The Kentucky Wildcats had a roller coaster of an offseason. After 15 seasons, John Calipari stepped down as the Kentucky basketball head coach to take the same job at Arkansas. His entire Kentucky basketball roster from the 2023-24 college basketball season either graduated or transferred, leaving Kentucky without a head coach or any scholarship players. The Wildcats turned to one of their own to usher in a new era when they hired Mark Pope, a standout guard for the team's 1996 national championship squad.
All but one member of the Kentucky recruiting class followed Calipari to Fayetteville, leaving Pope with the unenviable task of completely rebuilding the Kentucky basketball lineup. The Wildcats have hit the Transfer Portal hard, and remain in contact with several players. If you love the Wildcats, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.
The team of insiders at CatsPause.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.
Kentucky basketball roster departures
Pope had to hit the ground running when he was named Kentucky's new head coach since several members of last year's Kentucky basketball roster have departed Lexington. Forward Zvonimir Ivisic is the first player to follow Calipari to Arkansas, and guard/small forward Adou Thiero followed after playing his past two seasons with Coach Cal. Aaron Bradshaw joined Ohio State, and guard Joey Hart will be on the Ball State roster next season. Point guard D.J. Wagner will follow Calipari to Arkansas.
Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Ugonna Onyenso have all made the final decision to declare for the Draft. Kentucky will also be without top scorers Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves next season since both players graduated. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky's roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster
Pope and his staff have had plenty of success rebuilding the Kentucky basketball roster through the Transfer Portal. The Wildcats have the No. 5 transfer class in the country, according to 247Sports. They have added several proven veterans and a handful of younger players with high upside.
The headliners in Pope's transfer class are former Oklahoma State center Brandon Garrison and former San Diego State point guard Lamont Butler Jr. Garrison played one season in Stillwater, averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game and was a five-star recruit in the 2023 cycle. Butler was a key piece in the Aztecs' run to the national championship game in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky's roster additions.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it's too late.
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