Having prioritized the return of (mostly) depth pieces up to now in the offseason, it wasn’t until recently that Kentucky and Mark Pope really lit the fuse as far as big-name transfer portal pickups go. Now, of course, they’ve got two.
In the form of guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins, Kentucky has formed a formidable backcourt seemingly worthy of SEC competition. Both players were highly-touted and sought after, and both will now play in the blue and white. It’s a big win for the BBN.
Although, the starting backcourt having shaken out is only a portion of the rest of the work Coach Pope and his staff have to do. The team’s anticipated starting lineup is slowly coming together, but Kentucky is missing a few pieces yet to fully complete it.
A Great Start For Kentucky
Looking at the team as it currently stands, and assigning depth where it is believed to apply, the bones of Kentucky’s starting five look something like this:
PG: Zoom Diallo
SG: Alex Wilkins
SF:
PF:
C: Malachi Moreno
That structure doesn’t answer every question about the team, by any means; Kam Williams certainly has starter potential at the three-spot, and Wilkins’ transition from the one to the two may be more complicated than it seems. Further, while Moreno is expected to return to Kentucky and pull out of NBA Draft consideration, that isn't necessarily surefire.
But, for now, that setup seems like the most likely path, meaning Pope has two major spots to fill in order to fully round out the Wildcats’ lineup.
Although, Cats fans should rest a little easier than they have been regarding the result. Pope has a semi-clear plan for the gaps still remaining.
Mark Pope’s Roster Plan
The obvious solution at small forward would be a Tyran Stokes commitment. Kentucky is still heavily pursuing the No. 1 overall recruit and, naturally, he’d have a claim as the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ operation.
Yet, a decision from Stokes may not come until Kentucky - as well as Kansas, his other major suitor - has a team built out and waiting for him. So, to that end, Kentucky’s solution at the four is likely to come first.
And, according to Matt Jones, Kentucky expected to land one of Donnie Freeman and Sebastian Rancik. With Rancik recently coming off the board in a move to Florida State (per Joe Tipton), Kentucky is seemingly banking on Freeman to help fill out their would-be formidable starting five.
As we wait for these pieces to fall into place, BBN, don’t be afraid to throw a party (or hang a banner) for the guys that have already committed. Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins represent a great start to Mark Pope’s most crucial portal cycle yet. We may be just one move away from looking truly scary ahead of the fall.
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