Kentucky Still Searching for Scoring Spark as Transfer Portal Carousel Spins On

The winds of change are swirling around Lexington, and the Kentucky Wildcats are right in the eye of the storm. For a program accustomed to reloading rather than rebuilding, the 2025 offseason has been anything but routine. After a rocky finish to the 2024-25 campaign that saw the Wildcats fall short of expectations, a new era is underway. Yet amid the chaos of coaching changes, departures, and additions through the transfer portal, one thing is abundantly clear: Kentucky is still looking for some consistent scoring punch.

First-year head coach Mark Pope has taken the reins of the storied program with a vision that blends modern basketball philosophies with the foundational toughness that defines Kentucky hoops. But visions only go so far without the right personnel to execute them. That’s the challenge facing Pope and his staff as they work overtime to reshape the roster in hopes of competing in the gauntlet that is SEC basketball.

Scoring — or rather, the lack thereof — was one of the most glaring weaknesses of last season’s team down the stretch. For all the promise and talent on the roster, the Wildcats struggled to find reliable shot-making when it mattered most. Whether it was cold stretches from beyond the arc, a lack of go-to offense in the halfcourt, or simply inconsistency from young players, Kentucky’s offensive engine sputtered at inopportune times.

With several key pieces from last year’s roster either declaring for the NBA Draft or entering the transfer portal, the scoring void has only widened. The departure of dynamic guard Rob Dillingham — a projected lottery pick — left a particularly massive hole in terms of shot creation and explosiveness. Add in the exits of fellow guards Reed Sheppard and Antonio Reeves, and the Wildcats are now scrambling to find players who can not only score in bunches but also do so efficiently against high-level competition.

Pope has made it clear that his team will not shy away from the portal, and the Wildcats have been aggressive in their pursuit of experienced scorers. Yet even with several additions already secured, there’s a feeling around the program that the most important moves are still to come.

One of the biggest portal wins thus far has been the commitment of former BYU wing Jaxson Robinson. A known commodity to Pope from their time together in Provo, Robinson brings shooting ability, length, and a high basketball IQ to the table. He averaged nearly 14 points per game last season in the Big 12 and should be a plug-and-play starter for Kentucky. However, Robinson isn’t a primary creator, and that’s where the search continues.

Another intriguing addition is Andrew Carr, a versatile forward from Wake Forest who put up strong numbers in the ACC. Carr offers spacing, rebounding, and a face-up game that fits Pope’s spacing-heavy offensive vision. Still, he’s more of a complementary piece than a go-to guy, which means Kentucky needs to keep hunting for that alpha scorer.

The Wildcats have also been active in trying to secure backcourt reinforcements. SMU’s Zhuric Phelps was a name that emerged early, but the latest buzz suggests he may be leaning elsewhere. Meanwhile, the staff remains in contact with several guards, including Otega Oweh, who is testing the NBA Draft waters but could return to college for another season. Oweh averaged double-digit points at Oklahoma and has the physicality and downhill game to thrive in the SEC, but like others, he’s not yet a sure thing.

There’s also been speculation around Kentucky targeting Koby Brea, the elite shooter from Dayton. Brea hit over 46% of his threes last season and would immediately stretch defenses, but he’s also being courted by some of the top programs in the country. Kentucky’s pitch? A chance to play in front of the most passionate fans in the nation while helping restore the program to national prominence.

Pope’s biggest task may be balancing the need for scoring with the necessity of building team chemistry. With so many new faces likely to be in the locker room, there’s always the risk of assembling a group that looks good on paper but struggles to jell on the floor. That’s why character, leadership, and experience are being emphasized just as much as scoring averages.

The pressure is palpable. In Lexington, patience is rarely in abundance, especially when it comes to basketball. Kentucky fans have endured several seasons of unmet expectations, and while there’s optimism surrounding Pope’s hire, the fanbase is eager to see results — and buckets — as soon as possible.

Adding another layer of complexity is the emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) dynamics. Kentucky remains one of the most visible and profitable brands in college basketball, but it’s also facing increased competition on the NIL front. Stories have surfaced, including one involving Arkansas star Karter Knox reportedly turning down a massive NIL offer from Kentucky to stay in Fayetteville. That underscores the new recruiting reality — talent acquisition isn’t just about tradition anymore; it’s about the total package.

Still, Pope remains undeterred. He has been relentless in his pursuit of players who fit his style — both on and off the court. The Wildcats are expected to host multiple transfer prospects in the coming weeks, with offers extended to scoring guards, wings, and even a few under-the-radar bigs who could help bolster frontcourt depth.

There’s also the matter of returning players. While some are still weighing their options, the possibility of keeping someone like Adou Thiero could provide a bridge between the old regime and the new one. Thiero brings length, defense, and a blue-collar mentality that fits Pope’s vision, even if he’s not a high-volume scorer. Players like him could be essential in building a balanced, cohesive unit.

In the meantime, Kentucky’s staff is walking the tightrope between urgency and diligence. The portal offers plenty of options, but not all of them are ideal fits. Pope has emphasized that he’s not just looking for “names” — he’s looking for winners. Players who want to be part of something bigger. Players who are hungry, coachable, and committed to playing the right way.

It’s a difficult dance, but it’s one that must be done right. The SEC is as competitive as ever, with teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and Auburn all reloading with talent. To keep pace, Kentucky will need more than just competent scorers — they’ll need closers. Players who can take over games, hit big shots, and carry the offensive load when everything else breaks down.

There’s also the reality that Kentucky, once viewed as the ultimate destination, is no longer the only game in town. The transfer portal era has democratized college basketball in many ways, and now it’s about relationships, fit, and opportunity. Mark Pope knows this, and he’s betting on his vision to resonate with the right players.

But the clock is ticking. Summer workouts will begin before long, and the roster is still in flux. There’s still room for at least a couple more impact players — ideally ones who can score at all three levels and take some pressure off Robinson and Carr. Whether that’s through a late transfer decision, a surprise reclassification, or a draft withdrawal, Kentucky is watching every possibility closely.

There’s no question the program is in transition. And while change is never easy, it’s often necessary. Kentucky basketball is evolving, and the staff is doing everything it can to ensure the next chapter includes a return to offensive firepower and postseason relevance.

For now, the Wildcats remain a work in progress — a roster under construction with the foundation taking shape. The scoring punch they seek may not have arrived yet, but the fight to find it is very much alive. And in the ever-chaotic world of modern college hoops, that might be the only certainty worth betting on.