Mark Pope said in one of his handful of responses to Cats' fans questions on social media that Kentucky was looking to "shore up" the five-spot, regardless of Malachi Moreno's NBA Draft decision. Things seemed to quiet down on that front when the staff signed transfer big Franck Kepnang last week but, all the sudden, a wrench has been thrown into the operation.
Kentucky seems to remain on the recruiting trail for five-men; whether or not it's a measure of safety or the beginnings of a true backup plan for Moreno's potential departure, we can't be sure. But Coach Pope is keeping his wheels warm on the road.
Per KY Insider and Tristan Pharis, Kentucky has contacted international center Gleb Firsov,
Firsov, who Pharis noted set a league-best 46 performance index rating earlier this season in the VTB United League, can't play the four and certainly won't share bench minutes. If Kentucky is serious about this pursuit, he'd seemingly have to start. Alabama and Arkansas are among others involved.
A Reluctant Pursuit?
Setting aside what it would mean for Kentucky to go all-in on a big overseas prior to Moreno casting his lot (not good), Firsov is an undeniably compelling prospect in his own right. I wouldn't be mad at Pope throwing a bag to get this dude in the blue and white, if that's what it comes down to.
NEW: Kentucky has contacted 21-year-old Russian big man Gleb Firsov.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) May 14, 2026
Firsov has great size (6-10), is efficient around the rim, and has good rim protection instincts. Plays for Parma Perm in the VTB United League, the top league in Russia.
10.6 PPG
58% FG
5.3 RPG
1.1 BPG
18.2… pic.twitter.com/z96MHUQori
The 21-year old Firsov's 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in a professional league are enough to get you fired up, but he also puts up just north of one block on a nightly basis, too. He moves well for his size, at 6-foot-10, can rise over defenders for jams and split-decision-balls, and clearly knows his way around an offense.
He'd bring floor spacing and years of experience to Kentucky's roster. Nobody wants Moreno to leave, but if the Wildcats have to find a replacement, this one is hard to hate.
Pope's International Trend
The addition of Firsov would further Kentucky's reliance on the international pool, but is that such a bad thing? Brad Underwood and Illinois have necome notorious for the same thing, and that's a program fresh off a Final Four appearance.
Slotting Firsov in next to Ousmane N'Diaye would anchor Coach Pope's lineup on either end of the floor with a professional tinge.
The Big Blue Nation saw in Andrija Jelavic how things can go south, and quickly, with an international commitment. All the same, Jelavic was thrust into a frontcourt with few other answers, in a role that was likely never intended for him.
The aforementioned pair would be a different setup entirely, if Kentucky does have to take this route. Keep your thumb on both Firsov's recruitment and Moreno's presence at the NBA Draft Combine, BBN: This thing is coming down to the wire as May reaches its midway mark.
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