As the Kentucky Wildcats gear up for the 2025-2026 season, Head Coach Mark Pope and his staff are meticulously analyzing the current roster to identify areas for enhancement through the transfer portal. By evaluating the team's projected per-game statistics and comparing them to national benchmarks from the 2024-2025 season, we can pinpoint specific needs to address. These numbers will be inflated because it is based on a per 40 minutes per game, and none of these players will come close to that. But it will give a good idea of what is needed.
Projected key contributors and their per-game averages:
Otega Oweh (SF): 22.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.2 steals, 0.7 blocks.
Brandon Garrison (C): 13.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.4 blocks.
Trent Noah (PF): 9.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.1 blocks.
Collin Chandler (SG): 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 steals, 0.3 blocks.
Travis Perry (PG): 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.1 blocks.
Kam Williams (SG): 16.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.5 steals, 1.9 blocks.
Mouhamed Dioubate (F): 23.9 points, 19.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.1 steals, 2.2 blocks.
Jaland Lowe (PG): 18.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.3 blocks.
Jasper Johnson (G): 26.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.3 steals, 0.6 blocks.
Malachi Moreno (C): 21.8 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 3.5 blocks.
Note: These figures represent cumulative totals and do not account for playing time distribution.
Comparison to 2024-2025 NCAA team averages:
In the 2024-2025 season, the leading NCAA teams averaged around 90 PPG. While Kentucky's projected cumulative statistics appear robust, it's essential to consider the distribution of these stats among players and the overall team dynamics.
Identified needs:
Frontcourt Ddepth:
Despite strong rebounding figures from players like Dioubate and Moreno, additional depth in the power forward and center positions would provide insurance against injuries and offer tactical flexibility. Neither will pull numbers like that, but it gives you an idea of what you can expect as a player creeps towards the 30 minute mark.
Three-point shooting:
To enhance floor spacing, recruiting a sharpshooting wing or stretch four with a proven three-point shooting record would be beneficial.
Defensive versatility:
Adding players capable of guarding multiple positions would bolster the team's defensive schemes, especially against teams employing diverse offensive strategies like Florida and Auburn.
Strategic approach in the transfer portal:
Coach Pope should prioritize players who not only fill these specific roles but also align with Kentucky's up-tempo, high-IQ playing style.
By addressing these areas, the Wildcats can enhance roster balance, depth, and versatility, positioning themselves for a competitive 2025-2026 season.