Monday marked the official start of college basketball’s practice season, and Kentucky wasted no time making headlines. The Wildcats opened with a mix of star-studded visitors, encouraging depth, and a few health updates as they look ahead to Mark Pope’s second year at the helm.
Rajon Rondo returns to Lexington
Former Wildcat and NBA champion Rajon Rondo was on hand, sharing his pride in wearing Kentucky blue.
“For me to wear this jersey was everything,” Rondo said. “I had to make a decision between Louisville and Kentucky, but for me, playing for Tubby [Smith] was undeniable… Every chance I get out in public, it’s always Kentucky fans wherever you go.”
That kind of connection resonates with a roster looking to build its own legacy. Trent Noah knows what it means to be a Kentucky kid playing in a Kentucky jersey, and you can see in the video above him listening intently. That kind of buy in is exactly what you want.
Big names at practice
Kentucky’s practice also drew national voices. Legendary broadcaster Bill Raftery stopped by, while ESPN’s Jimmy Dykes praised what he saw. Dykes even referenced his “Jimmy’s Jet” NCAA tournament projections:
My Jet is in its private hangar until January… but from what I saw today, they sure as heck ain’t gonna be in the back of the plane ✈️ https://t.co/Syh3sAx9Wc
— Jimmy Dykes (@CoachJimmyDykes) September 24, 2025
That is another encouraging sign for a team learning to play with each other.
Depth that turns heads
The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman raved about the Wildcats’ backcourt.
“Their seventh perimeter guy would probably play 30 minutes a game on 330 teams.”
It’s high praise, and Kentucky has the talent to back it up. Kam Williams, Jaland Lowe, Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, Jasper Johnson, Mo Dioubate, Otega Oweh, and Braydon Hawthorne are all fighting for rotation minutes.
That kind of depth is rare, and a good problem to have if everyone buys in. But it could lead to ego issues and transfers if guys are not fully bought in. It does not sound like that will be an issue though.
Health notes
Nothing major happening, Otega Oweh is full practice, Jayden Quaintance is still doing non-contact work, but everyone else is good to go.
Final takeaway
With Rondo setting the tone, Rafferty and Dykes giving national validation, and Goodman spotlighting Kentucky’s backcourt depth, the Wildcats’ opening week of practice has generated as much buzz as any team in the country.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion