Basketball <\/p>\n
As the transfer portal dries up, Kentucky\u2019s roster is looking pretty underwhelming. While at least four players are returning next season \u2014 the Wildcats are still awaiting Malachi Moreno\u2019s decision as he goes through the NBA draft process \u2014 seven others have entered the transfer portal and have found new teams.<\/p>\n
While Mark Pope and his coaching staff secured commitments from four new players via the portal, the moves weren\u2019t big splashes and the roster leaves a lot to be desired. Where do Pope and Co. go from here?<\/p>\n
Kentucky reportedly expressed interest in a ton of players, but after missing on Donnie Freeman, Robert Wright III, and others, the Wildcats ultimately settled on guards Zoom Diallo (Washington), Alex Wilkins (Furman), and Jerone Morton (Washington State), along with forward Justin McBride (James Madison).<\/p>\n
This transfer-portal haul is underwhelming, particularly for the Wildcats given their resources and brand. A former Kentucky beat reporter called<\/a> the roster a \u201cbottom-five team in the SEC\u201d unless the Wildcats land a key portal acquisition. With Pope looking to make a splash, here are four available transfers the Wildcats should try to add.<\/p>\n During the transfer portal window, Kentucky and St. John\u2019s were fierce contenders for the commitment of Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman, who ultimately chose Pope\u2019s former coach and Red Storm bench tactician, Rick Pitino, as his new head coach.<\/p>\n Pope, captain of the 1996 Wildcats team that won the national championship, can exact revenge on his old mentor by pursuing and securing Joson Sanon\u2019s commitment.<\/p>\n The 6\u20195\u2033 guard struggled during his sophomore season at St. John\u2019s, averaging<\/a> 7.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 33.8% from the field. He could have a chance at Kentucky as an off-the-bench guard who could be used in three-guard packages alongside Wilkins and Diallo.<\/p>\n Jordan Burks played his freshman season at Kentucky in 2023-24. Former coach John Calipari seldom used the 6\u20199\u2033 forward, who appeared in 20 games and averaged 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds. He transferred to Georgetown in 2024-25 and then to UCF this past season.<\/p>\nPope Can One-Up Rick Pitino by Securing Joson Sanon<\/h3>\n
Can Jordan Burks Make A Triumphant Return to Lexington?<\/h3>\n