Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope: Transfer portal news, 2024 roster, targets, recruits by best UK insiders

Of all the college basketball programs getting a new look for the upcoming season, few are undergoing the makeover that the 2024-25 Kentucky basketball roster is now. The Wildcats’ offseason started with a bang when head coach John Calipari left Lexington after 15 years and joined the Arkansas Razorbacks. Kentucky is already looking toward a bright future, however, with BYU coach and former Kentucky national title-winning center Mark Pope filling the role.

Pope was tasked early on with recruiting and scouring the college basketball transfer portal in order to put together his Kentucky basketball roster, as there are no scholarship players from last year’s team returning to Lexington. While Pope has already secured several commitments from the transfer portal, this year’s departures left holes on the roster in need of Kentucky basketball recruits. If you love the Wildcats or just want the latest roster updates and news from the college basketball transfer portal, be sure to See what the proven team of experts is saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate covering Kentucky.

The team of insiders at CatsPause. with are providing up-to-date information on the latest information regarding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20-plus years covering the Wildcats and has deeply rooted sources in and around the Kentucky athletic department. And now, CatsPause is offering 50% off your first year of annual subscription*, so now is the time to sign up.

The CatsPause team has complete coverage on who’s making and who’s making the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now for all the insider info.

Kentucky Basketball Roster Matches

Pope had to hit the ground running when he was named Kentucky’s new head coach, as several members of last year’s Kentucky basketball roster left Lexington. Forward Zvonimir Ivisic is the first player to follow Calipari to Arkansas, and guard/forward Adou Thiero followed after playing his last two seasons under coach Cal. Aaron Bradshaw has joined Ohio State, and guard Joey Hart will be on the Ball State roster next season. Point guard DJ Wagner has yet to decide whether he will play for another team or declare for the 2024 NBA Draft, but it appears his playing days at Kentucky are over.

While Wagner remains undecided about his future, Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Ugonna Onyenso have made the final decision to declare for the Draft. Kentucky will also be without leading scorers Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves next season, as both players have graduated. Join CatsPause for the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster changes.

Kentucky Basketball News, Roster

Pope quickly began working the college basketball transfer portal, adding eight commitments already from experienced players who have earned significant minutes at programs across the country. Kerr Kriisa, Brandon Garrison and Otega Oweh played in the Big 12 a season ago, while Koby Brea, Lamont Butler Jr. and Amari Williams were award winners from solid mid-major conferences last season.

Andrew Carr averaged 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for Wake Forest and was also a starter at Delaware. Kentucky’s latest transfer portal commit was Ansley Almonor, a 6-foot-1 forward from Fairleigh Dickinson who averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. Meanwhile, Travis Perry, a four-star in-state prospect, is opting to honor his commitment to Kentucky and Pope also added a commitment from Noah, a three-star from Harlan County. Join CatsPause for the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster additions.

How to Get Insider Kentucky Basketball Roster Updates

Pope could also bring at least one big BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who it is and get the rest of the insider news.

Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and which former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to Get your inside scoop, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And remember: CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so sign up now before it’s too late.

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