Assuming Oweh returns, what yall think about this starting 5
When the college basketball world found out Mark Pope would be leading the Kentucky Wildcats into a new era, there were more questions than answers. But if there’s one thing Pope has already demonstrated with his quick and calculated offseason moves, it’s that he has a vision. Now, with the possibility of Otega Oweh returning, the foundation for a competitive, battle-tested, and offensively versatile starting five is beginning to take shape.
Here’s a closer look at the projected starting five and what it means for Kentucky’s future:
Projected Starting Five
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PG: Kerr Kriisa (6’3”, Arizona/West Virginia transfer)
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SG: Otega Oweh (6’5”, returning junior from Oklahoma)
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SF: Jaxson Robinson (6’6”, BYU transfer – if eligible)
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PF: Andrew Carr (6’9”, Wake Forest transfer)
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C: Brandon Garrison (6’11”, Oklahoma State transfer)
The Brain: Kerr Kriisa at Point Guard
Kerr Kriisa isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but what he brings to a program like Kentucky is invaluable: confidence, leadership, and floor spacing. After stints at Arizona and West Virginia, Kriisa is battle-tested in high-stakes environments. His game is built around facilitating ball movement and controlling pace — two elements Mark Pope’s offense desperately needs to thrive.
Kriisa is a career 36% three-point shooter, and he’s known for his quick trigger and even quicker decision-making. He’s not a traditional slasher or elite finisher at the rim, but he compensates with high basketball IQ, elite pick-and-roll navigation, and an ability to stretch defenses.
Why it works: With scorers like Oweh and Robinson around him, Kriisa doesn’t need to be a volume scorer — just a table-setter. And that’s his specialty.
The Engine: Otega Oweh at Shooting Guard
If Oweh returns to college ball, Kentucky is getting a legitimate two-way threat. A 6’5” guard with a sturdy frame, explosive first step, and an ever-improving jump shot, Oweh has the tools to be the Wildcats’ primary scoring option and perimeter stopper.
In his sophomore season at Oklahoma, Oweh averaged double digits while showing glimpses of being a three-level scorer. His attacking mindset and physicality allow him to initiate contact and finish through defenders — a skill Pope’s offense desperately needs to balance perimeter shooting.
On defense, Oweh is just as valuable. He can guard both backcourt positions, apply pressure on ball handlers, and fight over screens. His motor and toughness set the tone, especially for a team with multiple new pieces.
Why it works: Oweh is Kentucky’s emotional leader. He brings SEC-level physicality and Big 12 battle scars — two assets Kentucky lacked in previous years.
The Weapon: Jaxson Robinson at Small Forward
Robinson’s decision is crucial. If the sharpshooting BYU wing follows Pope and becomes eligible, he instantly slots in as one of the best pure shooters in the SEC. At 6’6”, Robinson not only spaces the floor but also has the length and athleticism to contribute defensively.
He averaged nearly 14 points per game under Pope at BYU and hit over 35% of his threes on high volume. He also showed an improved ability to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts. He’s not a primary playmaker, but when surrounded by creators like Kriisa and Oweh, he doesn’t need to be.
Why it works: Pope’s system thrives with wings who can shoot, move off-ball, and defend. Robinson fits that mold perfectly.
The Glue: Andrew Carr at Power Forward
One of the more underrated additions to the Wildcats, Carr is a classic modern power forward. He brings size, length, and skill to the four-spot. At Wake Forest, Carr was a jack-of-all-trades — not a flashy player, but incredibly reliable.
He shot nearly 36% from three, attacked closeouts well, and played strong positional defense. His rebounding and ability to stretch defenses with pick-and-pop action will open the lane for drivers like Oweh. Think of him as a calming, stabilizing force in the frontcourt — the type of player championship teams need but often don’t get enough credit.
Why it works: Carr doesn’t need touches to be effective. He’s a floor spacer, rebounder, and smart defender — the kind of veteran forward every great team leans on.
The Anchor: Brandon Garrison at Center
Rounding out the starting five is Garrison, the 6’11” sophomore transfer from Oklahoma State. Garrison brings elite size, shot-blocking ability, and developing offensive skills to the table. He’s still raw, but the upside is enormous.
Garrison has great timing as a rim protector, runs the floor well, and finishes lobs with authority. Offensively, he’s not polished, but he’s learning how to play in the pick-and-roll and finish through contact. In a Mark Pope system that thrives on spacing and movement, Garrison will benefit from open lanes and easy buckets.
Why it works: Garrison gives Kentucky something they haven’t had consistently in years — a true defensive anchor. His presence will allow the perimeter defenders to gamble more and play aggressive, knowing they’ve got a shot blocker behind them.
The Fit: Synergy and Style
Mark Pope’s offensive system is all about spacing, tempo, and read-and-react principles. That’s why this group makes so much sense. Let’s look at the synergy:
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Spacing: Robinson, Carr, and Kriisa can all hit threes at a high clip. That opens lanes for Oweh and slashing opportunities.
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Defense: Oweh and Robinson can guard multiple positions, while Garrison cleans up the mess inside. This team can switch and rotate effectively.
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Versatility: Everyone outside of Garrison can play multiple roles offensively. Whether it’s Kriisa running the show or Carr facilitating from the elbow, this lineup is multidimensional.
Areas for Improvement
Of course, no lineup is perfect. Here are some concerns:
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Ball Security: Kriisa can be turnover-prone under pressure. Without a true backup point guard, Kentucky needs to develop secondary playmakers.
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Interior Scoring: Garrison is still raw offensively, so Kentucky may struggle against more polished bigs.
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Eligibility Issues: Robinson’s eligibility is still uncertain due to transfer rules, which could throw this projection off.
Bench Depth: Wildcards to Watch
Behind this starting five, the Wildcats will likely bring in a handful of key reserves:
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Ansley Almonor: A stretch forward who can shoot and guard multiple positions.
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Collin Chandler: Former four-star recruit returning from a mission; a two-way combo guard.
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Amari Williams (if added): Elite defensive big who could rotate with Garrison.
Mark Pope will have the ability to run small-ball lineups with Carr at the 5 or bigger units with multiple forwards. That flexibility could be key in a long season.
The Outlook: SEC Title Contenders?
If everything clicks — and if Oweh and Robinson return — this team has a ceiling higher than most pundits are ready to admit. They’re not your typical Kentucky “one-and-done” roster. This is an older, smarter, tougher team with enough shooting and defensive grit to compete with the best.
In a down year for traditional SEC powers like Florida and Alabama (both losing NBA talent), Kentucky could re-establish itself as a top contender. By March, don’t be surprised if they’re a top-10 team nationally and making noise in the NCAA Tournament.
Oweh Is the Key
The whole equation changes if Otega Oweh returns. He gives this team its edge, its alpha, its identity. With him in the fold, Kentucky is no longer a patchwork roster trying to find chemistry — they’re a real contender.
Mark Pope may not be John Calipari, but he’s building something with intention. And with Oweh back, that “something” might be the start of a new golden era in Lexington.
