Mark Pope’s Kentucky basketball team: transfer portal updates, 2024 roster, targets, recruits, and professional analysis

Pope faced immediate challenges upon becoming Kentucky’s new head coach, as numerous members of last season’s roster departed Lexington. Forward Zvonimir Ivisic was the first to join Calipari at Arkansas, followed by guard/small forward Adou Thiero, who played under Coach Cal for the past two seasons. Aaron Bradshaw opted for Ohio State, while guard Joey Hart will suit up for Ball State next season. Point guard D.J. Wagner is set to follow Calipari to Arkansas.

Additionally, Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham, and Ugonna Onyenso have all decided to enter the Draft. Kentucky will also be without top scorers Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves next season due to graduation. For the latest updates on all of Kentucky’s roster changes, consider joining CatsPause.

Most of Kentucky’s original 2024 recruiting class opted to join Calipari at Arkansas. The sole player who remained committed to the Wildcats is Travis Perry, a four-star prospect from Lyon County (KY) and ranked No. 77 overall in the country for the 2024 recruiting cycle by 247Sports. Perry’s strong offensive instincts and shooting prowess align well with Pope’s system. Kentucky later bolstered its roster by adding local high school standout Trent Noah, a three-star small forward.

Pope’s primary additions to the Kentucky roster have predominantly come through the Transfer Portal. Among them are Brandon Garrison, formerly of Oklahoma State, where he was a five-star prospect in the 2023 class, averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in his single season at Stillwater. Jaxson Robinson, BYU’s top scorer last season, decided to forego the 2024 NBA draft to follow Pope to Lexington. Standing at 6-foot-7, Robinson is known for his versatility and contributed 14.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Cougars in the 2023-24 season. For the latest updates on Kentucky’s roster additions, join CatsPause.