Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope is officially entering year 2. With the transfer portal still in motion and roster spots potentially up for grabs, the projected starting lineup is taking shape—and it’s got some serious firepower in the backcourt.
Let’s break down the early look at Kentucky’s rotation and what it says about Pope’s system moving forward.
⭐ Projected Starting Five
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Otega Oweh
PF: Trent Noah
C: Brandon Garrison
This group is athletic, skilled, and built to play fast, but it also reflects a couple of clear areas for growth—frontcourt depth and wing versatility.
🧠 Point Guard Position: Loaded with Talent
If there’s one spot that feels locked down, it’s point guard. Jaland Lowe is the early favorite to start, bringing experience and command to Pope’s offense. But don’t overlook Acaden Lewis—a gym rat with insane work ethic. It wouldn’t shock anyone if he pushed Lowe for starter minutes before long.
Travis Perry, the homegrown star, rounds out the group and gives Kentucky one of the deepest PG rotations in the SEC.
🎯 Shooting Guard: Versatility or Firepower?
This is where things get interesting.
Jasper Johnson is a natural combo guard who can fill it up and play off the ball. But there’s a case to be made for sliding Otega Oweh to the 2 and inserting Kam Williams at the 3. That gives you more size and length on the perimeter, though it could create rotation imbalances since Johnson would be spelling Oweh.
For now, keeping Johnson at the 2 offers the best flexibility while letting Oweh work as a slashing wing.
🧱 Frontcourt Depth: One Big Man Short?
Here’s where the concerns start to show.
Trent Noah will benefit from a full year under Pope and a college strength program. He fits Pope’s mold as a stretch 4 who can shoot, space the floor, and switch defensively.
At center, Brandon Garrison brings size and polish. But pairing him with Malachi Moreno could clog the paint, especially since neither has a reliable outside shot. Expect Pope to stagger their minutes and play one true big at a time—unless a surprise system shift is coming.
That said, another big and a capable wing are high on the shopping list in the transfer portal.
🧩 Depth Chart (As It Stands)
PG: Jaland Lowe / Acaden Lewis / Travis Perry
SG: Jasper Johnson / Collin Chandler
SF: Otega Oweh / Kam Williams
PF: Trent Noah / (Open spot)
C: Brandon Garrison / Malachi Moreno
🔍 What Needs to Happen Next?
Add one more big. A stretch 4 or versatile 5 who can defend and shoot would complete this frontcourt.
Find a true backup wing. Kam Williams might grow into that, but having another experienced option wouldn’t hurt. Especially with injuries, just look at last year's point guard depth.
Keep an eye on the portal. Pope has already shown he’s aggressive when it comes to building a roster, and this offseason is not close to being finished.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky fans are used to star-studded rosters, and while this group may not have the top NBA Draft hype of past teams, it has something else—balance, cohesion, and options.
Jaland Lowe is the real deal. Acaden Lewis is a breakout waiting to happen. And Mark Pope’s system, if fully installed, is going to be fun to watch.
The Cats may not be done building just yet—but the foundation looks strong.