Insiders provide 2025 recruits, the roster, targets, and transfer portal news for Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope.

With the 2025-2026 college basketball season fast approaching, Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats have been one of the most active teams in both the recruiting world and the transfer portal. After a season filled with highs and lows, Pope’s aggressive strategy in strengthening his roster through key additions has made Kentucky one of the most intriguing teams in the country heading into next season. From elite high school recruits to impactful transfers, this offseason has shaped up to be pivotal for the Wildcats as they prepare to reclaim their place at the top of college basketball.

The 2025 Recruiting Class: Shaping the Future

Mark Pope’s efforts to revitalize Kentucky’s basketball program began with an outstanding 2025 recruiting class, featuring players who bring both skill and potential to Lexington. Despite heavy competition from other elite programs, Pope secured commitments from several high-profile recruits who are expected to contribute immediately.

1. Jasper Johnson – 5-Star Guard A dynamic scorer with exceptional ball-handling and playmaking abilities, Jasper Johnson is a major coup for Pope’s first full recruiting class. Standing at 6’4”, Johnson brings both size and versatility to the backcourt. Ranked as one of the top 10 players in the 2025 class, he has the ability to take over games with his scoring ability and is known for his impressive court vision. Johnson’s ability to create opportunities for teammates while being a threat himself makes him an essential part of the Wildcats’ future. With a strong high school career and standout performances on the AAU circuit, he’s set to step into a significant role for Kentucky in the upcoming season.
2. Malachi Moreno – 5-Star Forward Another key addition for Kentucky is forward Malachi Moreno, who stands at 6’9” and is known for his athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking skills. Moreno’s length and ability to cover ground quickly make him an ideal player to run the floor in transition, something Pope’s system heavily emphasizes. His defensive capabilities, paired with his offensive upside, make him a future star in the making. He joins the Wildcats as one of the top forward prospects in the 2025 class and is expected to be an immediate impact player on both ends of the court.

Transfer Portal Success: Adding Immediate Impact

While recruiting elite high school talent is crucial, Pope has made it clear that Kentucky will also capitalize on the growing importance of the transfer portal in modern college basketball. The portal has allowed Pope to add experienced players who can contribute immediately, and this has significantly bolstered Kentucky’s roster for the upcoming season.

1. Kam Williams – 6’8” Guard (Tulane) Williams is a versatile guard who transferred from Tulane after a stellar freshman season. Averaging 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, Williams shot an impressive 41.2% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his length make him a valuable asset for Kentucky, especially in a backcourt that can be difficult to defend with the size and athleticism Williams provides. His perimeter shooting is something that Kentucky has lacked in recent seasons, and Williams’ addition is expected to significantly improve the Wildcats’ offensive spacing and outside shooting.
2. Jayden Quaintance – 6’9” Forward (Arizona State) A former McDonald’s All-American, Jayden Quaintance transferred to Kentucky from Arizona State, bringing with him impressive rebounding and defensive capabilities. In his freshman year, Quaintance averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He is expected to immediately fill a void for Kentucky in terms of interior defense and rebounding. Quaintance’s presence in the paint will allow the Wildcats to compete with other SEC giants on the boards while providing an added dimension to their defense. His shot-blocking ability, combined with his strong rebounding, makes him an excellent fit for Pope’s defensive schemes.
3. Mouhamed Dioubate – 6’7” Forward (Rutgers) Dioubate’s transfer to Kentucky brings even more depth to an already stacked forward group. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Dioubate averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during his time at Rutgers. His ability to play both forward positions and defend multiple spots on the floor gives Pope options in terms of matchups. Dioubate’s energy and motor will add another level of toughness to Kentucky, something that is often needed in the rough-and-tumble SEC.
4. Jaland Lowe – 6’3” Guard (Memphis) A solid addition to Kentucky’s backcourt, Jaland Lowe transferred from Memphis where he averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 assists per game. Lowe’s experience in a major conference will be invaluable to the Wildcats as he brings not only scoring but also leadership to the team. His ability to run the offense and play alongside the newly signed Jasper Johnson gives Pope flexibility in the backcourt. Lowe’s experience with high-pressure games and his high basketball IQ make him a natural fit for a Kentucky team that will look to make a deep run in March.
5. Amari Williams – 7’0” Center (Drexel) The addition of Amari Williams, a 7-footer from Drexel, fills another crucial need for Kentucky. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding ability, Williams was a three-time Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year. During his senior season, he averaged 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Williams’ rim protection and physical presence in the paint give Kentucky a strong defensive anchor, and his ability to finish around the rim adds another dimension to their offensive game.

