This Incoming Kentucky Basketball Transfer Offers the Most Potential for the Wildcats

The dawn of the Mark Pope era in Lexington has brought both excitement and uncertainty to the Bluegrass. As Kentucky Basketball transitions from the long-standing John Calipari era into a new chapter, all eyes are on the first wave of newcomers expected to redefine what it means to be a Wildcat.

Among the many moves Pope has made since taking over in April 2025, his aggressive use of the transfer portal has stood out. With a depleted roster following Calipari’s departure and multiple players either entering the NBA Draft or transferring out, Pope was tasked with quickly rebuilding one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball — and he did just that by landing several key transfers.

But while multiple incoming players are expected to contribute in big ways, one name stands out above the rest: Oklahoma State transfer Javon Small.

Of all the newcomers, Small may offer the most immediate impact, highest upside, and clearest path to stardom under Mark Pope’s new system. In a stacked transfer class that includes sharpshooters, rebounders, and defensive specialists, it’s Small’s versatility, maturity, and leadership that give him the edge — and potentially make him the most pivotal piece for Kentucky in the 2025-26 season.

Who is Javon Small?

A 6-foot-3, 190-pound combo guard originally from South Bend, Indiana, Small began his collegiate career at East Carolina before transferring to Oklahoma State, where he emerged as one of the most dynamic guards in the Big 12. Now, he’s headed to Kentucky with a wealth of experience, a polished game, and a desire to compete on the national stage.

During the 2024-25 season at Oklahoma State, Small averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, showcasing his ability to score, distribute, and defend. His field goal percentage hovered near 43%, and he knocked down nearly 37% of his three-point attempts — solid numbers in a power conference where he often drew top defensive matchups.

Beyond the box score, Small brought poise and leadership to an Oklahoma State team that struggled to find consistency. He was a stabilizing force in the backcourt, equally capable of running the offense or playing off the ball, and always willing to step up in clutch moments.

Why Javon Small is the Most Intriguing Transfer

Several factors contribute to why Small stands above the rest in Kentucky’s transfer haul:

1. Backcourt Leadership and Experience

Kentucky’s backcourt was decimated by offseason departures. Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard declared for the NBA Draft, while DJ Wagner transferred. That left a massive void at the guard spot, especially in terms of ball-handling and decision-making.

Small fills that void with polish and confidence. His three years of college experience — including two in high-major basketball — make him battle-tested and ready to lead. Pope doesn’t have to worry about grooming him. Small is ready now.

In a year where Kentucky can’t afford to rebuild slowly, that’s invaluable.

2. Two-Way Versatility

Small is a true combo guard. He can initiate offense, run pick-and-rolls, and get teammates involved. But he’s also a confident scorer who can create his own shot. Defensively, he’s sturdy and smart, able to guard both backcourt positions and occasionally switch onto wings.

This versatility gives Pope tremendous lineup flexibility. Whether paired with a shooting guard like Kerr Kriisa or a bigger wing like Otega Oweh, Small can adapt and thrive.

3. System Fit Under Mark Pope

At BYU, Pope emphasized guard play, quick decisions, and spacing. His teams moved the ball well, shot a high volume of threes, and operated within an offense that rewarded intelligent reads and ball movement.

Small is tailor-made for this system. He makes quick decisions, sees the floor well, and can shoot off the catch or dribble. He’s not a ball-dominant guard but can control pace and tempo when needed.

With Small running the offense, Pope has a quarterback who fits his modern blueprint — something Kentucky hasn’t truly had since Tyler Ulis.

4. Leadership and Maturity

What sets Small apart even more is his mental makeup. Teammates and coaches rave about his maturity, communication, and work ethic. In a transition year, where the program is undergoing identity reconstruction, having a veteran voice like Small in the locker room will be vital.

He’s the type of player who doesn’t just make the right plays — he sets the tone. For a new coach like Pope trying to instill a fresh culture, Small becomes an extension of that mission on the court.

The Numbers That Matter

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers that illustrate why Small is primed to make such an impact at Kentucky:

• Usage Rate (2024-25): 24.7% — Reflects his importance in the offense and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• Assist Rate: 27.2% — Indicates his knack for creating for teammates.
• True Shooting Percentage: 56.4% — Efficient scoring despite being a primary option.
• Defensive Rating: 101.3 — Solid mark given Oklahoma State’s overall struggles.

