Next year , 15 scholarships

[AJG-15]

I am hoping that after this year debacle with the PG injuries and freshman that are working in progress, that Pope & staff are thinking of filling the full 15 spots on the scholarship with players that fall in two categories :

1) 10 -12players that will fight for starting position and rotation
2) 3-5 ‘ young 4 stars, some of the, should be Kentucky boys that the staff will develop so they can enter the first category the year after next.

This year will lose: Butler. Brea, Amari, Jr, Carr, because of ineligibility, possible Kriisa unless he medically redshirt.


Next year players:

3 Possible Returns for category1 : Oweh, Garrison, Almanor

3 Possible returns for category 2: Perry, Chandler, Noah.

3 confirmed recruits : Lewis, Johnson, and Moreno

So that leaves at least 6 spots to filled on the roaster all for category 1 ( starters and rotation players) .

I think between the current 3 freshman players and 3 new recruits we have fully covered the category 2 players.

There is a lot of work left to do to get the other 6 or more players ( in case someone doesn’t return) for category 1( starters & rotation))

Hopefully , Pope will get players to fit his offensive philosophy but also have

the athleticism and length to play defense and be successful in a very physical SEC.

The other question for Pope should to find the right balance between roaster turnover and incoming players from portal and freshman recruiting.

He has the work cut for him.

 

[SkyPrince1]

We need 5 from the portal that will be in the top 8 rotation.
Starting PG
Starting PF
Backup 4
SF who can backup or possibly challenge to start.
2G who can back up or possibly challenge to start.
Lewis backup PG
Moreno backup 5.
Everyone else as needed.
Don't look for AA back as rule doesn't look likely for '26.
Kerr either plays this year or moves on to some level of pro ball.

 

[Smashcat]

“He has the work cut for him.”
That’s why he’s paid the big bucks.

 

[AzubuikeandFitch]

At least we'll have 2 more guards that can create off the dribble. Our current guys can't get around a chair off the bounce.
As it stands, the guys coming back next yr don't need to get up shots over the summer, they need to dribble and work on foot speed/agility.

 

[Myth Buster51]

I’m sure some coaches at some schools will max-out the scholarships, and then deal with an even larger exodus every spring. We’ll see.

 

[JwUKFan11]

Even though I think this season is likely lost, I think we have a good shot of having a good roster next year.

We already have some recruits(Still recruiting), should have our KY freshman back, Garrison, Likely Oweh and if Pope picks and gets the right transfers with the extra scholarships it could look really good.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

We need 5 from the portal that will be in the top 8 rotation.
Starting PG
Starting PF
Backup 4
SF who can backup or possibly challenge to start.
2G who can back up or possibly challenge to start.
Lewis backup PG
Moreno backup 5.
Everyone else as needed.
Don't look for AA back as rule doesn't look likely for '26.
Kerr either plays this year or moves on to some level of pro ball.

If we bring n 5 guys from transfer portal n top 8 and have Garrison and OO back that leaves one spot for the 3 incoming frosh and 3 returning frosh. That isn't gonna work and we are gonna lose several to transfers. Guys aren't gonna stick around if constantly recruited over.

 

[SkyPrince1]

If we bring n 5 guys from transfer portal n top 8 and have Garrison and OO back that leaves one spot for the 3 incoming frosh and 3 returning frosh. That isn't gonna work and we are gonna lose several to transfers. Guys aren't gonna stick around if constantly recruited over.

That's ok.
The 15 scholarships gives them options.
Perry and Noah can decide if they want to go down the same path as Blevins, Carrier, Stockton, Hood ect and stay 4 years or drop down a level.
Chandler has to figure out if basketball at this level fits in with the life he's chose.
There can be no " I got next " mentality at UK.
One thing I always agreed with Cal on.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

That's ok.
The 15 scholarships gives them options.
Perry and Noah can decide if they want to go down the same path as Blevins, Carrier, Stockton, Hood ect and stay 4 years or drop down a level.
Chandler has to figure out if basketball at this level fits in with the life he's chose.
There can be no " I got next " mentality at UK.
One thing I always agreed with Cal on.

I agree. Maybe NIL will sway some to stick it out. Hate it or love it, it's a game changer.

 

[Bluesnky]

I hope he trusts himself to coach up guys who are good shooters into really good/great ones, and does not target one dimensional players. Only bring in guards/wings with a demonstrated record of playing good defense. Big men have to have a record of rebounding.

I am not sure what to make of the advantage of not starting late with the portal this year. We still have to get a bunch of guys. But the offensive concept is very much proven by year one, and the staff has probably put in a bunch of work already identifying potential targets. Hopefully he’s not too much of a Boy Scout and is engaging in a little light tampering.

 

[TNCatfanforever]

I am hoping that after this year debacle with the PG injuries and freshman that are working in progress, that Pope & staff are thinking of filling the full 15 spots on the scholarship with players that fall in two categories :

1) 10 -12players that will fight for starting position and rotation
2) 3-5 ‘ young 4 stars, some of the, should be Kentucky boys that the staff will develop so they can enter the first category the year after next.

