Category: Kentucky wildcat

  • Kentucky in the final five for five star Shelton Henderson as Mark Pope looks to steal one

    Kentucky in the final five for five star Shelton Henderson as Mark Pope looks to steal one

     

    Shelton Henderson has Kentucky in his top 5 after decommitting from Duke. With Miami as a favorite, he’s set to make his decision on Monday. Could the Wildcats land this elite recruit?

     

    Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope walks onto the court Thursday, March 27, 2025, during practice ahead of the Sweet 16 March Madness tournament game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

    Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope walks onto the court Thursday, March 27, 2025, during practice ahead of the Sweet 16 March Madness tournament game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar

    Big news on the recruiting front! Kentucky has made the cut for five-star recruit Shelton Henderson, who recently decommitted from Duke.

    The 6-foot-6 wing has listed Kentucky among his top five choices, alongside Miami, Texas, Texas A&M, and North Carolina. Henderson, an elite talent with incredible physical tools and a growing skill set, is set to make his decision on Monday, and all eyes are on the Wildcats.

     

    Henderson’s Finalists:

     

    A physically dominant force on the wing

    Shelton Henderson is one of the most physically imposing players in the 2025 class, particularly on the perimeter. With a wingspan that stretches beyond 6-foot-10, Henderson has the ideal size and athleticism to thrive at the next level. Standing around 6-foot-6, he’s a force to be reckoned with both on offense and defense. His combination of power, length, and agility makes him a nightmare for opponents, and his versatility is one of the key reasons why so many top programs are vying for his services.

     

    According to Adam Finkelstein, Director of Scouting for 247sports, Henderson’s attacking style of play sets him apart. He excels at getting downhill and absorbing contact as he drives to the rim, showing the ability to maintain his balance even in high-pressure situations.

    As he continues to develop, his game has slowed down significantly, allowing him to read defenses more efficiently and showcase his growing passing ability. Though his shooting is still a work in progress, his touch has improved over the past year, and his high release has become more fluid, making him a threat from the perimeter.

     

    Defense and versatility: Henderson’s a game-changer

    What makes Henderson truly special, however, is his two-way versatility. On the defensive end, his length and motor allow him to guard multiple positions effectively.

     

    Whether he’s defending bigger players in the post or smaller guards on the perimeter, Henderson has the ability to make a significant impact. He’s a strong perimeter rebounder, often getting his hands on loose balls and showing an uncanny ability to disrupt offensive plays. His defensive prowess, combined with his athleticism, makes him one of the most complete players in the 2025 class.

     

    The Miami dactor: Could Jai Lucas influence Henderson’s decision?

    While Kentucky is firmly in the mix, sources are saying that Miami is currently the favorite to land Henderson. A major reason behind this is the hiring of Jai Lucas as the new head coach at Miami.

    Lucas, who was previously an assistant coach at Duke, played a significant role in Henderson’s recruitment during his time with the Blue Devils. It makes sense that Henderson might follow Lucas to Miami, where the two could continue building on their strong relationship.

     

    A quick decision ahead

    With Henderson’s decision expected to come on Monday, Kentucky fans will not have to wait long to find out if the Wildcats will secure his commitment.

    If the Cats are able to land Henderson, they would be adding a highly versatile, physically dominant wing to Mark Pope’s already impressive roster. Stay tuned as the recruitment race heats up, and we await the announcement that could shape the future of Kentucky basketball.

  • Kentucky is targeting a new guard from the transfer portal

    Kentucky is targeting a new guard from the transfer portal

     

    The Kentucky Wildcats and coach Mark Pope have done an excellent job of building the roster for next season out of the transfer portal. However, with uncertainty around Otega Oweh, they are still looking for some help at the shooting guard spot.

     

    A new name for Kentucky fans to monitor is former High Point guard Kimani Hamilton. The Wildcats are one of several schools who have reached out to him since entering the portal.

