With eight national championships, 17 Final Four appearances, 33 conference tournament titles, and 53 regular season conference titles, the Kentucky Wildcats are one of the most successful programs in the history of college basketball. The Wildcats are ushering in a new era this offseason and will have an entirely new look when the 2024-25 college basketball season tips off. After 15 seasons, John Calipari left the program to become the new head coach at Arkansas, replacing Eric Musselman, who earlier left for the same job at USC. The Wildcats hired Mark Pope, a standout guard for the team's 1996 national championship team, away from BYU to replace Calipari.
Not only will Kentucky have an all new coaching staff, they will also have an entirely new Kentucky basketball roster next season. Following the 2024 NCAA Tournament, every scholarship player on the Kentucky basketball roster either graduated or transferred, leaving Pope little time to put together a Kentucky basketball lineup for his first season on the job. Pope and his staff hit the Spring Transfer Portal hard, landing several elite transfer players, and remain in contact with several others. If you love the Wildcats, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.
The team of insiders at CatsPause.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.
Kentucky basketball roster departures
Pope had to hit the ground running when he was named Kentucky's new head coach since several members of last year's Kentucky basketball roster have departed Lexington. Forward Zvonimir Ivisic is the first player to follow Calipari to Arkansas, and guard/small forward Adou Thiero followed after playing his past two seasons with Coach Cal. Aaron Bradshaw joined Ohio State, and guard Joey Hart will be on the Ball State roster next season. Point guard D.J. Wagner will follow Calipari to Arkansas.
Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Ugonna Onyenso have all made the final decision to declare for the Draft. Kentucky will also be without top scorers Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves next season since both players graduated. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky's roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster
Pope hit the ground running and quickly added several transfers who have the ability to be impact players right away in Lexington. Former Oklahoma State center Brandon Garrison may be the most talented player of the bunch. The former five-star recruit averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game during his lone season with the Cowboys. His rare blend of size and athletic ability will give Kentucky a physically imposing front court presence.
Another player that could make a massive impact right away is former Dayton guard Koby Brea. In his four years playing for the Flyers, Brea developed into one of the premier long-range shooters in college basketball. In 2023-24, Brea connected on 49.8% of his 3-point attempts and averaged 11.1 points per game. He should fit seamlessly into Pope's fast-paced offense that is heavily reliant on 3-point shooting. Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky's roster additions.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it's too late.
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