This year will lose: Butler. Brea, Amari, Jr, Carr, because of ineligibility, possible Kriisa unless he medically redshirt.


Next year players:

3 Possible Returns for category1 : Oweh, Garrison, Almanor

3 Possible returns for category 2: Perry, Chandler, Noah.

3 confirmed recruits : Lewis, Johnson, and Moreno

So that leaves at least 6 spots to filled on the roaster all for category 1 ( starters and rotation players) .

I think between the current 3 freshman players and 3 new recruits we have fully covered the category 2 players.

There is a lot of work left to do to get the other 6 or more players ( in case someone doesn’t return) for category 1( starters & rotation))

Hopefully , Pope will get players to fit his offensive philosophy but also have

the athleticism and length to play defense and be successful in a very physical SEC.

The other question for Pope should to find the right balance between roaster turnover and incoming players from portal and freshman recruiting.

He has the work cut for him.

I think 13 is all that’s allowed

 

[SkyPrince1]

I think 13 is all that’s allowed

It's been bumped up to 15 for next season.

 

[megablue]

I am hoping that after this year debacle with the PG injuries and freshman that are working in progress, that Pope & staff are thinking of filling the full 15 spots on the scholarship with players that fall in two categories :

1) 10 -12players that will fight for starting position and rotation
2) 3-5 ‘ young 4 stars, some of the, should be Kentucky boys that the staff will develop so they can enter the first category the year after next.

This year will lose: Butler. Brea, Amari, Jr, Carr, because of ineligibility, possible Kriisa unless he medically redshirt.


Next year players:

3 Possible Returns for category1 : Oweh, Garrison, Almanor

3 Possible returns for category 2: Perry, Chandler, Noah.

3 confirmed recruits : Lewis, Johnson, and Moreno

So that leaves at least 6 spots to filled on the roaster all for category 1 ( starters and rotation players) .

I think between the current 3 freshman players and 3 new recruits we have fully covered the category 2 players.

There is a lot of work left to do to get the other 6 or more players ( in case someone doesn’t return) for category 1( starters & rotation))

Hopefully , Pope will get players to fit his offensive philosophy but also have

the athleticism and length to play defense and be successful in a very physical SEC.

The other question for Pope should to find the right balance between roaster turnover and incoming players from portal and freshman recruiting.

He has the work cut for him.

I do not believe Almonor is eligible to return next year.

 

[megablue]

“He has the work cut for him.”
That’s why he’s paid the big bucks.

Pope’s salary was doubled, if not tripled, to come here.

 

[chasingwildcat]

Almonar will not return

He is running out of eligibility

 

[chasingwildcat]

Also we will be in trouble if Garrison is starting c next year

Even prefer moreno over garrison as of now but recruit another c is the best solution

 

[catlogic15]

If we bring n 5 guys from transfer portal n top 8 and have Garrison and OO back that leaves one spot for the 3 incoming frosh and 3 returning frosh. That isn't gonna work and we are gonna lose several to transfers. Guys aren't gonna stick around if constantly recruited over.

Some on this team need to be recruited over.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

Also we will be in trouble if Garrison is starting c next year

Even prefer moreno over garrison as of now but recruit another c is the best solution

Not derailing the thread, but I think how UK handles the C position with Garrison as the possible incumbent who has had an unquestionably disappointing season is a huge decision no one is talking about. I’ll probably do a long post on the pros and cons of him coming back at some point.

I see very little value in 15 scholarships. I am guessing folks will complain when Pope doesn’t fill them.

 

[Smashcat]

I see very little value in 15 scholarships. I am guessing folks will complain when Pope doesn’t fill them.

Ditto.

 

[catsfan325]

Much better position heading into next season than this time 10 months ago. Lot of teams in the SEC will have complete rebuilds with the amount of 4th and 5th year seniors leaving. We very well may bring back the highest returning scorer in conference with Oweh + 4 other guys with experience. Add to that one of the single best freshmen classes in country with 3 5* or near 5* players.

Just need to get 4-5 extra players from portal or overseas market. Lot different than having to bring in 11 in a month.
Probably need a starting PF, PG, rotation wing, and a 4-5 switch that can compete for starting spot. Add in an extra developmental player or two just so you've got options with the inevitable injuries. I don't think Pope quite understood how physical and athletic the SEC is but he certainly does now.

bulk of minutes
Oweh
Jasper Johnson
Garrison
PTBNL PF
PTBNL PG
PTNBL 4-5

rotational players
Acaden Lewis
Malachi Moreno
PTBNL Wing

fighting for minutes / depth
Collin Chandler
Trent Noah
Travis Perry
Developmental PTBNL (1-2 elite traits, maybe raw in other areas) x1 or x2


Our staff prides itself on player development and I see no reason why Collin Chandler and Brandon Garrison can't both take a big leap this offseason. I see potential with Noah as well. Perry has things to work on but I think his biggest problem areas will be tough to improve on. His lack of length and defensive speed are hard to overcome.