     

    A former top 100 recruit, Hamilton began his career at Mississippi State, but transferred to High Point after playing little as a Freshman. As a Sophomore, he broke out, averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds per game. Last season, his minutes were down a bit, but he still posted 13 points per contest.

     

    Hamilton isn’t a great three-point shooter, but he has been able to get into the paint and get points. He is a good player, and could excel under Pope’s guidance.

     

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  • Luka Doncic for AD was a shocker: Worst three NBA trade flops with Kentucky stars

    Luka Doncic for AD was a shocker: Worst three NBA trade flops with Kentucky stars

     

    From Luka Dončić’s blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis, to Demarcus Cousins and John Wall, these NBA trades involving Kentucky basketball stars shocked fans and left lasting impacts.

     

     

    The NBA trade landscape is never short of drama, but a few trades have left fans absolutely stunned. One trade, in particular, took the basketball world by surprise—Luka Dončić’s blockbuster move to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.

     

    But Dončić’s deal wasn’t the only one involving Kentucky basketball stars that shocked the NBA. From Anthony Davis’s ill-fated move to Dallas to DeMarcus Cousins’ abrupt exit from Sacramento, Kentucky’s finest have been part of some of the most talked-about trades in recent NBA history.

     

    Here’s a look at the most shocking NBA trades involving Kentucky basketball legends and why they remain some of the biggest flops.

     

    1. Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis (2025): A Trade that Stunned the World

     

    Los Angeles Lakers RECEIVE Luka Doncic Maxi Kleber Markieff Morris Dallas Mavericks RECEIVE Anthony Davis Max Christie 2029 Lakers First-Round Pick Utah Jazz RECEIVE Jalen Hood-Schifino 2025 LA Clippers Second-Round Pick 2025 Mavericks Second-Round Pick

    On February 2, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks traded 25-year-old Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for 31-year-old Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future 2029 first-round pick. The deal also involved the Utah Jazz, who received Jalen Hood-Schifino and a pair of second-round picks.

    The basketball world was in shock, with ESPN’s Shams Charania needing to clarify that the trade was real. Luka Doncic thought it was a joke and actually broke his phone when he found out the news.

     

    Why It Was a Flop: The trade was a massive misfire for the Mavericks. Dončić, a generational talent, averaged 28.6 PPG and 8.7 RPG, while Davis, despite being a 10-time All-Star, is 32 and has a history of injuries. The Mavericks’ rationale behind the trade—improving defense—didn’t pan out as they limped out of the playoffs in a loss to the Grizzlies.

     

    Analysts gave the Lakers an “A” for their acquisition, while the Mavericks received an “F.” The fallout? A 12-18 record for Dallas post-trade and multiple injuries to Davis and Kyrie Irving.

     

    Kentucky Connection: Davis, drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2012, became the centerpiece of the trade for Dallas. However, his defensive prowess couldn’t make up for Dončić’s offensive brilliance, leaving Mavericks fans furious.

     

    2. DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans (2017): The King’s mistake

    Sacramento Kings Logo

    Sacramento Kings RECEIVE Buddy Hield Tyreke Evans Langston Galloway 2017 First And Second-Round Pick New Orleans Pelicans RECEIVE DeMarcus Cousins Omri Casspi

    In February 2017, the Sacramento Kings traded DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, and two future draft picks. Cousins, a four-time All-Star, was averaging 27.8 PPG and 10.6 RPG but found himself on the move after Sacramento’s mismanagement.

     

    Why It Was a Flop: Cousins, paired with Anthony Davis in New Orleans, should have been a dominant duo.

     

    Instead, injuries and lack of chemistry limited their success. By 2018, Cousins tore his Achilles, and the Pelicans let him walk in free agency. Meanwhile, the Kings received minimal value in return. So neither team really came out ahead.

     

    Kentucky Connection: Cousins, like Davis, was a dominant force at Kentucky. His prime years were squandered by Sacramento’s lack of direction, mirroring the frustrations felt in other Kentucky trade mishaps.

