Mark Pope previews potential return of Kentucky duo and his plans for next season’s roster

As the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team transitions into the offseason, head coach Mark Pope is diligently shaping the roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season. With player departures, potential returns, and active recruitment efforts, Pope is looking to build a competitive squad that can make a deep tournament run. His approach involves blending experienced transfers, promising high school recruits, and returning players who will serve as the foundation for the team.

Roster Departures and Transfer Portal Activity

A significant factor in shaping the Wildcats’ next season is the movement of players through the transfer portal. One notable departure is guard Kerr Kriisa, who has entered the transfer portal in pursuit of a medical redshirt for one final NCAA season. Kriisa, who transferred to Kentucky after stints at Arizona and West Virginia, was sidelined due to a foot injury after just nine games. He averaged 4.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game before his season was cut short. His departure marks a major shift in the team’s backcourt composition.

Additionally, Kentucky has shown interest in Maryland guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who recently entered the transfer portal. Gillespie, who averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game last season, is being closely pursued by several programs, with Tennessee currently leading in the recruitment race.

Coach Pope is also monitoring other high-profile transfers, including:

Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB): A dominant forward who averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He has entered the transfer portal while also declaring for the NBA Draft.
Silas Demary Jr. (Georgia): A versatile 6-foot-5 guard who put up 13.5 points per game last season. Kentucky has offered him a scholarship, emphasizing his potential role in the team’s new system.
Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas): A 7-foot center who previously played for Kentucky before transferring to Arkansas. He averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game last season. Kentucky has shown interest in bringing him back.

Returning Players and Their Impact

Despite roster changes, key players are expected to return and play pivotal roles. Chief among them is Otega Oweh, who led Kentucky in scoring last season. Oweh consistently scored in double figures for 26 consecutive games, including a career-high 28-point performance against Oklahoma. His return will provide stability and leadership in the backcourt.

Another significant returning player is forward Andrew Carr, who demonstrated his impact last season by recording 17 points and six rebounds in a crucial game against Alabama. Carr’s experience and physical presence in the frontcourt will be essential as Kentucky builds a balanced roster.

Recruiting Efforts and Incoming Talent

Coach Pope and his staff are actively recruiting both high school prospects and transfer players to strengthen the roster. Some notable high school recruits include:

Acaden Lewis (Washington D.C.): A highly ranked point guard who has scheduled an official visit during Big Blue Madness. He is considered one of the top point guards in his class.
Nate Ament: A top-ranked forward who is considering Kentucky, thanks in part to active recruitment efforts by Kentucky signee Malachi Moreno. Ament has postponed his college decision, but Kentucky remains a top contender.
Caleb Holt (2026 Prospect): A 6-foot-5 guard ranked No. 4 in his class. Assistant coach Jason Hart has maintained consistent communication, emphasizing Kentucky’s commitment to his development.
Tajh Ariza (2026 Prospect): A 6-foot-8 wing who remains a priority target for the Wildcats.

Building a Competitive Roster

Coach Pope has expressed his vision for the team, emphasizing the importance of a roster that includes players with “staying power.” This means targeting individuals who are willing to develop within the program rather than opting for a one-and-done pathway. The coaching staff is working to ensure that incoming recruits and transfers align with the Wildcats’ culture and long-term goals.

Key strategies for roster construction include:

Developing Team Chemistry: Integrating new players while maintaining cohesion among returning members.
Addressing Positional Needs: Strengthening both the backcourt and frontcourt with players who complement Kentucky’s playing style.
Balancing Experience and Youth: Ensuring a mix of veteran leadership and young talent to sustain long-term success.

Expectations for the 2025-26 Season

The Wildcats are coming off a 24-12 season that included impressive wins over top programs like Duke, Florida, and Gonzaga. Coach Pope’s goal for the upcoming season is to build on these successes while addressing areas for improvement. With a combination of returning talent, impactful recruits, and experienced transfers, Kentucky aims to position itself as a serious contender in the NCAA Tournament.

Mark Pope’s approach to roster management this offseason reflects a commitment to building a strong, balanced team capable of competing at the highest level. While departures and transfers have created challenges, Pope’s aggressive recruiting and player development strategies provide optimism for the Wildcats’ future. As the roster takes shape in the coming months, Kentucky fans can anticipate an exciting and competitive 2025-26 season.