I have some inquiries before the Kentucky basketball season of 2025–2026.
Five Questions for Kentucky Basketball’s 2025–2026 Season
When can we expect Jayden Quaintance to recover?
Dec. 14, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Jayden Quaintance, 21, of the Arizona State Sun Devils, is in possession of the ball during the second half at State Farm Arena. It is required that Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images be given credit.
The health of talented transfer center Jayden Quaintance is one of the main concerns surrounding this Kentucky basketball squad. It is hoped that he will return to the court by the start of SEC play after suffering an ACL tear. The Wildcats need Quaintance on the court swatting shots since he is predicted to be selected in the top five of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Will Otega Oweh’s three-point shooting skills improve?
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh (00) is seen taking a fast break during the first half of their game versus Illinois in the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. via Imagn Images/Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK
Otega Oweh shot 35.5% from three last season, but he only appeared comfortable making long-range shots when he was wide open. Oweh’s ability to reach the rim is his strongest suit. If he can also add the threat of a knockdown shot, he could be the best player in college basketball.
Will Jaland Lowe become more effective in the SEC?
Mar. 11, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA: In the first half at Spectrum Center, Pittsburgh Panthers guard Jaland Lowe (15) makes a basket against Markus Burton (3) of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It is required that Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images be credited.
Jaland Lowe’s field goal percentages from the previous season at Pitt were the only criticism directed at him. He scored 16.8 points on average every game, but it wasn’t very effective. Although it remains to be seen, it is hoped that Pope’s efficiency will increase under his approach. Lowe’s out-of-summer practice has received excellent reviews.
How is Andrija Jelavic going to adjust to playing collegiate basketball?
This is Andrija Jelavic dribbling the ball.
Power forward Andrija Jelavic traveled from Croatia to Kentucky. After a few years of playing professional basketball in Europe, he is now prepared to play collegiate basketball. If his transition to the Pope system and college basketball goes well, the Wildcats will benefit greatly because he has the skill set to be a standout.
Will the team’s rebounding and defense be better than they were last season?
At Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, March 14, 2025, during the first half of a Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinal matchup against Alabama, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope yells at his players. / Imagn Images/The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK/Andrew Nelles
The defense and rebounding weren’t very good in the first year of the Mark Pope era. According to his roster for the 2025–2026 campaign, this shouldn’t be a problem. According to players, this is going well, and it will be a major component of the offseason plan to get better in these two areas. This season, the defense ought to rank among the top 20 on KenPom.
