Who will lead Kentucky in scoring in 2025-26? All eyes on Jaland Lowe
As Mark Pope enters his second season at the helm in Lexington, the question looms: who will carry the scoring load for Kentucky basketball in 2025-26?
The answer, according to a deep dive into the numbers and the nuances of Pope’s five-out system, is Jaland Lowe. The explosive Pittsburgh transfer is the frontrunner to become Kentucky’s leading scorer, edging out contenders like returning star Otega Oweh and sharpshooting wing Kam Williams.
Why Lowe is the guy
Lowe averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game last season at Pitt while shooting 35.5% from three on over 200 attempts. He’s not just a volume scorer — he’s consistent, and creative with the ball. His résumé includes 10 games of 20+ points, a 28-point explosion against Ohio State, and a triple-double against VMI.
That scoring punch translates beautifully into Pope’s up-tempo, spacing-heavy offense. In 2024-25, Kentucky averaged 84.4 points per game and ranked 10th in adjusted offensive efficiency nationally. Pope’s system elevated multiple scorers — including Jaxson Robinson and Oweh — into career-best territory. Now, it’s Lowe’s turn.
Unlike some of his backcourt peers, Lowe is a proven high-major performer. He brings not only the ability to get his own shot but also a knack for setting up others. That dual threat should make him a focal point, especially with Kentucky losing seven seniors, including its top perimeter threats.
Expect Lowe to lead this young, athletic roster with 17–19 points per night and a green light in big moments.
Who else Is in the mix?
Otega Oweh is the closest competition — if he returns. The Oklahoma transfer led Kentucky with 16.2 PPG last season and fit Pope’s system like a glove with his downhill attacks and defensive bite. After flirting with the NBA, Oweh announced his return to college but Lowe’s ball-dominant style may slightly curb Oweh’s volume.
Kam Williams, a 6-foot-8 sniper from Tulane, brings a tantalizing mix of size and skill. He hit 41.2% of his threes last season and could blossom in Pope’s spacing system. Still, his 9.3 PPG as a freshman in the American suggests he may be a year away from elite scoring totals in the SEC. Though he may explode in this player friendly system.
Freshman Jasper Johnson is the wild card. A top-20 recruit and former Overtime Elite standout, Johnson has the shot-making tools to light up scoreboards. But as with any freshman, consistency and playing time will dictate his ceiling. Think 10–14 PPG with breakout potential.
The system favors guards
Mark Pope’s offense thrives on balance, spacing, and unselfish play. Last year’s team saw multiple players average double figures, with shooters like Koby Brea and Robinson thriving off movement and clean looks. This year’s group is less experienced but more athletic, and it will rely on playmakers like Lowe to drive both pace and production.
Bigs like Brandon Garrison and Jayden Quaintance will factor in with rebounding and defense, but Kentucky’s scoring will again come from the perimeter.
Unless Pope adds another proven scorer from the portal, the backcourt trio of Lowe, Oweh (if back), and Williams will determine Kentucky’s offensive ceiling — and all signs point to Lowe leading the charge.
Final prediction
Jaland Lowe is the best bet to lead Kentucky in scoring this season, projecting at 17–19 PPG in Year 1 under Pope. He has the résumé, the system fit, and the opportunity.
It won’t just be about numbers — it’ll be about moments. And Lowe looks ready for them.