     

    The Kings also traded De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs. The draft picks there could net a positive return, so we have to withhold grading it for now.

     

    3. John Wall to Houston (2020): The Decline of a Star

     

    Houston Rockets RECEIVE John Wall Washington Wizards RECEIVE Russell Westbrook Lottery Protected First Round Pick

    In December 2020, the Washington Wizards traded John Wall to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook. Wall, recovering from an Achilles injury, never returned to his All-Star form, while Westbrook struggled in Washington. Again leaving both teams worse than they were.

     

    Why It Was a Flop: Wall’s return to full strength never materialized, and the Wizards traded away a franchise cornerstone for an aging Westbrook, who never fit in Washington’s system. This deal signaled the decline of a once-promising career.

     

    Kentucky Connection: Wall, the 2010 No. 1 pick out of Kentucky, was a major player for Washington before the trade. The deal left fans lamenting the loss of a Kentucky icon for an ill-fitting star in Westbrook.

     

    Why these trades stand out

    The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade remains the most shocking of all, swapping a 25-year-old MVP candidate for a 30+-year-old star with injury concerns. Similarly, the DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall trades share a common thread: mismanagement of Kentucky talent.

     

    These trades not only changed the course of these players’ careers but also left a lasting impact on the NBA, showcasing the high stakes and high regrets involved when Kentucky players are on the move.

     

     

     

    The Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers is a watershed moment in NBA history, and for Kentucky fans, it’s a stark reminder of the importance of valuing their talent. Whether it’s Davis, Cousins, or Wall, these trades showcase the mistakes teams make when they mishandle Kentucky’s finest. As the fallout continues to reverberate, one thing’s for sure—these trades will be a point of discussion for years to come.

  • Tonie Morgan tabbed as 12th-best transfer in women’s basketball by ESPN

    Tonie Morgan tabbed as 12th-best transfer in women’s basketball by ESPN

     

     

     

     

    She’s listed as the third-best point guard to have entered the portal, only behind No. 2 Olivia Miles (Notre Dame —> TCU) and No. 5 MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina).

     

    The full rankings go as follows:

     

    G Ta’Niyah Latson (Florida State —> South Carolina)

    PG Olivia Miles (Notre Dame —> TCU)

    F Cotie McMahon (Ohio State —> Ole Miss)

    G Gianna Kneepkens (Utah)

    PG MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina)

    G Yarden Garzon (Indiana —> Maryland)

    F Janiah Barker (UCLA)

    F Serah Williams (Wisconsin)

    F Sa’Myah Smith (LSU —> Virginia)

    G Dani Carnegie (Georgia Tech —> Georgia)

    G Oluchi Okananwa (Duke —> Maryland)

    PG Tonie Morgan (Georgia Tech —> Kentucky)

    C Ra Shaya Kyle (Florida —> Miami)

    PG Kiyomi McMiller (Rutgers)

    F Kate Koval (Notre Dame —> LSU)

    G Iyana Moore (Vanderbilt)

    G Kara Dunn (Georgia Tech)

    G Taliah Scott (Auburn —> Baylor)

    F Latasha Lattimore (Virginia —> Ole Miss)

    G Londynn Jones (UCLA)

    F Breya Cunningham (Arizona —> Texas)

    F Marta Suarez (Cal —> TCU)

    G Jada Williams (Arizona —> Iowa State)

    G Avery Howell (USC —> Washington)

    F Laura Ziegler (Saint Joseph’s —> Louisville)

    Former Kentucky center Clara Silva, who is now a TCU Horned Frog, is among the many names in the “others considered” category.

     

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    “With the retirement of coach Nell Fortner, the Yellow Jackets have suffered a mass exodus as seven players entered the portal,” Creme wrote. “Carnegie, Morgan and Kara Dunn were Georgia Tech’s three best players, and are all moving on. Morgan was third in the ACC with 5.6 assists per game and can help a contender looking for a steady veteran point guard.”

