Lamar Wilkerson Set to Visit Kentucky This Weekend as Wildcats Rebuild Under Mark Pope
Lamar Wilkerson is scheduled to visit Kentucky this weekend, and while it may not send national shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, it represents a potentially important step in Mark Pope’s effort to build a competitive roster in his first offseason as head coach of the Wildcats.
Wilkerson, a 6-foot-4 guard who played last season at Little Rock, has become one of the more sought-after mid-major players in the transfer portal. After averaging 16.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in 2023–24 while shooting 41.7% from three-point range, Wilkerson is attracting attention from several high-major programs seeking perimeter scoring and experience. His decision to visit Kentucky is a clear sign that Pope and his staff are moving quickly to identify plug-and-play talent to fill the numerous roster holes created by graduation, the NBA Draft, and transfer portal departures.
Wilkerson’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. He began his college career at Southeastern Oklahoma State, a Division II program, before transferring to Stephen F. Austin and eventually landing at Little Rock. His steady progression and improved performance at each stop have demonstrated both his adaptability and work ethic. At Little Rock, he was not only a high-volume scorer but also an efficient one, posting a 59.1% effective field goal percentage and shooting over 86% from the free throw line. His ability to play both on and off the ball, along with his physicality on defense, has made him a highly intriguing option for power-conference teams in need of mature, battle-tested guards.
For Kentucky, Wilkerson could fill a major need. The Wildcats have lost a significant portion of their backcourt from last season, including Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, both of whom declared for the NBA Draft. D.J. Wagner also entered the transfer portal, and with few scholarship guards returning, Pope is essentially rebuilding Kentucky’s perimeter rotation from scratch. The addition of Jaland Lowe from the transfer portal earlier this week was a promising start, but Kentucky still needs multiple guards capable of contributing immediately.
That’s where Wilkerson could come in. His experience and ability to shoot from deep would make him a valuable asset in virtually any system, but especially one like Pope’s, which emphasizes spacing, pace, and the three-point shot. During his time at BYU, Pope’s teams routinely ranked among the best in the country in three-point attempts and percentage. A guard like Wilkerson, who can spot up from the wing, create off the dribble, and defend multiple positions, fits that style perfectly.
The visit to Lexington is also indicative of how Kentucky’s recruiting philosophy is shifting under Pope. Unlike John Calipari, who prioritized five-star freshmen and built teams around elite high school talent, Pope is embracing the modern transfer-heavy model. That means pursuing players who may not have been on Kentucky’s radar in previous years, including those from mid-major programs. Wilkerson’s emergence as a target underscores Pope’s belief in evaluating fit and production over hype and recruiting pedigree.
What makes Wilkerson particularly appealing is his offensive versatility. At Little Rock, he operated as a primary ball-handler in stretches, especially late in games, but was also comfortable playing off the ball when paired with another guard. He shot better than 43% on catch-and-shoot opportunities and displayed good decision-making in pick-and-roll situations. His shot mechanics are smooth and consistent, and he has range well beyond the college three-point line. Perhaps just as important, he is not afraid of the moment — Wilkerson scored 20 or more points in 10 games last season and had multiple clutch performances in Sun Belt play.
Defensively, he brings toughness and maturity that Kentucky will need, especially with so many young or new players expected to play major roles. Wilkerson has the frame and athleticism to guard either backcourt position and is a willing rebounder for his size. He averaged 1.3 steals per game last season and is known for being vocal and active on that end of the floor. For a team that struggled with defensive consistency at times last year, adding a veteran presence like Wilkerson could help set the tone for the rest of the roster.
Beyond the on-court impact, Wilkerson’s visit is significant because it signals that Kentucky is still a destination for talented transfers, even after a coaching change. Pope, who was introduced as the program’s new head coach less than two weeks ago, has been aggressive in reaching out to portal targets and is using every opportunity to sell his vision for the program. The staff has made it clear that playing time is available and that players who come to Kentucky will be given the platform and resources to showcase their game on a national stage.
It remains to be seen how Wilkerson will respond to the visit, and whether Kentucky will ultimately be the landing spot. He is expected to take additional visits, and other programs, including Kansas State and Ole Miss, have reportedly expressed strong interest. But the fact that Pope was able to get Wilkerson on campus so quickly speaks volumes about the relationships he and his staff are building.
It also reflects the urgency Kentucky faces this offseason. With the transfer portal window set to close later this spring, the Wildcats have limited time to assemble a roster that can compete in the always-tough SEC. Pope is balancing short-term needs with long-term development, and players like Wilkerson offer a bridge between the two. He’s a player who can contribute immediately but also brings the type of attitude and leadership that can help younger players adjust and thrive.
Recruiting in the transfer portal is never a sure thing, and high-major coaches know that visits don’t guarantee commitments. But the weekend trip gives Pope and his staff an opportunity to make their pitch, show off Kentucky’s facilities, and connect on a personal level. For Wilkerson, it’s a chance to envision what it would be like to play in front of 20,000 fans at Rupp Arena and compete in one of the sport’s most storied programs. For Kentucky, it’s another building block in what has quickly become a crucial offseason.
There’s also a symbolic element to this visit. For a player who began his career in the Division II ranks and worked his way up, Wilkerson’s recruitment by Kentucky is a validation of his journey. It’s a story that resonates in the modern college game, where opportunity often comes to those who stay ready and keep improving. It’s the kind of story that Pope seems to value — one where substance matters more than stars, and where growth is measured by performance, not just potential.
Should Kentucky land Wilkerson, it would send a message that Pope can close on high-priority targets and that the Wildcats are adapting quickly to the new recruiting landscape. It wouldn’t be the type of move that generates front-page headlines or social media frenzy, but it could be the kind of under-the-radar addition that pays big dividends come next March.
In many ways, this weekend visit is a test of both vision and execution for Mark Pope and his new staff. It’s a chance to show that Kentucky can pivot without losing its edge. That the program, despite change and uncertainty, still holds weight in the eyes of top-tier transfers. And that Pope, in his own way, can build a team that honors Kentucky’s past while forging a new identity.
Lamar Wilkerson may not be the most famous name in the portal, but he could end up being one of the most important pieces in Kentucky’s rebuild. His visit this weekend will be a key moment in that process, and it’s one Wildcats fans should be watching closely.
