Christmas is for wishing. New Year’s is for working.
As the calendar flips to 2026, Kentucky basketball doesn't need any more "hope." It needs a plan. The non-conference schedule is in the rearview, the holiday fuzziness has worn off, and the grind of the SEC is staring Mark Pope right in the face.
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We know what this team looks like when it clicks. We also know what it looks like when it cracks. So instead of a wish list, here are the four resolutions Kentucky basketball needs to actually keep if it wants to be playing in April.
Resolution 1: Stop Playing 'Operation' with Jayden Quaintance and Jaland Lowe
This is the simplest resolution, but it’s the only one that can derail the entire year.
The Goal: Keep the core healthy. Period.
Kentucky has learned the hard way that "next man up" is a cute slogan, but it doesn't win championships. The difference between the team that lost to Gonzaga and the team that ran St. John's out of the gym was simple: Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance were on the floor together.
That St. John's second half was the proof of concept. It showed that when the rotation settles and the chemistry builds, this roster has a ceiling that can touch the roof of Lucas Oil Stadium. But continuity breeds confidence. If Kentucky spends January shuffling lineups because of nagging injuries, February is going to be a struggle.
Resolution 2: Kentucky basketball must take Nashville seriously
Somewhere along the way, the SEC Tournament became treated like an optional homework assignment. Mark Pope said he wanted to change that, but last year ended in another early exit.
The Goal: Make Sunday in Nashville mandatory.
Kentucky fans deserve a meaningful run in Bridgestone Arena. It’s not just about a banner; it’s about territory. Nashville is practically a home court, and winning there brings a specific kind of momentum that you can’t replicate in practice.
A deep run in the SEC Tournament turns questions into confidence. It reminds the rest of the league that Kentucky is still the heavyweight in the room. This year, Kentucky shouldn't just be happy to show up—they should resolve to be the ones cutting down the nets before the real bracket is even revealed.
Resolution 3: Mark Pope needs to break the "JMI narrative" on the trail
Recruiting will always be the lifeblood of this program, but there is a specific cloud hanging over this cycle.
The Goal: Land a marquee recruit that ends the "limitations" talk.
The biggest question facing Mark Pope isn't his X's and O's; it's whether he can land a top-tier shark despite the JMI deal limitations. We hear about the hurdles. We hear about the NIL complications.
In 2026, Kentucky needs to land a signature name to shut that noise down. Big names bring perception, momentum, and national buzz. Securing a elite commitment would be a statement that Kentucky remains Kentucky, a destination that transcends modern hurdles.
Resolution 4: Wildcats have to end the Final Four drought
Let’s be honest. This is the only one that truly defines the era.
The Goal: Book a flight to Indianapolis.
Kentucky hasn’t been to the Final Four since 2015. By this program’s standards, that isn't a drought; it’s an ice age.
Winning a national title is the ultimate dream, but getting back to the final weekend would do more than just validate the season. It would validate the hiring of Mark Pope. It would reignite a fanbase that has been starving for a deep run for a decade.
Resolutions are easy to make on January 1st. Keeping them in March is the hard part. But if Kentucky ticks these four boxes, 2026 won't just be a new year, it will be a new era.