     

     

     

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    In the middle of a busy transfer portal season for the Kentucky women’s basketball program, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Come join the club.

     

     

  • After 19-point outing, Andrew Carr set to play in final game at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament

    After 19-point outing, Andrew Carr set to play in final game at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament

     

     

     

    Andrew Carr celebrates a play during Kentucky’s win over Illinois in the NCAA Tournament – Mont Dawson, Kentucky Sports Radio

    This afternoon in Virginia, former Kentucky forward Andrew Carr will play his third game in three days at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.

     

    Suiting up for Portsmouth Sports Club, Carr will lead his squad against Portsmouth Partnership at 5:00 p.m. ET. After an unproductive debut in this event on Thursday, which saw the 6-foot-10 stretch forward finish with just two points (1-7 FG) and five rebounds, he elevated his performance in game two. Carr went for 19 points (8-14 FG; 3-6 3PT), five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 23 minutes in a tight 82-80 loss to Jani King on Friday night.

     

    In Saturday’s matchup against Portsmouth Partnership, Carr will go up against a familiar face in Tennessee’s Jahmai Mayshack. Also on the other side of the floor are a couple of talented bigs in Oumar Ballo (Indiana) and Great Osobor (Washington). In a fun twist, Carr is teammates with former Louisville guard Chuck Hepburn.

     

    Carr is one of 64 Division I seniors participating in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (P.I.T.), which was established in 1953 and tips off the NBA Draft process. Representatives from every NBA team will be in attendance at the four-day, 12-game event in hopes of finding the next under-the-radar star. Another big-time outing on Saturday could get Carr on more Big Boards.

  • Kentucky Wildcats have contacted High Point transfer Kimani Hamilton

    Kentucky Wildcats have contacted High Point transfer Kimani Hamilton

     

    Hamilton has heard from a slew of Division I programs.

     

     

     

    The Kentucky Wildcats already have a slew of transfer portal players committed for Mark Pope’s second season in Lexington, and they aren’t stopping there.

     

    The Cats still have to round out their roster, and they’ll need to add more production in their backcourt. Kentucky has quite the incoming recruiting class as well with guard Jasper Johnson, Pope’s first 5-star talent with the Wildcats, and high 4-star forward Malachi Moreno.

     

    Kentucky has already received commitments from Mo Dioubate, Kam Williams, Jaland Lowe, Jayden Quaintance, and Croatian forward Andrija Jelavic.

     

    A new name to monitor is High Point transfer Kimani Hamilton, who has been contacted by the Cats, among several other top programs.

     

    Hamilton is a 6-foot-7 forward who grew up in Clinton, Mississippi. He was elected to the All-Big South team two seasons in a row after transferring to High Point from Mississippi State, where he saw limited time as a freshman.

     

    This past season, Hamilton started all 35 games and shot a career-best 52% from the field. He has the range to step out from behind the arc, but that isn’t his strength, knocking down just 32.2% of his attempts from deep. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a junior.

     

     

  • Kentucky native Trent Noah will return for another season under Mark Pope

    Kentucky native Trent Noah will return for another season under Mark Pope

     

    It’s no surprise the Kentucky native will be back in Lexington for a second season.

     

    Kentucky Wildcats forward Trent Noah (9) reacts after making a three point basket during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

    Kentucky Wildcats forward Trent Noah (9) reacts after making a three point basket during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.

    Kentucky is getting one of their own back next season to suit up in the blue and white again. On Friday, Trent Noah announced he would be returning to Kentucky for another season in Lexington and it comes to no surprise to Kentucky fans, with the caption ‘Still chasing 9’ on the social media post. Noah showed flashes on the court last season, but that and his charisma for representing Kentucky really adds to why he is such a fan favorite.

