Kentucky basketball is in the midst of a major overhaul. After 15 years as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, John Calipari sent shockwaves through the college basketball world when he accepted the same position with the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Wildcats then hired BYU coach and Kentucky alum Mark Pope as his replacement. Pope signed a five-year contract for $5.5 million per season. There's been an exodus of current players and 2024 Kentucky basketball recruits. However, Pope will try to work the college basketball transfer portal and the high school ranks to fill out a Kentucky basketball roster that can compete for banners next season and beyond. 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 atCatsPause.comare 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 60% 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
Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell are out of eligibility, while Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards and Ugonna Onyenso have declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. Dillingham is viewed as the top NBA prospect of that bunch after averaging 15.2 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game last season.
Freshman D.J. Wagner, a former top-five recruit in the 2023 class, has entered the college basketball transfer portal. Wagner earned MVP honors at the McDonald's All-American Game in high school, so his departure will be felt by Kentucky's basketball program. Several other players have entered the transfer portal following Calipari's departure, including center Zvonimir Ivisic, guard Joey Hart, center Aaron Bradshaw and forward Adou Thiero. In addition, four of Kentucky's six 2024 recruits have decommitted, so Pope will have his work cut out for him when constructing theKentucky basketball lineup for next season.Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky's roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster
With eight of the nine leading scorers from last season heading out, all eyes turn to guard Reed Sheppard. The rising sophom*ore was Kentucky's third-leading scorer last season at 12.5 points per game. He shot an astounding 52.1% from 3-point range, a mark that led the nation. He's a projected lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, so there's a high probability that he'll go that route.
However, Sheppard's family is close with Pope and he might be the one hire that could keep him in Lexington longer. Sheppard is also a Kentucky native who could cash in on NIL opportunities, so his decision will be a critical one for the 2024 roster.
Jordan Burks, Brennan Canada, Kareem Watkins, Walker Horn, Grant Derbyshire are the other players who, as of now, are expected to return, though none averaged more than 2.0 points per game in 2023-24. Billy Richmond and Travis Perry, the No. 22 and No. 73 players in the nation, according to 247Sports, remain in the 2024 recruiting class for the time being.
With at least eight scholarships available, Pope will actively look to add to the roster. For example, Pope reportedly has been in contact with TCU transfer JaKobe Coles, and he'll be looking at all options remaining in the 2024 recruiting class and the portal to be competitive immediately in Lexington.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 60% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it's too late.
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