Here’s your full update on all things UK basketball as the offseason heats up.
Rajon Rondo graduates from Kentucky
He’s an NBA champion, two-time All-Star, and one of the smartest point guards to ever wear Kentucky blue. Now, Rajon Rondo can add one more title to his resume: college graduate.
The former Wildcat officially received his diploma during Kentucky’s spring commencement ceremonies, capping off a journey that began in Lexington nearly two decades ago.
Rondo played for the Wildcats from 2004–06 before heading to the NBA, where he became one of the league’s premier floor generals. His return to finish his degree speaks to the culture around the program— one where education and legacy matter.
Jaland Lowe turns heads, but no NBA combine invite
While the spotlight is on NBA Draft hopefuls, Jaland Lowe is quietly making a name for himself in the NBA G League Elite Camp.. The Pittsburgh transfer has earned strong early reviews for his shot-making, quickness, and defensive instincts according to Yahoo! Sports.
Still, Lowe was notably left off the invite list for the NBA Draft Combine despite a strong showing in the G League combine event. However, after former UK target Mackenzie Mgbako — who struggled with inconsistency at Indiana — earned a spot with his play.
For Lowe, the snub may be a blessing in disguise. It’s more fuel for the fire heading into a season where he’s expected to be one of the SEC’s breakout guards. And it's good news for Kentucky fans hoping he returns to college hoops.
Mark Pope faces higher expectations in year two
After an offseason of strong recruiting and a full year of SEC experience, the expectations around Kentucky basketball are about to ramp back up.
Sports Illustrated recently wrote that expectations for Pope in year two are higher than they were in year one — and that’s completely fair. He’s now had a chance to understand the physical grind of the SEC, coach through March Madness wins, and build a roster in his image.
This isn’t a transition year anymore. It’s a prove-it year. And Pope wouldn’t want it any other way.
Oweh and Brea Set for NBA Draft Combine Scrimmages
According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, Koby Brea and Otega Oweh both earned spots at the NBA Draft Combine's 5-on-5 scrimmages, which begin Wednesday afternoon and can be streamed live on the ESPN app.
While both players made the cut, they’ll be on opposite teams:
Oweh will suit up for Team Lazare
Brea will play for Team Mueller
Both guards are being closely monitored by NBA scouts. A strong scrimmage performance could elevate their stock or in Oweh's case coerce him to return to college. He will have until May 28th to do so.
“I’m all in (on the NBA),” Oweh told Aaron Fentress of Oregon Live. He said he was not going to be "one foot in and one foot out". When the conversation turned to would he only stay in the draft if he was a guaranteed first-round pick, Oweh said this:
""So, I’m just gonna go through these workouts, give it my all, and then when it’s all said and done, I’ll see where I’m at and then I’ll make that decision.”"Otega Oweh to Aaron Fentress
Malachi Moreno dominates at Chris Brickley Invitational
It wasn’t just UK’s current stars making noise.
Malachi Moreno, a 2025 7-footer from Georgetown, KY, put on a show at the Chris Brickley Invitational over the weekend. Facing elite national talent, Moreno posted:
- 18 points
- 9 rebounds
- 5 assists
- 1 block
The nearly double-double caught the attention of Chris Beasmore, who praised Moreno’s polished footwork and court vision.
He’s one of the top bigs in the 2025 class and a good multi-year product for Mark Pope.
The offseason is heating up
From Rondo’s cap-and-gown moment to Combine action, from recruiting buzz to raised expectations, Kentucky basketball’s offseason is anything but quiet.
With more scrimmages, recruiting visits, and NBA Draft decisions ahead, BBN won’t have to wait until November to get their basketball fix.
And for Mark Pope, the pressure is building — but so is the promise.