Can Kentucky's backcourt outshine the nation's top guard groups?
Jaland Lowe is pretty self-confident and that is a good thing for a point guard. He raised some eye-brows recently with a big time declaration.
"I think we are the best backcourt in the country"Jaland Lowe
And he’s not exactly out on a limb.
Kentucky's backcourt is a blend of proven winners, versatile scorers, and ascending stars. Lowe himself is a driving, dishing, downhill force who looks tailor-made for Mark Pope’s uptempo system. Denzel Aberdeen arrives with championship experience after helping Florida win the 2025 national title. Otega Oweh is a two-way menace who defends with purpose and scores with power. Then there’s Jasper Johnson—the smooth lefty with USA Basketball pedigree and big-shot instincts. And rounding out the group is Collin Chandler, the former top recruit who finally found his stride late last season after returning from a two-year Mormon mission.
It’s five guards deep, with every one of them capable of starting. They’re long, athletic, interchangeable.
But the competition is fierce.
The other best backcourts in college basketball
Purdue
Purdue returns Braden Smith, one of the best floor generals in the country and a likely preseason National Player of the Year. Fletcher Loyer gives them a dependable sniper. They will get a redshirt freshman standout Jack Benter who was Mr. Indiana basketball runner-up, and Gicarri Harris and Myles Colvin. It's a well-oiled machine, no doubt—but is it as athletic and explosive as the Cats core guard group?
Houston
Over in Houston, the Cougars stack size and strength in the backcourt, led by Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, and blue-chip freshman Isiah Harwell. They’ve got defensive length and scoring upside, and legit lottery talent. This will be the closest comparison in our eyes, Houston is going to be loaded again.
Louisville
And Louisville quietly assembled a strong guard core of their own. Isaac McKneely is one of the best pure shooters in college basketball. Ryan Conwell brings range and toughness from Xavier. Adrian Wooley, fresh off a breakout year at Kennesaw State, gives them juice on both ends. Kobe Rodgers is the wildcard—a rugged, veteran guard who’s coming off injury but knows how to win. Mikel Brown Jr. is going to be a star.
Still, Kentucky matches up well with those backcourts because of a blend of pedigree, production, and true versatility. Want to play slower and physical, they have that. Want to up the tempo, they have that. Want experienced guards?
Aberdeen’s been in the fire. Johnson’s already starred on the international stage. Oweh is an SEC-proven slasher and stopper. Chandler and Lowe might be the two most dynamic athletes in the group. It’s not just about the names on the back of the jerseys—it’s about the fit. These aren’t just good guards. They complement each other.
That’s why Pope is so confident. That’s why Lowe is speaking up.
This isn’t hype—it’s horsepower. And Kentucky’s backcourt is ready to drive the engine.
Other teams may bring shooting, size, or veteran savvy. Kentucky brings all of that—and the kind of edge that wins in March.
So when Jaland Lowe says they’re the best in the country?
He’s not guessing. He’s just early.