CBS Sports rated Kentucky basketball as a top winner in the transfer portal.
The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program, long a blueblood of the sport, has experienced a dramatic transformation in the 2024 offseason, and CBS Sports has recognized the Wildcats as one of the top winners in the transfer portal. The praise comes at a critical time for the program, which faced uncertainty following the departure of legendary head coach John Calipari. The seismic shift began when Calipari announced his move to Arkansas, a surprising development that left Kentucky scrambling to find a new leader capable of upholding the tradition of excellence while navigating the new realities of college basketball, including the omnipresent transfer portal and the ever-changing dynamics of NIL. In stepped Mark Pope, a former Kentucky national champion as a player and most recently the head coach at BYU. With deep roots in the Kentucky basketball community and a proven ability to build competitive rosters, Pope took on the monumental task of rebuilding nearly the entire Wildcats team from scratch.
Pope inherited a program in transition. As expected in the wake of a coaching change, a mass exodus followed Calipari’s departure. Top recruits and returning players alike departed. Zvonimir Ivisic, Adou Thiero, Aaron Bradshaw, Joey Hart, and D.J. Wagner transferred to other programs. Rob Dillingham, Ugonna Onyenso, and Justin Edwards entered the NBA Draft. Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves, two of the most experienced players, graduated. The result was a completely bare cupboard, forcing Pope to act with urgency and precision in the transfer portal. What followed was one of the most impressive transfer hauls in the nation. Pope’s approach emphasized experience, versatility, and fit over recruiting stars. He focused on players who could contribute immediately, adapt quickly to his system, and bring maturity to a locker room that had to gel quickly to be competitive in the grueling Southeastern Conference.
The first major addition was Jaxson Robinson, a transfer from BYU who had already flourished under Pope’s guidance. Robinson led BYU in scoring during the 2023–24 season, averaging 14.2 points per game and earning the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year award. His familiarity with Pope’s system and ability to shoot from deep made him a critical foundational piece for the new Kentucky roster. His decision to follow Pope to Lexington was a significant early win for the program and set the tone for what would become a flurry of impactful additions.
One of the most heralded pickups was Brandon Garrison, a former McDonald’s All-American who played his freshman season at Oklahoma State. At 6-foot-11, Garrison brings size, athleticism, and interior toughness. He averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to protect the rim and be a reliable force in the paint. Pope valued Garrison’s potential as a modern big man capable of defending multiple positions and running the floor. His presence offers defensive stability and rebounding, both of which were sorely needed given the loss of Kentucky’s entire frontcourt from the previous season.
The frontcourt additions continued with the commitment of Amari Williams, a three-time Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year from Drexel. Williams averaged 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in his final season with the Dragons. A seasoned veteran with an imposing 6-foot-10 frame, Williams is known for his shot-blocking and defensive versatility. He gives the Wildcats a strong interior tandem alongside Garrison, allowing Pope to rotate big men and keep defensive intensity high throughout games. Williams’ decision to transfer to Kentucky signaled to other top players that the program remained a premier destination even in transition.
Another critical piece was Lamont Butler, a guard from San Diego State known nationally for his clutch performances during the Aztecs’ run to the 2023 NCAA Championship game. Butler hit a buzzer-beating shot in the Final Four and has since built a reputation as a composed and reliable floor general. At Kentucky, he brings leadership, experience, and a steady hand in the backcourt. His defense, in particular, will be crucial in SEC play, and his ability to manage late-game situations provides the Wildcats with a calming presence when the pressure mounts.
Andrew Carr, a versatile forward from Wake Forest, added more flexibility to Pope’s frontcourt. Carr averaged over 13 points and 6 rebounds per game, demonstrating an ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and switch defensively. His fit in a motion offense system like Pope’s is seamless, and he is expected to be one of the glue guys on the roster, contributing in multiple facets and doing the little things that lead to winning. His experience in the ACC prepared him for the physicality and pace of the SEC.
Koby Brea’s addition from Dayton was another coup for Pope. Brea was the most efficient three-point shooter in the nation during the 2023–24 season, connecting on an astonishing 49.8% of his attempts. His presence adds elite shooting to a team that is expected to play a more modern, perimeter-oriented style under Pope. Brea’s gravity as a shooter opens up the floor for slashers and bigs, and his ability to play off the ball makes him a perfect complement to Butler and Robinson in the backcourt.
Otega Oweh, a forward from Oklahoma, brings energy, athleticism, and defensive intensity. Oweh is a capable wing defender with the ability to guard multiple positions and contribute in transition. He fits the mold of a high-motor, high-impact player who can influence games without needing plays called for him. His effort on the defensive end will be critical as Pope looks to instill a culture of toughness and accountability.
Beyond the transfers, Pope also brought in a trio of freshmen that helped solidify the roster. Collin Chandler, a four-star guard who initially committed to BYU, flipped his commitment to Kentucky following Pope’s hiring. Chandler is a scoring guard with excellent shooting range and confidence, giving the team a potential offensive spark off the bench. Trent Noah and Travis Perry, two of the top high school players from the state of Kentucky, also committed to the Wildcats. Perry, the all-time leading scorer in Kentucky high school history, adds scoring prowess and a deep connection to the fanbase. Noah is a physical wing with toughness and a nose for the ball, the kind of role player who earns minutes through hustle and grit.
CBS Sports lauded Kentucky’s portal strategy for its clarity and purpose. Rather than chase the biggest names, Pope targeted players who fit his system and could contribute immediately. The Wildcats now feature a roster filled with experience, leadership, and skill across all positions. The team’s depth will allow Pope to experiment with lineups, and the mix of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity provides the foundation for a deep postseason run.
The transformation has not gone unnoticed in the college basketball world. Analysts have pointed out the uniqueness of Kentucky’s rebuild. In an era when many programs take years to bounce back after major coaching changes, Pope has managed to piece together a competitive roster in a matter of weeks. The cohesion and chemistry of this group will be tested early, but the talent and experience are undeniable. The Wildcats are now seen as a dark-horse contender in the SEC, with the potential to climb into the national conversation if the pieces gel as expected.
What also makes this roster interesting is how it differs philosophically from the one Calipari typically built. For over a decade, Kentucky leaned heavily on one-and-done freshmen. Pope has taken the opposite route, emphasizing proven college players over raw potential. The result is a team that is older, more mature, and likely more equipped to handle the rigors of a long season. That could pay dividends in March, when experience often trumps talent in high-pressure situations.
For fans, the 2024–25 season promises to be one of renewal. While expectations may be tempered compared to the preseason Final Four hype that often accompanied Calipari’s teams, there is a sense of excitement and curiosity about what Pope’s Wildcats can achieve. The players he brought in are hungry, motivated, and eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage in college basketball. Pope has consistently emphasized the importance of playing for the name on the front of the jersey and understanding what it means to be part of Kentucky basketball. That message has resonated with fans and players alike.
The season ahead will provide answers to many questions, but one thing is clear: Kentucky has positioned itself for immediate success, thanks in large part to a masterful use of the transfer portal. Mark Pope’s inaugural offseason was a statement, both to his doubters and to the rest of the college basketball world. It showed that Kentucky remains a premier destination, that rebuilding doesn’t have to mean rebuilding slowly, and that the Wildcats are far from finished in their pursuit of excellence. CBS Sports’ recognition of Kentucky as a top winner in the transfer portal is not just a nod to a successful offseason—it is a sign that the Wildcats are once again a force to be reckoned with.