Adding Ansley Almonor or Koby Brea is fantastic, just can't have half a roster of them. Finding players who can shoot and extend defense and play smart offensive basketball while also bringing athleticism and physicality and defensive ability will be the name of the game this offseason.

The type of player I'm describing will be a very hot commodity come portal season and so we will need to have our NIL in shape.

As of now we're well positioned. Lot to be determined though

 

[chasingwildcat]

Much better position heading into next season than this time 10 months ago. Lot of teams in the SEC will have complete rebuilds with the amount of 4th and 5th year seniors leaving. We very well may bring back the highest returning scorer in conference with Oweh + 4 other guys with experience. Add to that one of the single best freshmen classes in country with 3 5* or near 5* players.

Just need to get 4-5 extra players from portal or overseas market. Lot different than having to bring in 11 in a month.
Probably need a starting PF, PG, rotation wing, and a 4-5 switch that can compete for starting spot. Add in an extra developmental player or two just so you've got options with the inevitable injuries. I don't think Pope quite understood how physical and athletic the SEC is but he certainly does now.

bulk of minutes
Oweh
Jasper Johnson
Garrison
PTBNL PF
PTBNL PG
PTNBL 4-5

rotational players
Acaden Lewis
Malachi Moreno
PTBNL Wing

fighting for minutes / depth
Collin Chandler
Trent Noah
Travis Perry
Developmental PTBNL (1-2 elite traits, maybe raw in other areas) x1 or x2


Our staff prides itself on player development and I see no reason why Collin Chandler and Brandon Garrison can't both take a big leap this offseason. I see potential with Noah as well. Perry has things to work on but I think his biggest problem areas will be tough to improve on. His lack of length and defensive speed are hard to overcome.

Adding Ansley Almonor or Koby Brea is fantastic, just can't have half a roster of them. Finding players who can shoot and extend defense and play smart offensive basketball while also bringing athleticism and physicality and defensive ability will be the name of the game this offseason.

The type of player I'm describing will be a very hot commodity come portal season and so we will need to have our NIL in shape.

As of now we're well positioned. Lot to be determined though

If we have garrison as starting center, we will be in trouble, a downgrade version of amari

 

[SkyPrince1]

If we have garrison as starting center, we will be in trouble, a downgrade version of amari

The only caveat to that is that most of the post players in the SEC that BG can't handle will be gone.
Hopefully he takes a jump like Richards between soph and jr seasons.
You need to get an athletic 4 to pair with him.

 

[JonathanW]

12 is ideal.
But IMO gone are the days of being able to bring in guys in to fill those last few slots, who are good enough to contribute if needed.
Why?
1) tv, a lot more teams are on tv than ever before, so you don't have to go to UK, UNC, Duke to be seen
2) NIL, even smaller schools have NIL budgets now. HTF does Creighton (in Nebraska) have a huge NIL pile, but they do. Can we pay more for our 13th-15th guys, than a lower level P5 pay for their 7th-8th guys, or a mid-major pay for a starter?
3) the Portal itself, guys want to play, and if they don't play they can't improve their situation next year (i.e. a better NIL deal elsewhere)

 

[catsfan325]

If we have garrison as starting center, we will be in trouble, a downgrade version of amari

Cannot overstate how much younger college basketball is about to get without the extra year seniors.

And yeah Garrison has been bad more than good this season but he's shown flashes.

He's still an underclassman in a new system with a completely new team with zero prior chemistry. 6'10 guy who is fairly athletic with a rapidly improving jumper and above average passing with already ~1,300 minutes played at P4 level is attractive to me. He still needs to go up a level this offseason for me to feel comfortable with him owning 22-ish minutes though.

And just a reminder to everyone that Amari is one of our 2 or 3 best players right now and he's the same guy who got benched against an Ivy league team last year because he couldn't hang.

 

[JonathanW]

The only caveat to that is that most of the post players in the SEC that BG can't handle will be gone.
Hopefully he takes a jump like Richards between soph and jr seasons.
You need to get an athletic 4 to pair with him.

Thing is Richards was already a solid rebounder and shot blocker. He just needed to become stronger with the ball and more consistent.
Offensively Garrison has as much or more upside than Richards did. But defensively, shot blocking, and rebounding, I think Garrison is a bit behind where Richards was.

 

[jace2012]

Pope’s salary was doubled, if not tripled, to come here.

Exactly. Pope came to UK for the money just much as he did for his affection for UK

 

[JonathanW]

Cannot overstate how much younger college basketball is about to get without the extra year seniors.

That is true. However, they have talked about implementing a "5 in 5" rule change, so everyone gets 5 years to play 5 seasons.
The interesting thing about that is while it would give some an extra year (like Almonor), it would take away Kriisa's chance at a Redshirt this year allowing him to return next year.