The transfer portal has become a pivotal aspect of college basketball in recent years, allowing programs to reshape their rosters quickly. For the Kentucky Wildcats, under head coach Mark Pope, the 2025 season will be no different as they aim to reload and compete at the highest level in the SEC and beyond. Pope and his staff are fully aware that to return to the upper echelon of college basketball, they need to make strategic moves in the transfer portal, acquiring experienced talent to complement the strong foundation already in place. Kentucky’s coaching staff, led by Pope, has been in touch with several top prospects in the transfer portal, and the list is constantly evolving as more names become available. KSR has been keeping track of these potential additions to the Wildcats’ roster, compiling a list of players who are reportedly in contact with UK’s coaching staff. While it’s still early in the process, several names stand out as potential game-changers for Kentucky’s future.
One of the primary goals for Pope and his team is to address the Wildcats’ needs in the frontcourt. With the departure of key players, Kentucky has a vacancy at both forward and center positions. Pope is looking for someone who can provide both scoring and defense, with an emphasis on rebounding. A player that has been on the Wildcats’ radar for some time is Yaxel Lendeborg, a versatile forward from UAB. Lendeborg, who has averaged double-digit points and has been a consistent presence in the paint, has the kind of physicality that Pope is looking for. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor would make him an immediate asset to Kentucky, especially in terms of providing depth in the post. Lendeborg’s all-around game could be exactly what the Wildcats need to strengthen their frontcourt and add another layer of versatility to the roster.
Additionally, Kentucky has expressed interest in Duncan Powell, a 6-foot-8 forward with a notable track record in college basketball. Powell has played at multiple schools, including North Carolina A&T, Sacramento State, and Georgia Tech. His career has been marked by solid scoring and rebounding numbers, and his experience at different levels of competition makes him an intriguing prospect for the Wildcats. Powell’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute offensively would add a different dimension to Kentucky’s frontcourt. His potential as a versatile scorer and defender could make him a crucial piece for the Wildcats as they look to contend for a national championship. Given his college experience, Powell could step in and make an immediate impact in Lexington.
In terms of backcourt additions, Pope and his staff are looking for a guard who can handle the ball, create offense, and provide leadership. One name that has been connected to Kentucky is Jaland Lowe, a point guard from Pittsburgh. Lowe had an outstanding season last year, averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. His all-around game and ability to impact both ends of the floor have caught the attention of several top programs, including Kentucky. Lowe’s ability to run the offense and create for others would be a major asset for Pope, who wants to ensure his team has a steady hand at point guard. Lowe’s scoring ability, particularly his proficiency as a playmaker, could help elevate Kentucky’s offense to new heights.
Alongside Lowe, the Wildcats have also been linked to Tyrone Riley, a freshman guard from San Francisco. Riley made an immediate impact in his first year of college basketball, averaging 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His versatility as a guard, able to score and contribute in various facets of the game, has drawn the attention of several programs, including Kentucky. Riley’s rebounding ability, coupled with his scoring potential, could give Kentucky another weapon in the backcourt. His presence would help Kentucky build depth and add a dimension of physicality to their perimeter players, which will be important as they look to compete in the SEC.
Another name that Kentucky has reportedly been in touch with is Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a guard from Maryland. Gillespie had an outstanding season in the Big Ten, averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game. His ability to score at all three levels, combined with his playmaking skills, makes him a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal. Gillespie’s high basketball IQ and experience playing at a high level could make him an ideal fit for Kentucky, as Pope looks for someone who can run the offense and create opportunities for others. However, Gillespie’s ties to Tennessee make him a potential target for the Volunteers as well, which could add an element of competition for Kentucky in this recruitment.
Alongside those players, Kentucky has also been evaluating several other prospects as they continue to build a balanced roster. While Pope has yet to make any major announcements, the Wildcats have reportedly expressed interest in a variety of players from different positions. The goal, as always, is to bring in players who fit Kentucky’s system, bringing both immediate impact and long-term potential. Pope’s emphasis on recruiting versatile, high-character players is evident in the names being targeted, as the Wildcats look to fill out their roster with players who complement one another and fit the program’s culture.
The transfer portal is ever-changing, and Kentucky’s staff is working hard to identify and pursue the best possible candidates to fill their roster needs. As Pope looks to build a team capable of competing for championships, the Wildcats’ success in the portal will play a significant role in their future. The names mentioned so far are just a few of the many players Kentucky is likely to pursue in the coming weeks and months. The Wildcats have always been a team that attracts top-tier talent, and with Pope’s track record and ability to connect with players, it’s likely that Kentucky will land several key pieces from the transfer portal to bolster their roster for the 2025 season.
It’s important to note that the transfer portal is not just about finding talent; it’s about finding the right fit. Pope and his staff are looking for players who can contribute immediately, but they are also seeking individuals who will work well within Kentucky’s system and culture. As Pope continues to build the team, the Wildcats’ success in the portal will be a critical factor in their ability to compete for the top spots in the SEC and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
With the season still months away, the Wildcats’ roster is far from finalized. However, the work being done by Pope and his staff in the transfer portal is crucial to the team’s future success. By targeting players who can make an immediate impact and fit seamlessly into their system, Kentucky is positioning itself for a strong showing in the upcoming season. As more names become available in the transfer portal, expect Kentucky’s list of targets to evolve. The Wildcats are working tirelessly to identify the best possible talent to round out their roster and continue their tradition of excellence on the court. The next few weeks and months will be pivotal as Kentucky builds a roster capable of competing at the highest level in college basketball.