It is no secret that 2025 did not go as planned for Mark Pope and Kentucky basketball. The roster was built around a left-handed point guard and a dominant big man. The two played a combined 13 games due to injuries. Now, the pressure is back on to create a new roster with a new identity.
While the Transfer Portal doesn't officially open until April 7th, over 500 players have said they would be entering the portal once it does officially open. Last week, it was all about Mark Pope and the players sitting down and seeing who would be coming back; the results of those meetings are now playing out in real time.
Who is leaving Lexington?
Jaland Lowe
Brandon Garrison
Jasper Johnson
The Cats had a huge portion of their roster that could actually come back; 12 of the 16 players were underclassmen. Realistically, that number was actually 11, as Jayden Quaintance was not going to come back regardless of how things went.
But still, that is a massive number of players that could play a big role in helping to build continuity in Lexington. We are still waiting to hear from:
Collin Chandler
Trent Noah
Andrija Jelavic
Mo Dioubate
Kam Williams.
Those announcements should be coming rather quickly.
Who is staying with Kentucky basketball?
So far, only two names have confirmed their returns to Lexington: Braydon Hawthorne and Reece Potter, both of whom completed a redshirt season last year and will remain with the Cats, unless something changes.
Hawthorne a rangy freshman is seen as a key piece to the puzzle of next year's roster by the coaching staff, while Reece is a pick and pop Center who can provide some versatility on the perimeter offensively.
With those two firmly on board, the Cats have to start thinking of who they can get to come play for Mark Pope.
Who is Kentucky basketball targeting?
As names trickle into the portal, more and more guys are popping up on the Lexington radar. We will update this section as each name is contacted.
Brett Decker Jr.
Decker is a former Central Hardin star who averaged 16 points a game on 47% from deep last season. He is someone who can quickly fill up the basket, and something Kentucky needs.
Tyrone Riley IV
Riley will bring a nice versatile defensive skillset to Kentucky, he is more of a slasher than scorer but has good defensive instincts leading to 8 multi-steal games last season.
Camren Hunter
Hunter is an interesting one. He thrives at Central Arkansas, he scored 21 a night last season. But the year before that he went to Wisconsin and barely saw the floor. He is a downhill guard who knows how to finish around the rim.
Finley Bizjack
This is a name that may not even be on the radar because he is also going to be testing the NBA waters. But he did a little bit of everything for Butler last year averaging 17 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds a night. Turnovers are an issue, as is his 42% field goal shooting. The skillset is there, it just has to be honed.
Jalen Haralson
This may be my favorite player of the bunch. The freshman is not much of a threat from deep, but is a bucket everywhere else. He averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists a night but did it on 51% from the floor. He knows how to get to his spots and then converts. This would be a big get for Mark Pope.
Who has signed with Kentucky?
No one has officially put their name to paper just yet, nor has anyone confirmed they would once the portal opens next week. But with 0 recruits, and Tyran Stokes now a Kansas lock, this section will get quite a few names.
Stay with us all silly season long for the latest breaking news.