Kentucky basketball got some much-needed clarity—and a major boost—on Monday as Jaland Lowe officially withdrew from the NBA Draft and committed to playing the 2025-26 season in Lexington. Saying in an X post "Can’t miss this opportunity. See yall soon"
The Pittsburgh transfer, who was a Third Team All-ACC selection last year, announced his decision ahead of the May 27th 11:59 PM deadline, locking in Kentucky’s starting point guard for the upcoming season.
Lowe averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game as a sophomore with the Panthers. While he struggled with efficiency—shooting just 37.6% from the field and 26.6% from three—he was deadly at the free-throw line (88.6%) and showcased a unique ability to impact the game across multiple levels. His season included 10 games with 20+ points and even a triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), highlighting his all-around playmaking chops.
At Kentucky, he will not have to take all the shot and will be ready to showcase he is in fact a much better shooter than last year's stats indicate. Hard to believe a near 90% free throw shooter would shoot sub 38% from the field and sub 30% from 3. But that is because he was often forced into bad shots in bad situtions. At Kentucky, with more talent and a better offensive system Lowe will silence his critics.
A massive win after a big loss
Lowe’s return to college hoops couldn’t come at a better time for Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. Just a few weeks ago, the Wildcats saw in-state freshman Travis Perry flip to Ole Miss, leaving the backcourt suddenly thin on true point guards and Mark Pope "devastated".
Kentucky's other backcourt options—Jasper Johnson, Collin Chandler, and Denzel Aberdeen—are more naturally suited to off-ball roles. With Lowe now firmly in the fold, those combo guards can slide back to the two-spot or wing, where their athleticism and scoring instincts can shine without the pressure of full-time ball-handling duties.
Make no mistake: Lowe isn’t just a roster addition—he’s a stabilizing force for the roster. He gives Kentucky a proven ACC performer who can run the offense, compete defensively, and bring leadership to a roster full of new faces and emerging talent.
Otega Oweh decision looms
Lowe’s commitment solidifies the point guard position, but the roster picture still isn’t complete.
As of now, Kentucky sits one scholarship over the NCAA limit of 13 after adding freshman Braydon Hawthorne. That leaves the future of Otega Oweh—who is still testing the NBA Draft waters—as a key variable in how the final roster shakes out.
If Oweh returns and the House v. NCAA case results in a new 15-scholarship guideline being adopted, Kentucky will be in the clear. If not, Coach Pope and his staff may be forced to make a tough decision about how to stay compliant.
Either way, Lowe’s return means the Wildcats have their offensive quarterback in place, and that’s a critical box checked heading into a season with high expectations.
The Mark Pope era at Kentucky is all about versatility, toughness, and spacing. Jaland Lowe fits that mold—and now that he’s officially in blue and white, Kentucky can start building around him.