Kentucky basketball projected starting five: a key piece still missing Pope's roster

Kentucky basketball projected starting five: a key piece still missing from Mark Pope’s roster

Mark Pope has been busy since getting to Kentucky. After not retaining any of John Calipari's roster, Pope has loaded up in the transfer portal. So here's how his seven portal additions could fit on the court next winter.

West Virginia Mountaineers guard Kerr Kriisa (3) / Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

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. Koby Brea. player. Koby Brea. . 6'6" 205 lbs. SF. Eligibility Remaining: 1 year. Koby Brea. 528

At Dayton, Brea came off the bench as a three-point shooting specialist, but in Pope’s current roster construction, he’d be needed in the starting lineup. Kentucky cannot play a lineup that includes both Amari Williams and LaMont Butler without including a player like Brea who shot nearly 50% from three on 6.1 attempts per game last season.

Pope’s motion offense requires players who can hit shots off of movement and that’s exactly what Brea brings. He only started four games a season ago, yet averaged 11.1 points in 29.1 minutes for the Flyers.

Brea leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive end of the floor, but at 6-foot-6 his wing size will be necessary for the Wildcats and even when he’s beaten off the bounce, Kentucky has elite rim protection.

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