Call it what you want — a reload, a rebuild— but make no mistake: Year Two of the Mark Pope era is charging full speed ahead. And now ESPN is giving even more fuel to the fire.
In its latest transfer portal player rankings, ESPN named four Kentucky Wildcats in the top 80, including two in the top 25. That’s validation for a program that’s undergone a dramatic offseason transformation — and a coaching staff that has clearly capitalized on its momentum.
Here’s a closer look at who made the list and why the national hype might still be underselling this group:
🔹 No. 76 – Denzel Aberdeen (Florida)
The 6'5" junior guard was projected to start for the reigning SEC champs at Florida — until he flipped to Kentucky. With smooth shooting (41.4% from 3 in starts) and combo guard flexibility, Aberdeen gives Pope a versatile weapon off the bench or as a potential starter.
“He’ll battle Jaland Lowe and Jasper Johnson for minutes... assuming Otega Oweh returns.”
Spoiler: Oweh did return. And now, the backcourt depth is serious.
🔹 No. 61 – Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama)
A gritty, high-motor forward with legit SEC experience, Dioubate is one of those players coaches love and opponents hate. He brings physicality, rebounding, and defensive versatility — all things Kentucky needed more of last season.
“It will be hard for Pope to keep Dioubate off the court.”
Look for him to push for big minutes from day one, especially if his improving three-point shot continues to develop.
🔹 No. 60 – Kam Williams (Tulane)
A 6'8" wing with a deadly shooting stroke? Yes, please. Kam Williams fits Mark Pope’s spacing-and-skill blueprint perfectly, and with his size and 3-and-D potential, his ceiling might be the highest of any transfer on the roster.
“He averaged 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds as a freshman, shooting 41.2% from 3.”
Kentucky hasn’t had a wing like this in years — Williams could be a breakout star.
🔹 No. 25 – Jaland Lowe (Pitt)
One of the top young point guards in the country, Lowe was a third-team All-ACC performer who averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists at Pitt. At Kentucky, he’ll trade a scoring-heavy role for the keys to a Ferrari — surrounded by shooters and athletes.
“He’ll have room to operate more as a playmaker and distributor.”
In other words: give him space, and he’ll go to work. Lowe is one of the most important additions of the offseason.
🔹 No. 7 – Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State)
The big man was a force as the youngest player in college basketball last year. He averaged 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists a game last year at ASU.
“His defensive ability makes him worth the wait.”
Even coming off an ACL tear, the 6'9" forward is a projected top-five NBA Draft pick in 2026. If he’s healthy by January, this team becomes a national contender — overnight.
❗ Also in the mix: Reece Potter
The only unranked transfer is Reece Potter, a 7-foot big from Miami (OH). But don’t let the lack of ranking fool you — Potter is a long-term project with high-upside potential in Pope’s system, especially under the guidance of the returning Brandon Garrison.
The big picture
Mark Pope didn’t just plug holes this offseason — he rebuilt the roster in his image. He brought in impact transfers, landed a top-tier high school class, and retained key pieces like Garrison, Trent Noah, and Collin Chandler.
And don’t forget the cherry on top: Otega Oweh is back.
With that in mind, the only real question left is: did ESPN get it right? Is Jaland Lowe too low at No. 25? Could Kam Williams or Dioubate rise up the board by season’s end?
Let us know what you think — because one thing’s certain: Kentucky’s roster is loaded, and the national media is starting to take notice.