As the calendar turns to May, college basketball fans are beginning to get a clearer picture of what the 2025-26 season will look like from a personnel standpoint.
It’s a subjective measurement, but we’ve reached the time of year when designations are handed out to the transfer portal’s winners and losers.
After losing in the Sweet 16 in Mark Pope’s inaugural season as the Kentucky Wildcats’ head coach, the Big Blue Nation has been fully engaged this spring to see what the roster will look like in year two.
We know that Trent Noah, Brandon Garrison, and Collin Chandler are all planning to run it back next season. Otega Oweh’s decision to return or not will be monumental for Kentucky.
After landing Jayden Quaintance, a former 5-star recruit and UK commit, optimism amongst program fans is soaring.
Pope has added several other key pieces to surround the returning players with. That includes Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe, Alabama transfer Mo Dioubate, Tulane transfer Kam Williams, Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen, Croatian forward Andrija Jelavic, and Miami (OH) center Reece Potter.
They will be joined by Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, two talented freshmen who are expected to contribute.
How does that roster stack up against other programs?
CBS Sports is continuing to update their college basketball rankings, and as the portal window begins to close, Kentucky sits at #11 on the list.
This ranking is based on the assumption that Otega Oweh does return for another season in Lexington.
The Cats were listed at the top of the teams representing the SEC, with four others making the list.
- #11 Kentucky
- #15 Florida
- #18 Auburn
- #19 Arkansas
- #21 Alabama
You won’t find many people who disparage Mark Pope’s efforts in the offseason. Since the former national champion took over the reins at Kentucky, there has been evidence of a clear plan to attract specific skill sets into the program.
It’s going to be a long offseason waiting to see the final product in action.
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