Justin McBride's highlight reel has social media dubbing him Kentucky's hidden gem

Most, if not all of the hype in recent days for Kentucky hoops has been centered around five-star transfer Milan Momcilovic's commitment. And, as far as I'm concerned, that's rightfully so.

Momcilovic shot nearly 50% from long range last season (that's a real metric), scoring 17 points per contest on an Iowa State Cyclones team that beat the brakes off the Wildcats in the Round of 32, on their way to a second weekend appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

In the eyes of many, Momcilovic is the absolute darling of this year's transfer portal cycle. He's the biggest recruit Mark Pope has ever landed, by a comfortable margin, and will benefit from an offense built entirely around him this coming season. It means that much, truly.

But he isn't the only consistent scorer from distance that the Cats brought in this offseason. A recent highlight reel for recent signee and senior Wildcat Justin McBride has some users online circling him as a real breakout option at Kentucky.

While he's expected to come off the bench, if McBride is playing like he is in the footage below (posted by BleedBlue Casey on X), any minutes he obtains will be invaluable.

Potentially Invaluable Minutes From McBride

The user predicted that McBride will be Kentucky's "hidden gem" in Mark Pope's third year, and he isn't alone in this sentiment.

Hoop Herald reposted the footage, saying, "Justin McBride is going to be a PROBLEM at Kentucky... Actually like the Wildcats roster more than most." That isn't to say that Kentucky's squad is disliked by any stretch, but it's fair to note that a lot of folks are sleeping on the blue and white after the team's disappointing finish last year.

But this is a different group, and if McBride is at the top of his game, he's a different beast entirely.

The Top of His Game

As a primary option with the James Madison Dukes last year, McBride averaged 15.3 points per game, along with 5.6 boards. The statistic that stands out the most is the forward's 40% clip from long range, vastly improved from the 24% he shot in the season prior.

In the clip above, he's moving and releasing off the dribble like a guard. While we can't yet be sure of his exact role in Pope's offense, he looks to be a more athletic Ansley Almonor that will share minutes at the three and four in Kentucky's secondary rotation.

McBride likely could've started at a different school and perhaps spent his senior season as the true go-to guy; instead, he's chosen to be a part of something bigger on a blue and white roster that, now more than ever, looks ready to compete on the biggest stage.

On the page and on film, McBride looks more than suited for that challenge. Keep an eye on this one, BBN, as he's got the tools to surprise in a huge way.

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