanSided)
- Mouhamed Dioubate (Jr.): Transferring from Alabama, the 6-foot-7 forward contributed 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 61.7% from the field .(On3)
- Malachi Moreno (Fr.): A 7-foot freshman from Great Crossing High School, Moreno is known for his rim protection and finishing abilities. He recently showcased his skills at the Chris Brickley Invitational, recording 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists .(On3, A Sea Of Blue)
- Andrija Jelavic (Fr.): The 6-foot-11 Croatian forward averaged 10.8 points and 7.4 rebounds playing for Mega Superbet in Serbia .(On3)
- Reece Potter (So.): A 7-foot-1 Lexington native, Potter transferred from Miami (OH), where he averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. His commitment marks the first time in the 21st century that a recruited, scholarship player from Lexington will play for the Wildcats .(A Sea Of Blue, ArcaMax)
Backcourt Depth
The Wildcats’ backcourt is equally impressive, featuring a mix of returning players and new additions:
- Otega Oweh (Sr.): After transferring from Oklahoma, Oweh led Kentucky last season with 16.2 points per game. He has declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining college eligibility .(FanSided)
- Jaland Lowe (Jr.): A transfer from Pittsburgh, Lowe averaged 16.8 points per game. His commitment to Kentucky comes with the endorsement of former Wildcats stars Aaron and Andrew Harrison .(FanSided, A Sea Of Blue)
- Denzel Aberdeen (Sr.): Joining from Florida, Aberdeen improved his scoring each year, culminating in 7.7 points per game during the Gators’ national championship run last season .(USA TODAY)
- Jasper Johnson (Fr.): A five-star shooting guard from Lexington, Johnson is praised by Coach Pope as a future superstar, known for his ability to create his own shot .(A Sea Of Blue)
- Kam Williams (So.): The former Tulane wing adds versatility to the backcourt.(USA TODAY)
- Collin Chandler (So.) and Trent Noah (So.): Both players stepped up during injury-plagued moments last season, providing valuable experience and depth .(FanSided)
Emphasis on Local Talent
Coach Pope has made a concerted effort to recruit and develop homegrown talent. The 2025-26 roster includes four in-state scholarship players: Reece Potter, Trent Noah, Jasper Johnson, and Malachi Moreno. This marks the first time since the 2005-06 season that Kentucky has had four in-state scholarship players on the roster .(A Sea Of Blue, ArcaMax)
Strategic Scheduling
To prepare the team for the rigors of the season, Coach Pope is finalizing the exhibition game schedule. Kentucky has confirmed a matchup against Purdue in Lexington and is in the process of securing another high-quality exhibition opponent. Pope emphasizes the value of facing strong competition early to help the team grow and gain experience without the high stakes of regular-season matchups .(A Sea Of Blue)
Outlook for the 2025-26 Season
With a blend of experienced transfers, promising freshmen, and a focus on local talent, the Wildcats are poised for a strong showing in the upcoming season. Coach Pope’s strategic recruiting and emphasis on player development aim to build on last season’s success and propel Kentucky deeper into the NCAA Tournament.
As the Wildcats gear up for the 2025-26 season, the combination of seasoned leadership and fresh talent sets the stage for an exciting chapter in Kentucky basketball history.
