How does Mark Pope feel about the 2025–2026 roster he put together? It’s a solid one, a collection of ten new players, including three high school players, one international star, and six guys from the portal. This is in addition to the return of players like Trent Noah, Brandon Garrison, and Collin Chandler from the previous campaign, as well as Otega Oweh, if he removes his name from the draft by the deadline of May 28 as anticipated.
Pope is certain that, working together, they can make the run that Big Blue Nation is clamouring for.
Pope stated the UK Sports Network, “We have a team that is going to be incredibly competitive.” “They are all focused on competing with one another.” They want to come fight it out and aren’t afraid of the smoke. … It’s unbelievable that this group allows us to do this. This ensemble is going to be really unique, in my opinion. We had the good fortune to have incredible players on the roster the previous season, and with these new players and the returning players, we have an opportunity to go out and finish this.
What about the new players who will be making their Kentucky debuts next season? We are aware of the returning talent. Pope spent 30 seconds discussing each of the ten additions coming to Lexington this offseason as part of a shot-clock segment with Michelle Knezovic.
Hawthorne, Braydon
With a 7-3 wingspan and a 6-9 frame, Braydon Hawthorne is a very gifted young player who is likely to grow into a 6-11 or 7-footer. He can shoot it, handle it, and is a tremendous decision maker. Observing his growth over the past 12 months has been fascinating. He’s growing up so quickly. He is a serious student of the basketball game.
Johnson, Jasper
“Jasper Johnson was the most dangerous scorer in all of high school basketball last year, and we expect him to be the most dangerous scorer in all of college basketball next year. He’s a homegrown superstar talent, one of the nicest athletes you’ll ever meet. Scrambling, slick, slick. He can make his own shot and travel anyplace he wants. I will always refer to him as KY Till I Die because of the t-shirt.
Malachi Moreno
“Malachi Moreno, you talk about people with wonderful character. His sibling is amazing, and his mother is bright. This would be a better place if Malachi Moreno were in charge of everything in Kentucky. He is simply a lovely child. He’s 7-1 as well. He is already soaring through the draft rankings and is poised to become a formidable opponent.
Potter, Reece
“Reece Potter is ecstatic. An alumnus of Lexington Catholic, directly from this wonderful state and city. He’s a highly skilled player who can shoot it, who can pass it. He is a great kid who loves the University of Kentucky. Wearing this shirt will mean the world to you.
Aberdeen, Denzel
“The winner is the winner. Yes, he is currently wearing a championship ring, but his DNA and what he is prepared to give up for a team, as well as what he is willing to accomplish for a team, indicate that winning, winning, winning—for and with his team—is what means most to him. He is one of the best young guys I have ever met, and he comes from a military family. Here, he will be a superstar.
Jelavic Andrija
Andrija is unique. He has been doing admirably and at a very high level in Europe. He is a 6-10 forward with the ability to push the ball in transition, shoot, handle, and make decisions. For us, he will be a seasoned rookie. We expect tremendous things for him. I’ll never forget when I FaceTimed him, the tears pouring in his eyes thinking of the University of Kentucky.”
Jayden Quaintance
When JQ was sixteen years old, he averaged a double-double. 16 years old, a double-double at 16 in the Big 12. He just turned 17 and will soon turn 17. To be a sophomore at the University of Kentucky at the age of 17? BBN will fall in love with him as a person because he is an amazing human being. He is a major player.
Dioubate Mo
Yesterday, Mo and I were in New York to visit him and his family. He is a canine. This cat is an undersized power player, not a power wing or forward, but a power player nevertheless. Last year, he had a low volume 3-point shooting percentage of 46%. When he is playing at the four spot, he is an incredible playmaker. The greatest child ever and a superb offensive rebounder.
Lowe Jaland
Point guard Jaland Lowe is an expert. When you consider it, he nearly averaged six assists per game in the previous season. He is free to move around the floor as he pleases. This child will be a magician for us as he plays point.
Williams, Kam
“Kam Williams—” This child is unique, I assure you. The NBA staff is smitten with him. Although he was not on the line, he made 43% of his three-point attempts. At about 27 or 28 feet, he was firing. In addition to his amazing length, he exudes toughness. He will be a fantastic player here.
