Mark Pope knows what success at Kentucky basketball looks like, having helped lead the Wildcats to a national championship in 1996 while playing for Rick Pitino. Now, Pope takes over the program after John Calipari’s stunning offseason departure to Arkansas and the former BYU head coach is being forced to rebuild the Kentucky basketball roster. Every remaining scholarship player from last year’s squad that tied for second in the SEC entered the college basketball transfer portal and Pope has quickly worked the Arkansas basketball recruiting trail to build out a roster for next year.
He’s added eight commits in the college basketball transfer portal, held on to one Calipari recruit in the Class of 2024, and added a commitment from in-state prospect Trent Noah. What’s next for Pope and the Kentucky basketball lineup, and who are they targeting on the recruiting trail? If you love the Wildcats, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.
The team of insiders at CatsPause.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.
Kentucky basketball roster departures
No sooner had Calipari departed Kentucky that a number of Wildcats from last year’s roster were on the move as well. Aaron Bradshaw was the first to commit to a new team when he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes, while Zvonimir Ivisic became the first player from last season to follow Calipari to Arkansas. Calipari is also reportedly encouraging Bradshaw’s high school teammate, D.J. Wagner, to join the Razorbacks.
The transfer portal isn’t the only reason the Wildcats roster will look different next season. Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell, who were two of Kentucky’s top scorers last season, are both graduating. Meanwhile, Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Ugonna Onyenso have all declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. There is also movement within the recruiting class, so Pope’s roster is clearly far from solidified for the 2024-25 season. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster
Pope quickly went to work in the college basketball transfer portal, adding eight commitments already from experienced players who earned meaningful minutes at program’s across the country. Kerr Kriisa, Brandon Garrison and Otega Oweh played in the Big 12 a season ago, while Koby Brea, Lamont Butler Jr. and Amari Williams were award-winners in solid mid-major conferences last season.
Andrew Carr averaged 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for Wake Forest and was also a starter at Delaware. Kentucky’s latest transfer portal commitment was Ansley Almonor, a 6-foot-7 forward from Fairleigh Dickinson who averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. Meanwhile, in-state four-star prospect Travis Perry is choosing to honor his commitment to Kentucky and Pope also added a commitment from Noah, a three-star from Harlan County. Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster additions.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
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