     

    The 6-5 guard and Harlan County, KY native showed up when the team needed him the most last season. When Kentucky was faced with injuries to Lamont Butler, Jaxson Robinson and Kerr Kriisa, Mark Pope knew the bench would step up, and Noah was one who stepped up the most in an expanded role when he was called to do so. In his freshman season, Noah averaged 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, shooting 45.1 percent overall and 33.3 percent from three-point range. He played double-digit minutes in 14 of his 24 games played last season.

     

    Noah’s best game came against Tennessee in Rupp Arena, where he had 11 points on 3-4 shooting, all from beyond the arc, adding 2 rebounds and an assist in 19 minutes played. He stepped up in his expanded role when the team needed it, and he is bringing that attitude back to Lexington for his sophomore campaign.

     

    His love for Kentucky showed last season on and off of the court, and it rubbed off on his teammates, a squad full of representing the name across their chest in Mark Pope’s first season as head coach at Kentucky. Noah is bringing back exactly that for another season.

     

  • Kentucky in college hoops “golden tier” of NIL support at $10 million+

    Kentucky in college hoops “golden tier” of NIL support at $10 million+

     

     

     

    Mark Pope has a war chest to work with, and the Kentucky Wildcats are one of the top names in college hoops. In the era of NIL, those things often go together as those that can pay the most will attract the top talent.

     

    The Wildcats have been one of the blue blood programs for over a decade now, but since the exodus of John Calipari, one that really coupled with the start of the paying of college athletics, the landscape has slightly shifted. Kentucky has maintained a strong reputation and is a top option for many recruits.

     

    Pope and company proved their system this past season, having main transfer portal players on their roster, and they should be able to top that next year. He will have his first incoming five-star prospect in Jasper Johnson.

     

    That said, in a recent report of the $10 million club, Kentucky was named by CBS Sports as one of the “golden” tier programs. Duke, Arkansas, BYU and several others were listed as well. You can see the full rundown in the CBS Sports column here.

     

    The exact numbers of each program were not provided, but many that have covered those teams, like in the instance of Duke having $8-10 million heading into the offseason, are somewhat known.

     

    Fans like to see the Big Blue Nation good at basketball, and in this era, they can virtually pay for that. However, Pope will still be tasked with making sure this team can put a product on the court that can win games in the most competitive conference in college basketball.

  • Kentucky still looking for some scoring punch. And more transfer portal updates

    Kentucky still looking for some scoring punch. And more transfer portal updates

     

    Kentucky missed out on its biggest remaining target for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season this week.

     

    That doesn’t mean Mark Pope and his coaching staff are finished in their search for an impact shooter.

     

    With Lamar Wilkerson’s commitment to Indiana on Tuesday — less than 24 hours after wrapping up his visit to UK — the Cats’ projected 2025-26 roster still sits at 12 players. And while Kentucky is widely viewed as a top 15 team for next season — with some national outlets ranking Pope’s team inside the top 10 — there’s still room for improvement.

     

    The biggest need remains outside shooting, and just because Wilkerson — a seemingly ideal fit to fill that void — popped for the Hoosiers doesn’t mean that Pope will abandon his search.

     

    UK also hosted 6-foot-8 wing Braydon Hawthorne — a top 100 recruit in the 2025 class — for a visit Wednesday, but even if he ultimately commits to the Cats, the quest for roster additions won’t be over.

     

    The program is working under the assumption that there will be 15 scholarships available for the 2025-26 season, an increase expected to result from the House vs. NCAA settlement that should be finalized soon. College basketball programs are currently permitted to have up to 13 scholarship players, and Pope had 12 on his first UK roster.

     

    If all five players eligible to return from that 2024-25 group do indeed stick with the Wildcats — and that remains the expectation — then UK would still have up to three additional spots to fill.

