Brandon Garrison Embraces Challenge of Year Two at Kentucky, Says He’s ‘Really Hungry’ to Make Major Sophomore Leap

Brandon Garrison arrived at Kentucky with promise, potential, and the kind of poise coaches dream of in a freshman big man. Now, after an up-and-down first year navigating the transition from high school dominance to the rigors of high-major college basketball, the 6-foot-11 forward is entering his sophomore season with renewed motivation. Garrison is back in Lexington not just to improve—but to prove.

“I’m really hungry,” Garrison said recently during team workouts. “Last year taught me a lot. It was humbling, it was challenging, and now it’s fueling me.”

For Garrison, the hunger isn’t just about numbers or stats—though he’s certainly eager to increase both. As a freshman, he averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in about 16 minutes per game. He played behind older, more experienced post players, occasionally flashing his potential but more often finding himself in the learning lane. That year of development, he says, was necessary. Now, he’s prepared to put it all to use.

“I was just trying to keep up at times,” Garrison admitted. “College is so much faster and more physical than high school. But I learned how to deal with it. I learned what I need to do to get stronger, to be more focused, to be a better teammate and a better player.”

His freshman season was marked by steady, if unspectacular, progress. Garrison showed glimpses of the player Kentucky fans hope he becomes—a mobile rim protector with a growing offensive game and high-level instincts. He played with energy, blocked shots, ran the floor, and executed within the system. But with the Wildcats often relying on veteran frontcourt pieces, Garrison’s role was limited. That’s likely to change in Year Two.

With roster turnover reshaping Kentucky yet again—this time under new head coach Mark Pope—Garrison is among the few returning scholarship players. His decision to stay, amid a whirlwind of transfers and coaching changes, signals his commitment to the program and belief in his own future.

“When Coach Pope got hired, he called me right away,” Garrison said. “He made it clear he wanted me to be part of what he’s building. That meant a lot to me. I love Kentucky. I didn’t want to run from the grind. I wanted to grow with it.”

That loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed. Pope, who has emphasized toughness, development, and culture in his short time leading the Wildcats, sees Garrison as a foundational piece.

“Brandon is a worker,” Pope said. “He wants to be coached. He wants to get better. He’s one of those guys who, when you walk in the gym, you just know he’s in there getting after it. We’re going to push him, and I think he’s going to have a big year.”

Pope isn’t alone in his belief. Garrison’s high school pedigree—he was a consensus top-40 national recruit and a McDonald’s All-American—suggested from the start that he could be a major contributor in the SEC. As a sophomore, he’ll have a clearer runway to play more minutes and take on a bigger leadership role in the locker room. His teammates already look to him for energy, effort, and steadiness.

Those qualities, Garrison says, come naturally. He was raised in a competitive environment, and he’s always had to fight for his place. “Growing up in Oklahoma City, nothing was ever handed to me,” he said. “I had to earn everything. I bring that same mentality here. Just because you’re wearing ‘Kentucky’ on your chest doesn’t mean anything’s guaranteed. You’ve got to earn your spot every day.”

Garrison’s offseason has been all about earning. He’s bulked up, adding close to 15 pounds of muscle to better withstand the physicality of SEC play. He’s also been focused on refining his offensive game—working on mid-range jumpers, hook shots, footwork, and passing out of the post. He wants to be more than just a screen-setter or shot blocker. He wants to be someone who opponents have to game-plan around.

“I’ve been watching a lot of film—guys like Bam Adebayo, Al Horford, even some Jokic,” Garrison said with a smile. “I’m not saying I’m there yet, but I’m studying how they move, how they think the game. I want to bring that IQ into what I do.”

That cerebral approach could be a key asset in Pope’s system. Known for his structured, team-first style that emphasizes spacing, movement, and communication, Pope will rely on bigs who can read the floor and make smart decisions. Garrison, with his blend of size, athleticism, and developing court vision, fits the mold.

Still, the challenge won’t be easy. Kentucky’s 2025-26 roster will include new talent—transfers, freshmen, and players brought in to compete immediately. Garrison knows nothing will be handed to him. But that’s exactly what fuels him.

“Competition makes you better,” he said. “I’m not scared of it. I’m excited. I want to earn everything I get.”

That mentality is drawing praise from those around the program. Teammates describe Garrison as quiet but driven, a player who leads by example and lets his work speak for itself.

“He’s in the gym more than anyone I’ve seen,” one assistant coach said. “He’s locked in. It’s not about hype for him—it’s about getting better.”

For Garrison, Year Two isn’t about making a name for himself—it’s about continuing to build a foundation. He wants to be the type of player Kentucky can depend on every night, the type of teammate who does the dirty work, and the type of leader younger players can look up to.

“I don’t need to be the loudest voice,” he said. “I just want to show that I’m here, I’m working, and I’m going to give everything I’ve got. That’s how I earn respect. That’s how we build something.”

As Kentucky enters a new era under Pope, Garrison’s hunger could be a critical ingredient in helping the Wildcats rediscover their identity. He’s not chasing headlines—he’s chasing growth.

“I know what it feels like to sit on the bench,” Garrison said. “I know what it feels like to be frustrated and feel like you can do more. Now I’m going to use that. Every day I step on the court, I remind myself—don’t take it for granted. Fight for it.”

And so, Brandon Garrison heads into Year Two at Kentucky not as a finished product, but as a player with unfinished business. He’s not here to blend in—he’s here to break out. The road to becoming a Kentucky star isn’t an easy one, but Garrison’s ready to take that journey, one determined, sweat-filled practice at a time.

He’s been through the fire. Now, he wants to emerge forged.

“I’ve got big goals,” he said. “But it starts with showing up every day and getting better. I’m really hungry. And I’m not stopping until I get where I need to be.”