The 2024-25 season has started out better than most Kentucky basketball fans dreamed. They’re 10 – 1, with wins over both the Duke Blue Devils and Gonzaga Bulldogs, who were ranked in the top 10. They’re also ranked in the top five in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
There’s still a lot of season left to play, and fans are still hopeful for a deep NCAA Tournament run. It’s a veteran roster, put together by coach Mark Pope through the transfer portal, and without many top recruits, like Kentucky is used to having.
Related: Kentucky a one-seed in latest ESPN Bracketology
Looking ahead to 2025, Pope has begun to put together an actual recruiting class. He has multiple top 50 recruits already, and is working on landing another top ten player. However, he’ll also have some members of this year’s roster to return.
What will next year’s roster look like? It’s early, but it’s interesting to look ahead at who could possibly be Wildcats next season. Here’s a too-early peek at what Pope might have to work with next year.
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2024 Class: Sophomore
Brandon Garrison was a McDonald’s All-American who transferred to Kentucky with three years of eligibility remaining. The NBA could be tempting, but if he returns to the Wildcats, Pope could turn him into a high draft pick. He would be a potentially dominating frontcourt player next year.
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2024 Class: Junior
Otega Oweh is another player who could get some NBA buzz. He can score, plays defense, and is explosive. However, if he returns, he would be the Cats’ leader and a potential All-American. Fans, as well as the coaches, would love for him to be back in Lexington next season.
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2024 Class: Freshman
A transfer from BYU, Collin Chandler is a talented player who is still getting his feet wet in college basketball. He was a top 40 player in his class, and has a very high ceiling. The coaches staff would love for him to be a big part of the offense in 2025.
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2024 Class: Freshman
Travis Perry was the only John Calipari recruit who stayed when Pope was hired. He’s a top 100 recruit who can shoot it from anywhere on the court. Though he’s deep on the depth chart this year, he’ll be expected to take a leap forward next season.
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2024 Class: Freshman
Like fellow Freshman Travis Perry, Trent Noah hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time this season. However, when he does get on the court, he plays hard on both ends of the floor. He’s a fan favorite, and could surprise some people next season.
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2024 Class: High school
Malachi Moreno is a top 25 recruit, and one of the top centers in the 2025 class. Kentucky is losing most of its frontcourt, so adding some elite talent inside is big for Pope and his staff. Moreno will likely play early and often as a Freshman.
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2024 Class: High school
A five-star recruit, Jasper Johnson was a big get for Pope and his staff. He’s a terrific shooter, which will make him a very good fit in the Kentucky offense. Learning behind someone like Otega Oweh, if he returns, would be a huge benefit as well.
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2024 Class: High school
Acaden Lewis was the most recent Kentucky commit. The point guard is ranked as the 31st overall player in the class, and as the number five point guard. His ability to get into the lane and either score or find open shooters will be valuable, and he has the make-up to be a solid defender.
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2024 Class: High school
Forward Caleb Wilson hasn’t committed to anyone yet, but Kentucky is in his final five. He’s long and athletic, and is already an advanced shot blocker. He’s still developing his offensive game, but Pope would love to be the one to teach him, and he would add another body in the frontcourt.
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With the pending departure of Amari Williams and Andrew Carr, rebuilding the frontcourt will be a big part of Pope’s offseason. Landing Caleb Wilson will help, but Kentucky could look to the transfer portal to add more help as well.
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Lamont Butler will be a significant loss after this season. Acaden Lewis is talented, but young, while Travis Perry is still an unknown. Pope could dip into the transfer portal for a veteran point guard who can steady the ship like Butler has this season.
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Koby Brea is an elite three-point shooter who can change games. Kentucky is adding Jasper Johnson, who can shoot, but could certainly add another elite shooter from the portal as well. Pope’s offense needs guys who can knock shots down from behind the arc.
