Kentucky Wildcats Showcase Talent, Depth, and Progress During Intense Summer Scrimmage Session Inside the Joe Craft Center Practice Facility
The Kentucky Wildcats continued their offseason preparations today with another high-intensity practice scrimmage held inside the Joe Craft Center. As the summer workout schedule rolls on, these intra-squad scrimmages are providing an invaluable window into how the 2025-26 Kentucky men’s basketball team is developing, bonding, and competing before the official start of fall practice. With a roster filled with a mix of returning veterans, promising sophomores, and talented newcomers, the energy and competitiveness on display in today’s scrimmage stood out as a defining moment in this phase of the offseason.
From the moment the team stepped onto the court, it was evident that the coaching staff emphasized pace, defense, and communication. Every possession was treated like it mattered, with players diving for loose balls, rotating with urgency on defense, and pushing the tempo on every rebound. Assistant coaches barked instructions while head coach Mark Pope remained an engaged and vocal presence, constantly providing feedback, motivation, and occasional tactical adjustments.
The scrimmage featured multiple 10-minute segments with rotating lineups, allowing the staff to evaluate various player combinations and schemes. This format gave everyone—from scholarship players to walk-ons—valuable reps and a chance to demonstrate improvement. The pace was fast, but there was a notable improvement in poise and execution compared to earlier scrimmages held in June. Mistakes still occurred, but they were followed quickly by corrections and coaching points.
Among the standout performers was sophomore point guard DJ Wagner, who continues to evolve as a floor general. Wagner showcased improved decision-making, quicker reads in the pick-and-roll, and better communication with his teammates. He consistently found open shooters on the perimeter and orchestrated the offense with a calm maturity that wasn’t always present during his freshman campaign. His on-ball defense was another bright spot—pressuring ball handlers and navigating screens with purpose and grit.
Another major takeaway from today’s scrimmage was the growth of forward Aaron Bradshaw, who looked much more comfortable asserting himself inside. Bradshaw used his length to alter shots defensively and showed improved touch around the basket. His offensive game continues to expand, as he knocked down a midrange jumper with confidence and ran the floor exceptionally well in transition. Coaches have emphasized conditioning and physicality with Bradshaw all offseason, and it’s beginning to show.
The incoming freshman class also left its mark on the proceedings, with guard Billy Richmond displaying flashes of athleticism and two-way upside. Richmond played with an edge, attacking closeouts, finishing through contact, and getting into passing lanes defensively. His energy was infectious, often sparking runs during his unit’s time on the floor. His competitive spirit, combined with a willingness to be coached, gives the staff reason for excitement about his immediate impact.
Meanwhile, transfer wing Otega Oweh, formerly of Oklahoma, continues to acclimate well to the Wildcats’ system. His physicality on the perimeter and ability to defend multiple positions was evident throughout the scrimmage. Oweh showed a willingness to guard anyone—from point guards to forwards—and made several plays by simply outworking opponents. On the offensive end, he contributed with slashes to the rim and a couple of smart backdoor cuts that led to easy baskets. While his outside shot remains a work in progress, Oweh’s motor and experience could prove invaluable in SEC play.
One of the more intriguing developments of the day was the growing chemistry between Wagner and sharpshooter Reed Sheppard. Sheppard, who spent much of last season coming off the bench, has stepped into a larger leadership role this summer. His shooting stroke remains lethal, and his movement without the ball caused constant problems for defenders trying to track him. But more importantly, Sheppard appears stronger and more confident handling the ball, attacking closeouts, and defending on the perimeter. His voice has also grown louder—he directed traffic, called out screens, and kept his teammates engaged on both ends of the floor.
Inside the paint, freshman big man Jayden Quaintance showed why he was such a coveted prospect coming out of high school. His footwork, timing, and willingness to contest everything at the rim earned him praise from coaches throughout the scrimmage. While he’s still adjusting to the speed of the college game, his instincts are clear, and his potential is immense. On one possession, he rotated perfectly to block a shot, ran the floor, and finished a lob on the other end—all in a span of 10 seconds. Moments like that reflect the kind of upside that Kentucky hopes to develop over the next year.
The scrimmage also served as an important checkpoint for team defense, which remains a primary focus of the summer workout period. Defensive rotations, communication on screens, and help-side awareness were all tested today. Coaches frequently stopped play to emphasize spacing, switching assignments, and boxing out. There was no shortage of effort—players were engaged, vocal, and clearly holding each other accountable. Several charges were drawn, closeouts were crisp, and rebounding battles were fierce. It was clear that Pope and his staff are instilling a defense-first mentality that will travel well when the Wildcats hit the road during SEC play.
Offensively, spacing and ball movement were noticeably sharper than earlier in the summer. Kentucky’s staff has made it clear they want to play with tempo but under control. Players looked more willing to make the extra pass, avoid over-dribbling, and attack closeouts instead of settling for contested threes. The shot selection was more purposeful, and the execution of set plays—especially off baseline inbounds—was markedly improved. While turnovers still occurred, they were often the result of aggressive reads rather than careless mistakes.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the scrimmage was the collective buy-in from the entire roster. Whether a player was projected as a starter or a depth piece, everyone competed with intensity. There was no visible sulking, no selfish play, and no drop in energy between rotations. The sideline stayed engaged, players celebrated each other’s highlights, and everyone appeared locked in. That kind of culture can’t be faked—and it’s exactly what Pope and his staff are trying to foster.
Veteran leadership also played a key role throughout the scrimmage. Players like Sheppard, Wagner, and Oweh set the tone in huddles and during breaks. Bradshaw was noticeably more vocal than he’s been in the past, encouraging younger teammates and reminding them to rotate or box out. The presence of leaders who not only produce but also lead by example will be a major asset as this team moves into the grind of fall camp and, eventually, the regular season.
It’s also worth noting that the team’s conditioning has visibly improved. Up and down the roster, players appeared leaner and more explosive. Strength coach Brady Welsh has clearly put an emphasis on mobility and endurance, and it paid off in the latter stages of the scrimmage, where energy levels remained high. There were few signs of fatigue, even as players were pushed through multiple high-tempo segments.
Today’s scrimmage, though just a part of the broader summer workout schedule, felt like a meaningful step forward for this Kentucky team. The pieces are starting to come together, the rotations are becoming more defined, and the identity of the group is beginning to take shape. There is still plenty of work to do—especially when it comes to consistent three-point shooting and limiting turnovers—but the foundation is being built with purpose and urgency.
With the fall semester approaching and official practices just around the corner, the Wildcats are entering a crucial stage of their preseason journey. These summer scrimmages won’t show up in the win-loss column, but the growth, cohesion, and habits being developed now will echo throughout the season. Kentucky’s staff has a challenging schedule awaiting them in the months ahead, but the early returns from the Joe Craft Center suggest this team has the potential to compete at a high level if they continue to improve and stay healthy.
As fans eagerly await the first glimpse of this squad in a public exhibition or open practice, today’s scrimmage served as a reminder of what makes Kentucky basketball so compelling: talent, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. There’s still a long road ahead, but based on what was on display today, the Wildcats are on the right path.
