Mark Pope has spent the better part of the past week combing the transfer portal for one more addition to Kentucky's roster. Some names have spun in and out of contention, but now that Minnesota transfer Cade Tyson is eligible, the decision is obvious. The Wildcats should push all their chips on his recruitment.
Per On3, Tyson was granted an injunction for his fifth-year of eligiblity around the time that this second round of transfer portal chaos began. Pope and Kentucky have had rumored interest in the wing since July, and that was well before Tyson's name was officially cleared for more college hoops.
At this juncture, no available player fits the Cats' current roster as well as Tyson does. His one-year pitstop at North Carolina two seasons ago soured many onlookers on his ability, but Tyson's most recent campaign with the Golden Gophers proved that he's everything Kentucky is looking for in one last transfer.
Cade Tyson is Everything Kentucky Could Ask For in a Final Pickup
In nearly 40 minutes per game last season, Tyson averaged nearly 20 points, to go along with 5.4 boards. The physical, 6-foot-7 forward's 41.3% clip from deep is his specific calling card, as well as the aspect of his game that would suit him most in Lexington.
Coach Pope has become well known for pushing his gameplan from distance. When last year's Kentucky team got away from that style of play, their resulting lack of identity was the proof that Pope is most comfortable coaching a high-scoring team.
He's already assembled a roster more than capable of that in Lexington. Adding Milan Momcilovic had the Big Blue Nation ready to run through a brick wall for a reason. Tyson joining Kentucky's current starting lineup only raises their scoring ceiling, especially from long range.
Tyson Would Fit Right Into Kentucky's Starting Lineup
Whether it means sliding Momcilovic to the four or plugging Tyson in at that spot, you're likely stretching the floor either way with both of those guys starting. Alex Wilkins can also shoot the ball, and Zoom Diallo is a proven playmaker running point.
Oh, and you've got Malachi Moreno tracking for a breakout season as your post anchor. The pieces to wear opposing defenses out would all firmly be in place, given this addition.
There's no official word on Kentucky reaching out to Tyson since his ruling, beyond rumors, and names like Mark Mitchell and Jaxon Kohler also remain in serious contention. Land either one of those players and you're in a solid spot, too.
It's just something about Tyson's game that sets him apart from the crowd. Everything about the way he plays screams "Mark Pope offense," and it'd be surprising if the Cats didn't get involved here to a serious extent.
Add us as a preferred source on Google