As the madness of March 2025 unfolds, Kentucky basketball, under the steady hand of Coach Mark Pope, is already plotting its next moves in the NCAA transfer portal.
With the Wildcats storming into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019—thanks to a transfer portal laden team—Big Blue Nation is dreaming big in 2025. But behind the scenes, Pope and his staff are knee-deep in Excel spreadsheets, tracking the top talent ready to shape Kentucky’s 2025-26 roster.
With five (maybe four) scholarship slots to fill, depending on Kerr Kriisa’s decision, the Cats are poised to pounce. Let’s dive into the portal chaos, spotlight the top 30 players per 247Sports, and uncover who Kentucky should chase next—beyond the names they’re already wooing.
The Transfer Portal Buzz: Pope’s Plan in Motion
On his radio show last night, Pope pulled back the curtain on Kentucky’s transfer strategy:
“We’re getting all the reporting that everybody’s getting—who’s in the portal, who’s leaning that way,” he said. “While our communication with those rumored to be entering is limited, we’ve been doing a ton of planning.”
Assistant video coordinator Matt Santoro is the unsung hero here, juggling “a dozen massive Excel spreadsheets” updated “minute by minute.” Pope’s excitement is palpable:
“There’s incredibly talented players out there. Guys have seen the massive success our transfers had this year, and I expect we’ll have great success recruiting in the portal.”
Kentucky’s Roster & Open Spots
Kentucky’s current roster is a mix of returning stars and incoming freshmen:
Returning Players with Eligibility:
- Collin Chandler (G)
- Otega Oweh (G)
- Travis Perry (G)
- Trent Noah (F)
- Brandon Garrison (C)
Incoming Freshmen:
- Acaden Lewis (G)
- Malachi Moreno (F)
- Jasper Johnson (G)
Kriisa’s Kentucky future is shaky; it doesn’t sound promising that he’ll wabt to endure another college season. Assuming he bolts and Kentucky misses on top recruit Ament, that leaves eight scholarship players locked in. With 13 spots total, that opens five slots—or four if Kriisa surprises us.
So, who’s already on Kentucky’s radar, and who should they target next?
Kentucky’s Current Transfer Targets
Sources say Kentucky’s already reached out to some big names from 247Sports’ top 30 transfer portal rankings:
- Dedan Thomas (PG, UNLV, No. 1, 0.9800) – A 6-1 playmaker averaging stats worth chasing. Kentucky’s in the mix—can they land this top prize?
- Josh Dix (SG, Iowa, No. 2, 0.9700) – At 6-6, this sharpshooter’s caught Pope’s eye. His size and scoring could stretch defenses in Lexington.
- Elyjah Freeman (SF, Lincoln Memorial, No. 10, 0.9400) – A 6-8 forward with untapped potential—Kentucky’s sniffing around this sleeper.
- Nick Davidson (C, Nevada, No. 7, 0.9500) – A 6-10 big man who could bolster the frontcourt. The Cats are watching closely.
- Treysen Eaglestaff (G, North Dakota) – Not in the top 30 yet, but a dynamic scorer.
Plus, there’s an international twist: Kentucky has eyes on Hannes Steinbach, a 6-9 German power forward. Pope loves his global finds—think Amari Williams—and Steinbach could be next.
Five Fresh Targets Kentucky Should Chase
With five slots to fill, here are five top-30-or-close talents Kentucky hasn’t reportedly contacted yet—but should. These picks blend stats, fit, and that Wildcat wow factor:
1. Isaac McKneely (SG, Virginia)
2024-25 Stats: 14.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 42% 3PT
Why UK? – A 6-4 junior who lights it up from deep, McKneely’s a proven scorer and a three-point assassin. With Oweh and Chandler, he’d form a lethal backcourt trio.
2. Oscar Cluff (C, South Dakota State)
2024-25 Stats: 17.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 62% 2PT
Why UK? – A 6-11 double-double machine, Cluff’s a bruiser who’d pair perfectly with Garrison. His efficiency inside screams “next Amari Williams”.
3. Blake Harper (F, Howard)
2024-25 Stats: 19.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 40% 3PT
Why UK? – At 6-5, Harper’s a scoring dynamo with versatility. His 19.5 PPG could replace Brea's spark, and his three-point touch fits Pope’s system.
4. Cooper Schwieger (C, Valparaiso)
2024-25 Stats: 15.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG
Why UK? – A 6-9 big with scoring chops and rebounding grit. Schwieger’s a mid-major gem who could thrive in the SEC.
5. Mikey Williams (CG, UCF, ex-Memphis)
Why UK? – Once a top-40 recruit, this 6-2 combo guard’s year at UCF (5.1 PPG) didn’t pop, but his upside screams “Kentucky reclamation project.” Think Kerr Kriisa swag—Pope could unlock his potential.
The Bottom Line
Kentucky’s already in on Thomas, Dix, Freeman, Davidson, and Eaglestaff, with Steinbach as a wild card. Adding McKneely, Cluff, Harper, Schwieger, and Williams to the wish list would supercharge their portal haul.
Pope’s got the spreadsheets humming, the phone lines ringing, and BBN dreaming. As he put it:
“It’s really exciting.”
With this talent pool, it’s about to get wild in Lexington.
Who do you think the Cats should snag? The portal’s open, and Kentucky’s ready to pounce!