Ansley Almonor may have been the most appreciative individual to wear the Kentucky Wildcats uniform in 2024–25.
After three seasons at Fairleigh Dickinson, Almonor was a gem in the making and was a late addition to Mark Pope’s first roster as head coach. He would probably be completing his college education at Siena or Pepperdine if Kentucky hadn’t called. However, there was no question about where Pope wanted to spend his final year when he was speaking on the phone. He would have enjoyed the experience of being at a Blue Blood even if he didn’t play more than a minute every game.
As Kentucky’s best role player, Almonor accomplished much more than just playing on the sidelines; he won games. The 6-foot-7 stretch forward, who started seven of the 36 games he played in, averaged 5.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game. Although he would not alter a thing about the outcome of his senior season, it is a significant departure from the 16.4 points in 32 minutes per game he averaged as a junior at Fairleigh Dickinson.
After Kentucky’s season-ending loss to Tennessee, Almonor declared in a tearful locker room, “I was on literally the worst team in college basketball my freshman year.” And I think I would have given you a strange look if you had informed me at the conclusion of that year that you would be attending the University of Kentucky for your senior year. Simply being able to reach this point in my life is a joy and a pleasure. Take a look at my entire journey, including how I got to college and how I lived my entire goal.
In his one season at UK, Almonor also created history. According to Corey Price, he became the first player in school history to post shooting splits of 50/40/90 with minimum attempts of 100 FG/50 3PT/25 FT, hitting 50.4 percent from the field, 42.4 percent from beyond the arc, and 90.6 percent from the free throw line.
This season, Almonor played a key role in a few Kentucky victories. In the Wildcats’ two victories over Tennessee during the regular season, he combined for 25 points on 6-10 shooting from outside the arc. His 11-point performance against Mississippi State on the road was crucial to UK’s victory. Although his performance this season may not have earned him a position on the NBA team, he improved as a person off the court.
“This year, I’ve been more appreciative. Almonor stated, “I’ve grown more appreciative of all that I’ve been given in this life. “I am grateful for this opportunity, to be able to represent BBN and the state of Kentucky by donning this jersey.”
After a great play, Almonor was always among the first players off the bench to join his teammates in celebrating. Almonor was grinning as he sprang up and down on the sideline following a fierce dunk or a three-pointer that changed momentum. He couldn’t resist mentioning how unique being a Wildcat was to him in every interview he did during the season.
Almonor set a very high standard for everyone who follows him, therefore Pope’s aim at Kentucky has been to recruit players who are proud to wear the name on the front of the jersey.
