With the NCAA's 5-in-5 rule now being adjusted to include seniors that graduated at the end of last season (pending an appeal from the NCAA, of course), this offseason has really only just begun for a lot of teams across multiple sports. As far as Kentucky Basketball goes, the BBN may be tempted to think this roster is already wrapped up. If that was you... you may want to get back on the horse.
On the first day since news of this change broke, two notable players have already been confirmed to have been contacted by Mark Pope and Kentucky. As the Cats work to fill their final roster spot, these two guys may end up being the biggest names to keep an eye on.
At least, they're the only two that seem like serious candidates out of the gate, and if Pope made an effort this earlier, I'd say it's safe to dub them at least relative priorities.
Jaxon Kohler
The first of the two, and probably a tad familiar, is Michigan State's Jaxon Kohler. Jon Rothstein reported that Kohler, a 6-foot-9 forward with flexibility in the paint, is exploring a fifth year of college hoops, and that Kentucky, in addition to Kansas and BYU, have made immediate waves with him.
Going back to the Spartans is also possible at this stage, per Rothstein. As far as the fit goes, Kohler makes enough sense as a last-ditch pickup for Coach Pope. He played nearly 30 minutes per game for Tom Izzo last season, averaging 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting a notable 38.9% clip from long range.
Pair him with Milan Momcilovic at the three/four spots (both can player either, I'd wager) and you've got a nasty mid-lineup duo built to stretch defenses to their absolute limits. I like it, I like it a lot.
Daniel Rouzan
The other fifth-year possibility is Daniel Rouzan, who confirmed the Cats' contact himself to The Portal Report. Indiana, FIU, Southern Miss, and Troy are also in the mix early on.
Rouzan, at 6-foot-8, 235 lbs, is of similar stature to Kohler but truly couldn't be any different as a player. Most of the Bethune Cookman forward's game is down low, where he manages an efficient ability to score in the post. His hook shot is especially nice - I wouldn't mind seeing that in Rupp Arena.
You're not getting much outside shooting with Rouzan (he shot 20% this past season), but he's a physical player that would likely bode well in a strong secondary role in the SEC. He, too, makes sense for Kentucky, if only for different reasons than Kohler.
Regardless of whether Kentucky ends up with either of these guys, it's clear that Mark Pope is working to add a little more firepower to this Wildcats team. He's already got a good group, Kentucky fans; one more addition, almost no matter who it ends up being, is likely just icing on the cake at this point.
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