The Kentucky Wildcats have reportedly made contact with Cade Tyson, a former North Carolina Tar Heels guard who recently entered the transfer portal. Tyson, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound player, first rose to prominence at Belmont, where he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year for the 2022-23 season after averaging 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He improved in his sophomore season with averages of 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, showcasing strong shooting efficiency, particularly from three-point range. A Sea Of Blue+1A Sea Of Blue+1
Despite his success at Belmont, Tyson struggled to find playing time at North Carolina, averaging only 7.9 minutes and 2.6 points per game. Kentucky had previously recruited Tyson during the 2024 transfer cycle and revisited their interest as they look to bolster their backcourt. Other programs such as BYU, Ohio State, Purdue, Clemson, and Iowa have also shown interest. A Sea Of Blue
The Wildcats’ renewed interest in Tyson comes after missing out on other top transfer prospects. Princeton guard Xavien Lee, who averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists and earned First Team All-Ivy League honors, has narrowed his choices to St. John’s, Kansas, and Florida. Similarly, Washington State guard Cedric Coward, who posted averages of 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds, is considering Duke, Alabama, Florida, Kansas, and Washington. With their frontcourt set, Kentucky is targeting backcourt players, particularly sharpshooters, to fill remaining spots. Cade Tyson is among recent players to draw Kentucky’s interest. A Sea Of Blue
While Tyson could potentially fill a role similar to former Wildcat Ansley Almonor, his addition depends on other recruiting outcomes for Kentucky. The staff is expected to monitor late portal entries closely, keeping hope alive for more strong recruiting additions. A Sea Of BlueA Sea Of Blue
Tyson’s journey from Belmont to North Carolina and now back into the transfer portal highlights the challenges and opportunities within college basketball’s evolving landscape. His proven scoring ability and shooting efficiency make him an attractive option for programs seeking to enhance their perimeter play. As Kentucky continues to shape its roster for the upcoming season, Tyson’s potential addition could provide the Wildcats with a valuable asset in their pursuit of success.