In recent days, following the exciting (and long-awaited) commitment of Zoom Diallo, Kentucky's transfer portal board seems to have honed in on a handful of high-ceiling names. Sebastian Rancik looks to be the outlier - an apparent depth piece on a visit who, regardless of what his fellow blue and white targets decide, should find a fit on the team just fine.
On a more challenging level, forward Donnie Freeman and guard Alex Wilkins have both come and gone on the basis of official visits in Lexington, and it seems that both went well. But, given the nature of expensive players, as well as Alabama also heavily pursuing them both, there is a reality in which Mark Pope has to choose between his two top transfer choices.
If he's force to take a forked road, Pope, even if narrowly, should push his chips in on Freeman for Kentucky's frontcourt.
Going All-In on Donnie Freeman
First and foremost, I want to recognize the distinct possibility that Kentucky ends up landing both of these studs. Having only brought in Diallo thus far, aside from returning players, Kentucky should have the liquidity to draw in a few more prospects on the level of Freeman and Wilkins.
To boot, both guys play different, still-open roles, and each would click right into place given the Cats' current formation in the starting lineup. It makes sense why Pope is pursuing them at the same time and, if he had it his way, I'm sure both would play at Rupp Arena next season.
But that's a rare reality in the transfer portal; targets get away with ease once you a program fully focuses on another. As good as Wilkins would be in blue, Freeman fits the stretch forward role that Pope's offense thrived on prior to his move to Kentucky, and in his first season in the role.
Stretching the Floor
He has the ability to direct an offense from the top of the key when he needs to, and scores at multiple levels. Posting 16.5 points per game in his most recent run with Syracuse, specifically, his offense may be his best asset.
But Freeman does everything you need him to do in the paint as well, adding seven rebounds on a regular basis and nearly a block and a steal, too. He's simply a full prospect who would balance the Wildcats' currently thin roster in an ideal way.
If Kentucky ends up with either of them, though, Pope's third team is in a good spot. At the end of the day, a winner is a winner. Both Freeman and Wilkins fit that bill.
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