There is no other way to describe Kentucky’s performance against Iowa State than a pathetic systemic breakdown. The Wildcats looked completely overwhelmed and didn't look like they belonged on the same floor as the Cyclones. It is a somber reality that Big Blue Nation simply has to accept.
There were far too many blowout losses by huge margins this year (Michigan State, Gonzaga, Vanderbilt, and now Iowa State), and that ultimately falls on the coaching staff. Mark Pope and his assistants built this roster. They picked these players. And they drew up a disastrous game plan that saw Kentucky turn the ball over 20 times and look like a high school team against a trapping defense.
You can't fire the coach, even if you want to.
So, the accountability falls on the players who carelessly passed the ball around and threw it out of bounds in the biggest game of the year.
With seniors Denzel Aberdeen and Otega Oweh officially out of eligibility, and Jayden Quaintance confirming this was his final year of college basketball, the offseason has abruptly arrived. Here is a hard look at who should come back, and who Kentucky should let walk.
Mo Dioubate
The Alabama transfer finished with 4 points and 3 rebounds and was serviceable defensively in his 18 minutes of action today. He brings the hustle and the fight that you simply cannot replicate. However, he has serious offensive drawbacks that can severely hinder the Wildcats in tournament-level games. He is a necessary piece of the puzzle, but he shouldn't be playing 18 minutes a game. Having him return to play 10-12 hard minutes a night is the right recipe for success. Prediction- Stay
Collin Chandler
Dubbed "Captain Clutch" for much of the year, Chandler simply never found his comfort zone in March. He was held to under 10 points in four of his last five games, finishing with just 6 points against the Cyclones. His defense remains a liability. You certainly want to bring back a player with his raw potential, but he is not a primary scoring option and shouldn't be allocated NIL money like one. The Pope connection is deep. Prediction- Stay
Trent Noah
Noah endured a wild season, transitioning from a starter to barely seeing the floor down the stretch. The shooter simply went cold, and his defensive issues made him unplayable in the final game against Iowa State. He is a luxury player at a school like Kentucky, and with only two years of eligibility remaining, he will likely hit the portal to find guaranteed playing time. Prediction-Gone
Brandon Garrison
Garrison had a massive hero moment against Santa Clara, but for much of the season, he simply wasn't good enough. Against Iowa State, he was non-existent and committed two terrible turnovers. Given the massive price tag he is likely going to command for his senior year, Kentucky shouldn't bring him back. He just doesn't produce enough to justify the cost. Mark Pope believes in him, but I don't think it will matter with Garrison looking to have 1 season to fight for his future. Prediction-Gone
Andrija Jelavic
This is the most fascinating name on the board. Jelavic has openly clashed with the coaching staff—when Pope blamed late-game issues on fatigue, Jelavic publicly pointed to maturity. Furthermore, Pope continually tries to utilize him as a floor-spacing three-point shooter despite Jelavic shooting under 30% all season. He is vastly superior in the mid-post, but the staff refuses to use him there. He could return, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him leave for a system that fits his actual skill set. Prediction-Gone
Malachi Moreno
Moreno had massive moments, like the clutch shot against LSU, but he also looked entirely lost far too often. That is the reality of playing a true freshman. He is a phenomenal developmental piece, and you absolutely hope he returns. However, if he seeks a massive NIL payday, you have to let him walk. He doesn't do any one thing well enough right now to command a massive portion of the budget. Prediction- Stay
Jasper Johnson
Johnson made massive waves with his "KY Til I Die" movement during recruiting, but his actual on-court play left a lot to be desired. The potential is undeniable, but he desperately needs to hit the weight room and learn how to play structured, collegiate basketball instead of relying on AAU dribble moves. He was unplayable for long stretches this season. Keep him around as a role player, but he cannot be depended on as a cornerstone just yet. It just doesn't fit with pope though. Prediction- Gone
Jaland Lowe
Lowe was supposed to be the linchpin of this roster, but a shoulder injury ultimately derailed his season. While he is an elite passer, he doesn't shoot the ball well and is undersized when attacking the rim. After a highly toxic season, it is hard to see him wanting to stay in Lexington. Ultimately, he isn't the type of difference-maker that anchors a national championship contender. Prediction-Gone
Kam Williams
Williams did everything he could to return from a broken foot, but the wing never looked comfortable in Lexington. A lot of that falls on a broken offensive system that failed to move the defense or create passing lanes to get him loose. You hope he comes back fully healthy, but the fit remains questionable.
The rest of the bench stays
Braydon Hawthorne has already stated he intends to return, though portal season changes minds quickly. Reece Potter took a redshirt year and is fully expected to be back in the fold as well.
It is glaringly obvious that this roster needs a massive infusion of talent. But with zero high school recruits currently committed and Mark Pope's mixed track record in the Transfer Portal, the coaching staff is staring down an incredibly steep, unforgiving mountain this offseason.