Mark Pope will feel the pressure in his first season as the head coach of the Kentucky basketball roster. Kentucky hasn't won a national championship since 2012 and the Wildcats haven't made it out of the second round of the NCAA Tournament in the last four seasons. Pope won a national championship as a player at Kentucky in 1996, but he has never won an NCAA Tournament game as a head coach. The college basketball transfer portal is now closed, but there are still several big-time transfers on the market who have significant decisions to make regarding their futures.
The decisions some of these top players make will help shape the rosters for major programs next season, especially the Kentucky basketball lineup, which lost nearly all of its Class of 2024 commitments following John Calipari's departure to Arkansas. 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
No sooner had Calipari departed Kentucky that a number of Wildcats from last year's roster were on the move as well. Aaron Bradshaw was the first to commit to a new team when he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes, while Zvonimir Ivisic became the first player from last season to follow Calipari to Arkansas. Calipari is also reportedly encouraging Bradshaw's high school teammate, D.J. Wagner, to join the Razorbacks.
The transfer portal isn't the only reason the Wildcats roster will look different next season. Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell, who were two of Kentucky's top scorers last season, are both graduating. Meanwhile, Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Ugonna Onyenso have all declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. There is also movement within the recruiting class, so Pope's roster is clearly far from solidified for the 2024-25 season. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky's roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster
Calipari's departure certainly left major holes in the Kentucky basketball roster, but Pope has done an outstanding job landing experienced talent thus far in the recruiting cycle. Pope signed seven experienced players in the college basketball transfer portal, all of which were four-star recruits who played significant roles for their respective teams in 2023-24.
Pope loaded up on defensive disruptors, including Duquesne's Amari Williams and San Diego State's Lamont Butler Jr., both of whom were the defensive player of the year in their conference last season. Former West Virginia guard Kerr Kriisa is expected to play a pivotal role on the offensive end of the court for the Wildcats next season after averaging 11.0 points, 4.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds as a senior. Kriisa will also help Kentucky with its 3-point shooting after knocking down 42.4% of his 3-point attempts last season. 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.
*Terms: This offer is only available for new members who sign up for a CatsPause annual subscription. After the first year, subscription will re-bill on an annual basis at the regular rate. 247Sports.com reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Please write support@247sports.com with any questions you may have.
