Which players are UK basketball still pursuing? And other transfer portal news

​As of April 7, 2025, the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, under the guidance of head coach Mark Pope, is actively enhancing its roster through strategic engagements in the NCAA transfer portal. This initiative aims to bolster the team’s competitiveness for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The Wildcats have already secured commitments from Kam Williams and Jaland Lowe, with ongoing pursuits of additional talent to address specific team needs.​A Sea Of Blue+2A Sea Of Blue+2Wildcat Blue Nation+2

Current Transfer Portal Targets:

Kentucky’s coaching staff has identified several transfer portal candidates who align with the team’s strategic objectives:​

1. Wesley Yates III (Wing, USC): Yates, a 6-foot-4, 219-pound wing from Beaumont, Texas, averaged 14.1 points per game during his redshirt freshman season at USC, boasting shooting splits of 48% from the field, 44% from three-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line. Despite entering the transfer portal with a ‘do-not-contact’ designation, Kentucky has scheduled a Zoom meeting with Yates, indicating significant interest. His prior connections to Kentucky assistant coach Alvin Brooks and incoming UK commit Jaland Lowe, both former AAU teammates, further enhance Kentucky’s appeal in this recruitment.

2. Dedan Thomas (Point Guard, UNLV): Ranked as the top transfer portal prospect by 247Sports, Thomas is a 6-foot-1 playmaker known for his impressive statistics. Kentucky’s involvement in his recruitment underscores the team’s intent to strengthen its backcourt.

3. Josh Dix (Shooting Guard, Iowa): Standing at 6-foot-6, Dix is a sharpshooter who has caught the attention of Kentucky’s coaching staff. His size and scoring ability could significantly impact Kentucky’s offensive dynamics.

4. Elyjah Freeman (Small Forward, Lincoln Memorial): A 6-foot-8 forward with untapped potential, Freeman is on Kentucky’s radar as a sleeper prospect who could contribute significantly to the team’s depth.

5. Nick Davidson (Center, Nevada): At 6-foot-10, Davidson’s presence in the paint could bolster Kentucky’s frontcourt. The Wildcats’ interest highlights their focus on enhancing their interior game.

6. Treysen Eaglestaff (Guard, North Dakota): Not yet in the top 30 rankings, Eaglestaff is a dynamic scorer who has attracted Kentucky’s attention as a potential backcourt addition.

Additional Transfer Portal Targets:

Beyond the aforementioned prospects, Kentucky has reportedly reached out to several other transfer candidates:​Wildcat Blue Nation+1KY Insider+1

1. Chris Ledlum (Forward, Harvard): A 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward, Ledlum averaged 16.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in his junior year at Harvard. His high basketball IQ and defensive prowess make him a valuable prospect.

2. Dalton Knecht (Guard, Northern Colorado): Knecht, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound guard, led the nation in scoring with an average of 20.2 points per game. His scoring versatility has attracted interest from multiple programs, including Kentucky.

3. Kel’el Ware (Forward/Center, Oregon): Standing 7 feet tall, Ware averaged 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in limited minutes at Oregon. His size and skill set make him a tantalizing prospect for Kentucky’s frontcourt.

4. TJ Bamba (Guard, Washington State): A 6-foot-5, 215-pound guard, Bamba averaged 15.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game at Washington State. His scoring ability and size have drawn the attention of Kentucky’s coaching staff.

5. Graham Ike (Center, Wyoming): Ike, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound center, averaged 19.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in the 2021-2022 season before missing the following season due to injury. His proven production makes him a valuable target for Kentucky.

6. Ace Baldwin (Guard, VCU): A 5-foot-11, 170-pound guard, Baldwin earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors with averages of 12.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. His leadership and defensive skills are of interest to Kentucky.

7. LJ Cryer (Guard, Baylor): Cryer, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 15 points per game on efficient shooting percentages at Baylor. His scoring efficiency and experience make him a compelling prospect for Kentucky’s backcourt.

8. Puff Johnson (Forward, North Carolina): A 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward, Johnson averaged 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds per game at North Carolina. His athleticism and potential for growth are of interest to Kentucky’s coaching staff.

9. Ahron Ulis (Guard, Iowa): Ulis, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 6.1 points and 2.1