The Kentucky Wildcats, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, are once again preparing for a new season with an eye on national championships. However, after a season filled with ups and downs, the Wildcats have entered the crucial period of the offseason, looking to strengthen their roster through the transfer portal. With the college basketball landscape continuing to evolve, the transfer portal has become a key element for teams like Kentucky to fill gaps, build depth, and address potential weaknesses.

As John Calipari and his coaching staff begin to prepare for the 2024-2025 season, there are several areas where Kentucky could stand to improve in order to be competitive on a national level. While Kentucky has traditionally relied on its highly-ranked high school recruits, the transfer portal offers the opportunity to bring in experienced players who can make an immediate impact. In this article, we will look at the key positions that Kentucky must address in the transfer portal, why these areas are of particular concern, and how Calipari can ensure his team is ready for the challenges ahead.

1. Point Guard: The Need for Leadership and Playmaking

One of the most critical positions for Kentucky heading into the offseason is point guard. Historically, the point guard position has been the engine that drives Calipari’s high-octane, fast-paced offenses. However, during the 2023-2024 season, the Wildcats faced challenges in the backcourt, particularly with creating consistent offensive flow and playmaking. While Cason Wallace was an impressive defensive force and a capable playmaker, his departure to the NBA Draft left a noticeable void in the leadership and playmaking department.

With the point guard position open, Kentucky needs to find a transfer who can immediately step in and provide experience, vision, and stability. The Wildcats will be looking for a player who can facilitate the offense, break down defenses, and make the right decisions in clutch moments. Additionally, this player must be able to contribute defensively, as Calipari’s defensive schemes often require point guards to play a vital role in guarding opposing ball handlers and pressuring the ball.

The ideal transfer for Kentucky would be a veteran point guard with several years of college experience, someone who has already proven their ability to lead a team and can adapt quickly to the demands of playing in the SEC. Ideally, this player should also possess the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, as shooting consistency from the point guard position has been a concern for Kentucky in recent seasons. A player who can push the pace and make quick decisions while maintaining control of the game would be invaluable for the Wildcats.

In addition to leadership and playmaking, a solid point guard will also help increase Kentucky’s offensive efficiency. For a team that has struggled at times to execute in half-court settings, a steady and dynamic point guard would allow the Wildcats to run more sets, get into their offense more smoothly, and create more open shots for teammates. Whether the player is a pass-first distributor or an aggressive scorer, adding a seasoned point guard to the mix should be a top priority for Calipari in the transfer portal.

2. Shooting Guard: Adding Consistent Scoring and Perimeter Shooting

Another area where Kentucky needs to improve is the shooting guard position. While Kentucky has a plethora of talented wing players, they have lacked a reliable, consistent scorer on the perimeter. The Wildcats’ shooting struggles in key moments have been well-documented, and the inability to knock down open shots from beyond the arc has cost them in several crucial games. This issue was particularly evident in their losses to teams with high-scoring offenses, where Kentucky struggled to keep up due to its shooting woes.

To remedy this, Kentucky should look for a transfer shooting guard who can provide scoring punch and, most importantly, add a reliable outside shooting presence. A shooter who can space the floor will open up driving lanes for the Wildcats’ big men, such as Oscar Tshiebwe, and provide room for Kentucky’s point guard to operate. Additionally, having a player who can stretch the defense will force opponents to cover the entire floor, preventing double teams and helping Kentucky’s offense flow more smoothly.

Beyond shooting, the ideal transfer shooting guard would also need to be a two-way player. While scoring is crucial, Kentucky needs someone who can contribute on the defensive end, especially as Calipari values versatility and effort on that side of the ball. A guard who can defend multiple positions and be an active presence on the ball would be a tremendous asset for Kentucky’s defense, particularly when it comes to defending opposing shooting guards and wings in the SEC.

In a conference that often features high-scoring offenses, having a consistent shooting guard who can produce on offense and provide defensive stability would be a significant step forward for the Wildcats. With a solid shooting guard in place, Kentucky would be better equipped to handle the high-pressure situations that arise in conference play and during the NCAA Tournament.

3. Small Forward: Versatility and Defensive Strength

The small forward position is another area where Kentucky should focus its attention in the transfer portal. With Chris Livingston’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft, Kentucky loses a versatile player who provided significant contributions on both ends of the floor. While the Wildcats have several options at small forward, including Jacob Toppin and Antonio Reeves, neither has consistently taken over games in a way that makes them elite players at that position.

What Kentucky needs is a transfer who can provide versatility—someone who can play both on the wing and in small-ball lineups, offering the ability to guard multiple positions, create offense, and contribute to the flow of the game. Ideally, this player would possess a combination of size, athleticism, and a well-rounded skill set. The small forward needs to be able to contribute to all aspects of the game, from scoring to passing to rebounding to defending. If Kentucky can find a versatile wing in the transfer portal, they would have a much more balanced attack.

A small forward with strong defensive capabilities is particularly crucial for Kentucky’s scheme, as Calipari often looks for players who can disrupt the opposing offense and create fast-break opportunities. Whether it’s by guarding the opposing team’s top scorer or forcing turnovers with quick hands, this player needs to contribute defensively while also being capable of scoring when called upon. The ability to defend the pick-and-roll, close out on shooters, and make smart decisions with the ball will go a long way in helping Kentucky improve in all aspects of the game.

4. Power Forward: Adding Depth Behind Oscar Tshiebwe

The power forward position is a pivotal area for Kentucky, especially given the unique skill set of Oscar Tshiebwe, the team’s star center and reigning National Player of the Year. While Tshiebwe provides Kentucky with an elite level of rebounding, scoring in the paint, and physicality in the post, the Wildcats lack depth behind him. If Tshiebwe were to get into foul trouble or sustain an injury, Kentucky would be left with limited options at power forward.

This is why adding a reliable power forward in the transfer portal should be a priority for the Wildcats. A player who can provide relief for Tshiebwe and contribute offensively would add much-needed depth to Kentucky’s frontcourt. Additionally, this player should bring a different skill set from Tshiebwe—someone who is capable of stretching the floor, perhaps with the ability to shoot from mid-range or beyond the arc.

Adding a power forward who can provide a scoring presence, along with the necessary physicality, would allow Kentucky to stay competitive even when Tshiebwe is off the floor. Furthermore, this player could give Calipari the option to experiment with different lineup combinations, creating versatility in the Wildcats’ rotations and adding a different dynamic to the offense.

5. Center: Backup Options Behind Tshiebwe

While Oscar Tshiebwe is a dominant force in the post, Kentucky also needs to look for center depth in the transfer portal. With Tshiebwe often attracting double teams and commanding the paint, Kentucky’s offense often revolves around his ability to dominate inside. However, there are times when he may need a breather, and Kentucky needs a capable backup to fill that role.

The ideal transfer center would be someone who can protect the rim, rebound at a high level, and give the Wildcats a strong presence in the paint when Tshiebwe isn’t on the floor. This player wouldn’t necessarily need to have Tshiebwe’s offensive skill set but should provide a reliable and consistent option defensively, especially when it comes to blocking shots and altering opposing team’s offenses.