     

    As of now, the 2025-26 Kentucky player with the most made 3-pointers in college this past season is 6-8 wing Kam Williams, who made 63 long-range shots at a 41.2% clip as a freshman for Tulane. Former Pittsburgh player Jaland Lowe — the presumed starting point guard for the Cats next season — is next at 41 makes (with just a 26.6% hit rate). And then comes Otega Oweh, who made 27 3-pointers for UK this past season, fewer than one per game.

     

    There will certainly be other shooters on next season’s team, even without more additions. Collin Chandler emerged as a reliable 3-point threat toward the end of Pope’s first season, and incoming freshman Jasper Johnson — a five-star recruit — is expected to get plenty of opportunities from beyond the arc, too.

     

    And that might be enough.

     

    But the pursuit of Wilkerson — coinciding with persistent buzz around the program — is evidence of Kentucky’s continued need for a shooter, with plenty of good options remaining.

     

    As of Thursday morning, accomplished and promising perimeter threats such as Ian Jackson, Rodney Rice

     

    and Cedric Coward — all players listed inside the top 40 of the transfer rankings from both 247Sports and The Athletic — remained uncommitted. Former North Dakota guard Treysen Eaglestaff — another high-level shooter — backed off of his commitment to transfer to South Carolina on Wednesday morning and reopened his recruitment.

     

    That’s not to say that any of those particular players will end up at Kentucky next season. Some have already narrowed their list of options. (And St. John’s has emerged as a favorite for Jackson.) But it is an example of the talent that’s still out there, with other capable shooters sprinkled further down those rankings and additional players certain to jump into the portal in the coming days.

     

    UK has also been linked to former St. John’s guard Jaiden Glover, a top 100 recruit in the 2024 class who played sparingly for Rick Pitino’s team this past season but holds major promise for the future. Glover entered the transfer portal Tuesday.

     

    The deadline for college players to put their names in the transfer portal won’t hit until Tuesday night, and — as long as Kentucky still has that need for a shooter — it’s worth watching to see which players add their names to the list of possibilities.

     

    Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is almost finished building his roster for the 2025-26 season. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com

    New transfer portal rankings

    Speaking of the transfer rankings, The Athletic updated its list this week, expanding it to 100 players.

     

    All four of Kentucky’s portal additions are ranked inside the top 40.

     

    The Athletic ranks former Pittsburgh point guard Jaland Lowe as the best player in the Wildcats’ incoming group, placing him at No. 16, making him the top-ranked portal commitment in the SEC.

     

    Former Arizona State big man Jayden Quaintance is just behind him at No. 18 in those rankings. Kam Williams is No. 34, and former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate is ranked 40th.

     

    No other school has four players in the top 40 of The Athletic rankings.

     

     

    Otega Oweh, the leading scorer from Kentucky’s 2024-25 team, declared for the NBA draft this week. That was not an unexpected move.

     

    Even before the season ended, the expectation on UK’s end was that Oweh, who has one season of college eligibility remaining, would test the NBA draft waters. While players can get basic written feedback from NBA teams without formally declaring for the draft, taking the step that Oweh did this week will allow him to get more detailed, firsthand information from decision makers at the pro level.

     

    The junior guard will now be permitted to work out for NBA teams and possibly earn an invitation to the league’s Combine in Chicago next month.

     

    Oweh is still expected to return to Kentucky and help anchor the 2025-26 Wildcats. He is not projected to be among the 59 picks for this year’s NBA draft, and — even if he does work his way into draft range this spring — he could still stand to make more in NIL compensation next season at UK than he might as a second-round draft pick.

     

    His announcement Tuesday that he would declare for the draft was simply the latest step in his offseason process, one that is still more likely than not to end with him back in Lexington for another season.

     

    Florida lands a star point guard

    The national champion Florida Gators will be losing Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard and Alijah Martin in the backcourt this offseason, but they landed a major commitment Wednesday night.

     

    Former Princeton point guard Xaivian Lee, one of the top perimeter players in the transfer portal, announced that he will play the 2025-26 season at Florida, which is once again expected to be a force in the SEC, with Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu and possibly Alex Condon all returning for another run with Todd Golden’s program.

