Mark Pope’s first season as the head coach of Kentucky basketball was an unquestionable success, as he guided the program to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019. However, Pope won’t escape Kentucky’s championship expectations for long, and the former Wildcats star knows as well as anybody that the fanbase will clamor for more in 2025-26. The college basketball transfer portal was an enormous part of Pope’s success this season and he’ll need another strong showing in the portal this spring to set Kentucky up for success going forward.
The top nine players in minutes per game and points per game on the Kentucky basketball roster last season were all transfers and seven of them will have to be replaced this offseason. Who are the top Kentucky basketball transfer targets in this cycle and what other avenues will Pope explore to improve the Kentucky basketball lineup? If you love the Wildcats, or 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 annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
CatsPause already has news out on who is coming and going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause.com now to see the latest updates.
Kentucky basketball roster news
John Calipari’s shocking decision to leave Kentucky for Arkansas last offseason didn’t leave Pope with much time to hit the recruiting trail in the high school ranks last season, but he’s put together a stellar Class of 2025 so far. Guard Jasper Johnson, center Malachi Moreno and guard Acaden Lewis are all top-35 prospects nationally in 2025 and they’ve already signed with Kentucky. The Wildcats are also in the running for uncommitted top-five prospect and McDonald’s All-American Nate Ament, who named Kentucky in his top five late in February.
Ament visited campus on Feb. 11 when the Wildcats hosted and beat Tennessee, then was visited by head coach Mark Pope on Feb. 14. Adding Ament could give Pope a top-five class nationally in 2025. He also secured a commitment from Tulane forward Kam Williams in the transfer portal after Williams averaged 9.3 points per game as a freshman for the Green Wave. He’s a four-star prospect according to 247Sports and would have three remaining seasons of eligibility. Get the latest Kentucky basketball roster news at CatsPause.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope is expected to go after some big names in the transfer portal, and the CatsPause staff has all the latest news involving incoming and outgoing transfers. You can only see the latest updates at CatsPause.com.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope? Go to CatsPause.com to see their insider information, all from a staff who has deep-rooted ties inside the Kentucky program, and find out.
And remember, CatsPause.com is offering 50% off an annual VIP membership for a limited time, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
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