Justin McBride has been the relative darling of Kentucky's latest transfer portal kerfuffle, being the only player with obvious starting potential to visit campus since Donnie Freeman. McBride, whose visit is still currently underway, could very well be the Cats' next pledge.
And that would go a long way for Mark Pope's frontcourt, no doubt, but McBride isn't Kentucky's lone focus at this point in time. According to Jacob Polacheck and KSR, Dayton transfer guard De'Shayne Montgomery is officially in kahoots with the blue and white staff.
The physical, veteran guard would be a grand and perhaps final addition to Kentucky's backcourt. Although, if Coach Pope wants him, he'll have to overshadow the interest of other involved SEC programs.
De'Shayne Montgomery is Drawing SEC Interest
In addition to already visitng NC State and Louisville, both Ole Miss and South Carolina are also expected to be in on the Dayton Flyer; formerly a Georgia Bulldog, a return to the SEC for Montgomery seems like the most likely path on the whole.
To that end, Kentucky seems like the plain pick upon first glance. But, if both the Rebels and Gamecocks are offering Montgomery a more advanced role, things could get complicated.
The lengthy six-foot-four guard posted an average of 13 points and four boards per game during his junior season, shooting an impressive 49% overall clip from the field. He was a defensive menace, too, averaging north of two steals and earning his bag on the break, more often than not.
At Kentucky, Montgomery would seem to naturally click into the backup two-spot behind the recently acquired Alex Wilkins, with the potential to slide to the three if Pope decides to go full "small ball."
If that works for Montgomery as well as it does for the Wildcats, Pope and his staff shouldn't wait to get the guy on campus and cut him a check.
Make Montgomery an Offer
Cats fans shouldn't have to ask whether or not Kentucky can beat out the likes of Ole Miss and South Carolina; regardless of role, the Wildcats have the resources to make something like this happen, if that's the plan.
And, at least through my eyes, it should be. Montgomery is a physically stout, efficient wrecking ball that would work wonders within the right SEC system. Let's just hope Kentucky's interest goes beyond basic contact and makes it to the next stage of recruitment.
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