     

    Lee was one of the point guards linked to Kentucky before the Wildcats landed Jaland Lowe to fill that spot, and he’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 26 overall player in the portal this spring. Lee, a 6-4 guard with one year of NCAA eligibility remaining, averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game this past season, shooting 36.6% from 3-point range.

     

    Daimion Collins finds a new college

    Former McDonald’s All-American forward Daimion Collins, who spent two seasons at Kentucky before transferring to LSU, committed to South Florida on Wednesday night.

     

    Collins played only six games in his first season with the Tigers due to injury, but he was able to get on the court for a career-high 30 appearances — with 22 starts — at LSU during the 2024-25 campaign. He averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots in 20.4 minutes per game.

     

    The 6-9 forward scored 125 points in 52 games with Kentucky over the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Neither 247Sports nor The Athletic has him ranked among the top 100 transfers during this cycle.

     

    Auburn adds intriguing juco player

    His name isn’t in the transfer portal rankings from the major college basketball outlets, but that doesn’t mean Emeka Opurum won’t have a big impact at the highest level of the sport next season.

     

    Opurum — a 7-footer from Nigeria — committed to the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday as coach Bruce Pearl looks to fill a frontcourt void left by departing mainstays Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell.

     

    The 7-footer from Nigeria averaged 9.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game for Butler Community College in Kansas, and — while his jump up from the juco ranks makes him a bit of an unknown for next season — it’s clear there’s plenty of talent and upside with Pearl’s latest pickup.

     

    Indiana and St. John’s were among the other schools that extended scholarship offers this spring.

     

    Auburn has also added former Mississippi State big man KeShawn Murphy (11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game this past season) for its 2025-26 frontcourt.

  • Guard declares for NBA draft but maintains eligibility

    Guard declares for NBA draft but maintains eligibility

     

    Kentucky basketball’s Otega Oweh declares for NBA draft but maintains college eligibility

    Ryan Black Louisville Courier Journal

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    Show Caption

    Otega Oweh is leaving open the door for a return.

     

    Expected to be the centerpiece of Kentucky basketball’s roster next season, Oweh announced Tuesday he’s entering the NBA draft — but he will maintain his college eligibility. His potential return would give coach Mark Pope a go-to option offensively with Oweh heading into his senior season.

     

    “To the best fans in the nation, the Big Blue Nation — getting to play the game I love each day, knowing I have your support alongside my family and friends, has truly been a dream come true, and I am incredibly blessed.

     

    I’m taking the next step and have declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, while maintaining my NCAA eligibility,” Oweh wrote, ending the statement by using his nickname, “Double O,” a reference to the initials of his first and last name as well as his jersey number (00).

     

    Name the scoring category and Oweh likely led the way in 2024-25 for UK.

     

    Times scoring in double figures: 33 (in 36 games);

    Consecutive games with 10-plus points: 26 (each of Kentucky’s first 26 contests; longest streak by any SEC player in 2024-25 and best by a Wildcat since Malik Monk posted double figures in 30 consecutive outings in 2016-17);

    Times leading the team in scoring: 16 (twice as many as his next-closest teammate, Koby Brea, with eight).

    Oweh’s season and career high occurred against his former team, Oklahoma, on Feb. 26, when he poured in 28 points — including the final 18, highlighted by the go-ahead bucket with 6.1 seconds remaining to lift Kentucky to an 83-82 road victory.

     

    (The only Wildcat to score more in a game last season was Lamont Butler, who had a perfect night in the Battle of the Bluegrass, going 10 for 10 from the field — 6 for 6 on 3s — to tally 33 points in a win at Rupp Arena.)

     

    Aside from his scoring prowess, Oweh also was one of UK’s best defenders, averaging 1.6 steals per game, tying Butler for tops on the team.