After opening the transfer portal with an obvious backcourt-first mindset, Mark Pope and the Wildcats seem to be nearing completion when it comes to that aspect of the roster. The frontcourt, though, is an entirely different and slightly less compelling story. Or, at least it was.
With Malachi Moreno still testing the NBA Draft waters, Kentucky's room of bigs, especially regarding depth, remains relatively murky. And, while there are still needs that must be met, the breaking commitment of transfer forward Justin McBride (per Joe Tipton) certainly goes a long way.
Big Blue Nation, welcome your newest portal piece and slashing scorer ahead of Coach Pope's third year at the helm.
Meeting a Desperate Depth Need With McBride
McBride, a former four-star recruit entering his fourth year of college basketball, is coming hot off of what was by far and away his best campaign yet with James Madison. Averaging 15 points and just below six boards per contest, the six-foot-seven forward makes up for his arguably undersized frame at the four with the ability to score pretty much anywhere.
His 40% clip from long range (on admittedly limited attempts) should ring positively for Cats fans that just suffered an entire year of troublesome shooting. Against Arkansas midway through the season, in spite of a Dukes loss, McBride more than held his own against a ranked Razorbacks team on the national stage.
He'd finish that contest with 13 points and five boards on 50% shooting from the field. In McBride, Pope and his staff clearly see a guy they believe can contend in SEC play. This is a sensible fit, regardless of where he clicks in, and textbook solid pickup for a Kentucky team that still needs more.
Celebrate McBride (And Keep it Pushin')
McBride is certainly a snag worth celebrating and, more likely than not, he'll end up coming off the bench behind Ousmane N'Diaye at power forward for the Wildcats. If he can keep playing as he has been - high consistency in heavy minutes - after his jump to the SEC, that'll work out more than fine for Kentucky.
But the team still has needs to meet. The blue and white bench remains roomy when it comes to designated shooters and, arguably, Kentucky remains without a surefire starter at the three-spot.
It's a good recovery for a Wildcats offseason that nearly crumbled, although not yet a full one.
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