Jaland Lowe commits to Kentucky basketball: What to know about transfer portal addition
LEXINGTON — Kentucky basketball is back on the board with another transfer portal commit. The latest pledge for coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats came Saturday in the form of Jaland Lowe, who spent the past two seasons at Pittsburgh.
A 6-foot-3 guard from Missouri City, Texas, Lowe earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2024-25 after averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. Lowe started all 31 games in which he appeared for the Panthers during the 2024-25 campaign. He scored 20 or more points 10 times, with a high of 28 in a 91-90 overtime win at Ohio State on Nov. 29.
His most notable performance: recording a triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) in a 93-48 rout of VMI on Nov. 18. It was just the sixth triple-double in program history. Along with the triple-double, Lowe had three other double-doubles in 2024-25, all of the points/assists variety.
The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team has bolstered its roster for the 2025-2026 season with the addition of point guard Jaland Lowe, who transferred from the University of Pittsburgh. Lowe’s commitment is a significant move for the Wildcats, aiming to enhance their backcourt strength under head coach Mark Pope.
Background and High School Career
Jaland Lowe hails from Missouri City, Texas, and attended Fort Bend Marshall High School. During his high school tenure, Lowe distinguished himself as a four-star recruit, averaging 26.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His exceptional performance on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he averaged 18 points per game, earned him First Team All-Peach Jam honors. In January 2023, Lowe was nominated for the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, underscoring his national recognition as a top-tier talent. Yardbarker+2Wikipedia+2A Sea Of Blue+2
College Career at Pittsburgh
Lowe committed to the University of Pittsburgh in October 2022, influenced by his family’s longstanding relationship with head coach Jeff Capel. In his freshman year, he played in 33 games, starting 31, and averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His sophomore season saw a remarkable surge in performance; Lowe averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, earning Third Team All-ACC honors. A highlight of his sophomore year was recording a triple-double against VMI, with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming only the sixth player in Pitt’s history to achieve this feat.
Playing Style and Strengths
Lowe is recognized for his versatility and playmaking abilities. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 175 pounds, he combines size with agility, making him a formidable presence on the court. His scoring is complemented by his vision and passing accuracy, facilitating effective ball movement and creating opportunities for teammates. Defensively, Lowe’s quickness and anticipation contribute to his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. A Sea Of Blue
Impact on Kentucky’s Roster
Lowe’s arrival addresses Kentucky’s need for a dynamic point guard capable of leading the offense and providing consistent scoring. His experience in the ACC and proven leadership qualities are expected to integrate seamlessly into Kentucky’s system. Lowe joins Kam Williams, a transfer from Tulane, as the second significant backcourt addition under Coach Pope’s tenure. This infusion of talent aims to elevate Kentucky’s competitiveness in the upcoming season. A Sea Of Blue+1A Sea Of Blue+1A Sea Of Blue+4A Sea Of Blue+4A Sea Of Blue+4
Coaches’ Perspectives
Rival coaches have taken note of Lowe’s capabilities. Duke’s Jon Scheyer praised Lowe’s scoring versatility and competitive spirit, highlighting his ability to impact games in multiple facets. Louisville’s Pat Kelsey lauded Lowe’s quickness, passing vision, and playmaking skills, drawing parallels between his precision and cinematic depictions of precision. Both coaches acknowledged Lowe’s proficiency in one-on-one situations and his tendency to favor driving left, making him a challenging matchup for defenders. A Sea Of Blue+1Pittsburgh Sports Now+1
Expectations and Future Outlook
With Lowe’s commitment, expectations are high for the Wildcats in the forthcoming season. His blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership is anticipated to make an immediate impact. As Kentucky integrates Lowe into their lineup, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his contributions will shape the team’s dynamics and performance in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
