Mark Pope Discusses Roster Changes and Future Expectations
As head coach, Mark Pope juggles numerous responsibilities—preparing his team for each game, scouting opponents, mentoring young athletes, and guiding them through their transition to adulthood. On top of all that, he also has to construct a competitive roster on the fly. In this article, we take a closer look at his expectations for the future.
With the season winding down, Pope is already planning for what’s next, and Kentucky’s roster could undergo significant changes.
What Pope Expects for Next Season
Pope didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s future this week. While he expects “several players back,” he acknowledged that heavy recruiting from the transfer portal will be necessary to fill key positions. With a mix of departures, NBA hopefuls, and incoming freshmen, let’s break down who’s staying, who’s leaving, and what Kentucky will need heading into the offseason.
Departing Players: Who’s Definitely Leaving?
These players are either out of eligibility or confirmed to be moving on:
🔹 Amari Williams – A defensive anchor in the paint, Williams’ time at Kentucky has come to an end.
🔹 Ansley Almonor – A valuable stretch forward known for his shooting, Almonor will move on after this season.
🔹 Jaxson Robinson – After a season-ending wrist injury, Robinson is shifting his focus to the NBA Draft.
🔹 Lamont Butler – A defensive standout, Butler is set to graduate and move on.
🔹 Koby Brea – One of Kentucky’s top three-point shooters, Brea has exhausted his eligibility.
🔹 Andrew Carr – A versatile forward, Carr provided scoring and rebounding but will not return next season.
With six key contributors gone, Pope has multiple roster spots to fill.
Uncertain Return: The Medical Redshirt Question
🔹 Kerr Kriisa – Kriisa missed most of the season due to foot surgery. Pope may pursue a medical redshirt to bring him back, but his return remains uncertain.
NBA Draft and Transfer Portal Watchlist
These players have eligibility remaining but might test the NBA waters or explore transfer options:
🔹 Otega Oweh – A high-energy guard with pro potential, Oweh could declare for the draft or opt to return.
🔹 Brandon Garrison – A former five-star recruit with NBA upside, Garrison may also consider the portal.
Pope and his staff face a challenge in retaining both players, and if they depart, Kentucky’s transfer portal priorities will become even more urgent.
Returning Players for 2025-26
🔹 Travis Perry
🔹 Trent Noah
🔹 Collin Chandler
🔹 Grant Derbyshire
🔹 Walker Horn
While none of these returners are established stars yet, they offer continuity as Kentucky builds for the future.
Incoming Freshmen: The Next Wave of Talent
Three high school standouts have committed to Kentucky:
⭐ Jasper Johnson – A dynamic scoring guard with strong shot-creation ability.
⭐ Malachi Moreno – A shot-blocking big man with a developing offensive game.
⭐ Acaden Lewis – A quick, playmaking guard with the potential for early minutes.
Pope hinted that additional high school recruits could be on the way, suggesting that this class might not be finalized.
🔹 Still Recruiting: Nate Ament – A highly sought-after wing, Ament remains a top target, though Louisville and Duke are strong contenders. Additionally, Kentucky assistant Jai Lucas is rumored to be leaving for Miami, which could impact Ament’s recruitment.
Transfer Portal Strategy: Where Kentucky Must Focus
With several departures, Pope made it clear—Kentucky will be aggressive in the transfer portal.
✅ Key Areas of Need:
🔹 Experienced bigs – With Williams gone and Garrison’s future uncertain, Kentucky must add size and interior strength.
🔹 Perimeter scoring – Losing Brea and Robinson creates a need for elite shooters.
🔹 Defensive specialists – Butler’s departure leaves a gap in perimeter defense.
Expect Kentucky to target high-impact players who can contribute immediately.
Final Thoughts: A Program in Transition, but with a Clear Plan
Mark Pope has a busy offseason ahead. With at least six players leaving and others still weighing their options, next season’s roster will look vastly different.
However, Pope is embracing the challenge. Kentucky will focus on transfer portal additions, player development, and incoming recruits to remain competitive.
While the immediate focus remains on the NCAA tournament, it’s never too early to look ahead at what’s next for the Wildcats.
