The Kentucky Wildcats are one of the most storied college basketball programs in the country, and one of their most notable offseasons ever is in full swing. Head coach John Calipari is no longer leading the program after spending the last 15 seasons at the helm, filling the vacancy as Arkansas' new coach. Kentucky alum Mark Pope, a captain on the 1995-96 national championship team, was hired to replace Calipari. Pope was the head coach at Utah Valley from 2015-19 before leading BYU from 2019 to last season.
Pope opened his playing career at the University of Washington, where he was the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 1992 before ultimately transferring to Kentucky. Now, he will try to utilize his personal experience as a transfer as he attempts to reload a Kentucky basketball roster that has been hit hard by Kentucky basketball transfers and the NBA. If you love the Wildcats, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.
The team of insiders atCatsPause.comare providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.
Kentucky basketball roster departures
Kentucky had already lost multiple players before Calipari departed, as Adou Thiero entered the transfer portal on March 29, while Justin Edwards and Rob Dillingham both declared for the NBA draft earlier this month. Following Calipari's exit, Ugonna Onyenso entered the draft after making 14 starts last season and star Reed Sheppard just declared for the draft on Thursday. Meanwhile, Aaron Bradshaw (Ohio State), Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas), Joey Hart (Ball State) and D.J. Wagner (uncommitted) all entered the transfer portal.
The Wildcats were already set to lose leading scorer Antonio Reeves and fourth-leading scorer Tre Mitchell, who were both seniors last season. Reeves led the team with 20.2 points per game, while Mitchell added 10.7 points and 7.2 rebounds. Kentucky has lost five of its six 2024 commits as well, so Pope needs to make quick work to fill out a depleted roster.Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky's roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster
Every player slated to return from Kentucky's 2023-24 roster played sparingly last year, so Pope needs to add impact players quickly. One of his former signees at BYU, guard Collin Chandler, has committed to join Pope at Kentucky. The Wildcats still have one remaining player from Calipari's 2024 recruiting class -- point guard Travis Perry, the No. 73 player in the nation, per 247Sports.
Jordan Burks, Brennan Canada, Kareem Watkins, Walker Horn, Grant Derbyshire are the other players who, as of now, are expected to return, though none averaged more than 2.0 points per game in 2023-24.
With at least eight scholarships available, Pope will actively look to add to the roster. For example, Pope reportedly has been in contact with TCU transfer JaKobe Coles, and he'll be looking at all options remaining in the 2024 recruiting class and the portal to be competitive immediately in Lexington.Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky's roster additions.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it's too late.
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