These numbers place Small among the top tier of guards in the Big 12, a league known for elite perimeter defense. Translating that production to the SEC, particularly in a more spaced offense like Pope’s, could see Small take another leap.

Kentucky’s Other Transfers: Impressive, but Not as Vital

It’s worth noting that Kentucky’s transfer class as a whole is one of the most balanced and talented in the country. It includes:

• Kerr Kriisa (West Virginia) – A fiery playmaker and elite shooter, Kriisa brings energy and attitude. However, he’s more effective off the ball and can be erratic in big moments.
• Otega Oweh (Oklahoma) – A physical wing defender with upside. He’ll play a crucial role but isn’t likely to be a primary offensive option.
• Amari Williams (Drexel) – A skilled big man who offers rim protection and rebounding. A strong addition but limited scoring range.
• Lamont Butler (San Diego State) – A defensive specialist and Final Four veteran, Butler brings toughness and tenacity. However, his offensive ceiling is lower.

All these pieces are important. Together, they form the backbone of Pope’s inaugural Kentucky roster. But in terms of sheer impact, upside, and fit within the system, Javon Small leads the group.

He’s the one who can run the show, change games, and elevate others — a role no one else on the roster is as prepared to fill.

Potential Lineups Featuring Small

Mark Pope is expected to utilize dynamic guard-heavy lineups, especially early in the season. Here’s a look at how Small might slot into different starting fives:

Small-Kriisa-Oweh-Williams-Transfer PF

In this lineup, Small serves as the primary ball handler while Kriisa spaces the floor. Oweh locks down the top wing scorer, and Williams anchors the paint.

Small-Butler-Kriisa-Oweh-Williams

More defensive-minded, this group could suffocate opponents on the perimeter while allowing Small to pick his spots offensively.

Small-Kriisa-Harwell (incoming freshman)-Peat (if UK lands him)-Williams

A dream lineup if Kentucky secures top-10 recruits like Isiah Harwell and Koa Peat. Small would be the steady hand in an ultra-talented, high-ceiling starting five.

NBA Outlook: Is Javon Small a Pro?

While Small isn’t on many early 2026 NBA Draft boards yet, that could quickly change with a big year in Lexington.

He has the tools to draw NBA interest:

• Good size and strength for a combo guard.
• Excellent passing vision.
• Reliable shooting mechanics.
• Toughness on defense.

If he can elevate Kentucky into SEC title contention while putting up efficient numbers, he could follow the path of former mid-major transfers who exploded under the bright lights — think Jalen Pickett (Penn State) or Ricky Council IV (Arkansas).

What Coaches Are Saying

Although Kentucky’s staff has stayed relatively tight-lipped on specific roles, assistant coaches have reportedly raved about Small behind the scenes. One staff member was overheard during an offseason scrimmage calling Small, “the floor general we’ve been missing.”

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton, who coached Small last season, also had high praise: “Javon’s the kind of guy who brings it every day. He wants to win. He wants to lead. He’s not scared of the moment.”

That mentality — combined with talent — is exactly what Kentucky needs during this transition.

Fan Reception: A Quiet Storm

Kentucky fans are known for their passion and basketball IQ, and the Big Blue Nation has already begun to warm up to Small. While he may not have had the hype of a five-star high schooler, his tape doesn’t lie. And once fans see him in action at Rupp Arena, expect his popularity to skyrocket.

There’s something endearing about a player who works for everything he earns, and Small’s journey — from East Carolina to Kentucky — embodies that spirit.

In many ways, he reflects Pope’s own coaching journey: unheralded early on, but driven, smart, and poised for something bigger.

The Key to Kentucky’s 2025-26 Season?

Every successful Kentucky team has had a guard capable of taking over — from John Wall to Brandon Knight, De’Aaron Fox to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While Javon Small might not be the highest-ranked name ever to wear blue and white, he has the potential to join that impactful lineage.

His game is polished. His attitude is professional. His leadership is exactly what the Wildcats need in a turbulent transition.

Mark Pope needed a stabilizer — and he may have found it in Javon Small.