Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope: Insiders unveil transfer portal news, 2025 recruits, roster, top targets

After an offseason of uncertainty surrounding Mark Pope’s first season as the Kentucky basketball head coach following a 15-year run under John Calipari, the former BYU head coach led the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 run. Calipari brought his top commits with him to Arkansas, but Pope quickly targeted the transfer portal when he became Kentucky’s head coach. He’s doing the same to prepare for Year Two and the 2025-26 college basketball season. Kentucky leading scorer Otega Oweh, a 6-foot-4 guard, announced that he’s declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, but maintaining his college basketball eligibility, so Wildcats basketball fans will need to wait to see if they’ll have their leading scorer back. If you love the Wildcats, or 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 annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
CatsPause already has news out on who is coming and going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause.com now to see the latest updates.
Kentucky basketball roster news
The Wildcats are adding size from the transfer portal. Three of their four transfer portal signees are 6-7 or taller, highlighted by Jayden Quaintance. The 6-9 center was a top 10 recruit out of high school, ranked No. 9 in the Class of 2024 by 247Sports before signing with Arizona State, and he was 247Sports’ No. 10 player in the transfer portal this year. He averaged 9.4 points and 7.9 rebounds as a freshman at Arizona State and is a huge addition for Pope as an immediate impact player in the SEC.
Quaintance initially committed to Kentucky under Calipari but reversed his decision once Calipari left. Kentucky fans will finally witness why Quaintance was a McDonald’s All-American and a top recruit. The Wildcats also added a pair of forwards in Kam Williams (Tulane) and Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) as they await Oweh’s ultimate fate as the NBA Draft process unfolds. Get the latest Kentucky basketball roster news at CatsPause.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope is expected to go after some big names in the transfer portal, and the CatsPause staff has all the latest news involving incoming and outgoing transfers. You can only see the latest updates at CatsPause.com.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope? Go to CatsPause.com to see their insider information, all from a staff who has deep-rooted ties inside the Kentucky program, and find out.
And remember, CatsPause.com is offering 50% off an annual VIP membership for a limited time, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
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