Transfer Portal Targets: Kentucky’s Pursuit of More Talent

Despite the strong additions already made through the transfer portal, Mark Pope is not done improving his roster. The Wildcats are still in pursuit of more talent, particularly in the backcourt. One of the primary transfer targets for Kentucky is Lamar Wilkerson, a high-scoring guard from Sam Houston State.

1. Lamar Wilkerson – 6’5” Guard (Sam Houston State) Wilkerson’s addition to Kentucky would significantly enhance the Wildcats’ scoring capabilities. Last season, he averaged 20.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, while shooting 48% from the field and 44.5% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot would make him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s offense, particularly with the addition of several playmakers in the backcourt. Wilkerson is scheduled to visit Kentucky, and his commitment would further strengthen the team’s depth and scoring potential. His transfer to Kentucky would provide the Wildcats with a guard who has the ability to take over games and score at will, something that will be crucial in a competitive SEC.

Projected 2025-2026 Roster

With the addition of the players mentioned above, Kentucky’s roster for the 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most talented in the nation. Pope has created a balanced team with a mix of experienced transfers and high-profile freshmen. Here is what the projected roster could look like:

Guards:

• Kam Williams (Tulane)
• Jaland Lowe (Memphis)
• Lamar Wilkerson (pending commitment)
• Jasper Johnson (Freshman)

Forwards:

• Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State)
• Mouhamed Dioubate (Rutgers)
• Malachi Moreno (Freshman)

Centers:

• Amari Williams (Drexel)
• Freshman 7-footer (TBD)

This roster gives Kentucky a solid mix of youth and experience, with a clear focus on improving both offense and defense. With players like Kam Williams and Lamar Wilkerson potentially leading the scoring charge, while Jayden Quaintance and Amari Williams provide a dominant presence on the defensive end, this Kentucky team looks poised to compete for an SEC title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Coaching Staff: Under Pope’s Leadership

Pope’s coaching staff is another key reason for the optimism surrounding Kentucky’s future. With a coaching staff filled with experience and talent, the Wildcats are well-equipped for success. Under Pope’s leadership, Kentucky’s players are expected to develop and thrive in a system designed to emphasize up-tempo play, defensive discipline, and unselfish offense.

• Alvin Brooks III – Associate Head Coach
• Mark Fox – Assistant Coach
• Cody Fueger – Assistant Coach
• Jason Hart – Assistant Coach
• Mikhail McLean – Assistant Coach

Pope’s ability to build a coaching staff that brings both recruiting expertise and player development skills has been a critical factor in Kentucky’s resurgence. With Pope at the helm, Kentucky’s program is in good hands as it heads into the 2025-2026 season.

 Looking Ahead

With a talented group of recruits, key transfers, and an experienced coaching staff, Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats are set up for success in the upcoming season. The combination of skilled freshmen like Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, along with experienced transfers like Kam Williams and Amari Williams, gives Kentucky the depth and talent needed to compete at the highest level. Pope’s aggressive moves in both recruiting and the transfer portal have shown his commitment to building a championship-caliber team. As Kentucky prepares for the 2025-2026 season, fans can expect a team that is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and potentially challenge for an SEC title.