It's safe to say that this offseason hasn't gone to plan for Mark Pope and Kentucky, at least not entirely. What began with the "build around Tyran Stokes" agenda has become "comb the portal for whatever is left." Of course, that's due to Stokes commiting to Kansas over Kentucky, but that's the risk you take.
Thankfully, though, it wasn't like the whole roster was put on hold for the nation's No. 1 recruit. In fact, Pope has put together a compelling bunch of veterans and SEC-built playmakers. But that hasn't stopped the criticism, mostly around his inability to catch a big fish in the freshman class, from pouring in.
BBN hasn't been shy in sharing their worries as a result of Kentucky missing out on their centerpiece star. Yet, former and well-known Wildcat Anthony Epps took to X to share his own opinion on the matter, sending a message to Cats fans. The jist?
Keep the faith.
Epps Urges BBN For Support
In a post that would accumulate more than 3,000 likes, Epps congratulated all of the players that have already signed with Kentucky, saying, "Glad to have you and can't wait to see how you mesh as a team."
He went on, now addressing you, me, and every other Cats fan with bated breath, "Stop dwelling over who is not here and get behind who is! That's it! Let's go!" The support on Epps' post seems to suggest that a fair share of the Kentucky faithful agrees with him.
Congrats to all the players that have committed to UK Men’s Basketball. Glad to have you and can’t wait to see how you mesh as a team. Stop dwelling over who is not here and get behind who is! That’s it! Let’s Go!
— Anthony J. Epps (@CoachAJEpps) April 30, 2026
Although the roster isn't finished, what we do have is more than a handful of Wildcats - both returning and new - ready to show out at Rupp Arena in the midst of a controversial time in the program's history.
That takes guts and blue blood, both. It's time we get behind this group and support them regardless of how the offseason closes out.
Support in Spite
It's support in spite of any and all worries as to how the season will go. It's hard to remain on cloud nine after the high-loss, early-finish run last season, but Coach Pope has tackled this offseason with the apparent intention of improving at every position.
In spite of currently lacking a replacement for Otega Oweh (and Stokes), Kentucky has successfully pulled in a number of strong transfers. Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins lead a strong class, alongside returners Kam Williams and (expectedly) Malachi Moreno.
How good Kentucky will be, exactly, is up in the air. But the Big Blue Nation will have this team's back, at the end of the day.
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