NCAAB · 1 year ago

Kentucky Reloads: Ranking the Wildcats’ Transfer Portal Stars

John Canady

Host · Writer

9) PF Ansley Almonor, Fairleigh Dickinson
Ansley Almonor is among the more exciting names to join Mark Pope in his first year as Kentucky’s head coach. The six-foot-seven forward averaged 16.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season with the Knights. Almonor proved to be a dominant player, but the talent level of his competition at Fairleigh Dickinson compared to who he’ll face at Kentucky will be different. Nonetheless, the forward has the talent to compete at a high level, so it will be interesting to see his fit in Kentucky’s system next season.
Kentucky Reloads: Ranking the Wildcats’ Transfer Portal Stars
Following the departure of John Calipari, Kentucky made headlines with the hiring of Mark Pope as the successor to the blue-chip program. The hire of Pope had many split opinions, and many doubted his ability to recruit at the level that Calipari was able to, whether it be with high school prospects or in the portal. However, with his work in the transfer portal, the new head coach looks to have a promising future in Lexington. Among the talented names he brought in, here’s a ranking of incoming transfer portal players set to suit up for Kentucky next season.

NCAA Championship Odds: Kentucky +3500
1) SG Koby Brea, Dayton
Koby Brea spent four seasons with Dayton since committing to the Flyers out of high school. The six-foot-six shooting guard shot 51.2% from field goal range and 49.8% from beyond the arc this season. As an elite shooter, Brea will have a chance to flourish in Mark Pope’s system, which explains why the Wildcats heavily pursued the New York native.
2) C Brandon Garrison, Oklahoma State
Brandon Garrison committed to Oklahoma State as a highly touted high school recruit. The talented center averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game as a freshman. With multiple years left of eligibility, Garrison was a massive get for Pope and the Wildcats. And with the surplus of talent exiting the frontcourt following Callipari’s departure, the young big man will have the chance to carve out a huge role from the jump.
3) SF Jaxson Robinson, BYU
Jaxson Robinson originally committed to Texas A&M out of high school before transferring to Arkansas for his sophomore season. Following a season with the Razorbacks, Robinson again hit the portal, where he ultimately landed at BYU. With the Cougars, the versatile guard finally showcased his skillset, where he played two seasons under Mark Pope. Averaging 14.2 points on 42.6% shooting this past season, Robinson debated entering the NBA Draft after his career year. However, the six-foot-seven guard followed Pope to Kentucky, where he’ll have the chance to build on his draft stock at a highly competitive program.
4) F Amari Williams, Drexel
Amari Williams has played four seasons at Drexel, continuously improving his game in every category. Not only has Williams developed into a viable option on offense, but the talented forward has proven to be one of the best defenders in all of college basketball. Williams will play a pivotal role in impacting Kentucky’s defense next season with his length and quick feet.
5) PG Lamont Butler Jr., San Diego State
Lamont Butler Jr. is another guard headed to Lexington to join a revamped backcourt room. The San Diego State transfer has spent four seasons with the Aztecs, where he’s shown flashes as a willing scorer and facilitator. Nonetheless, Butler’s most significant impact comes on defense and his ability to defend the perimeter at a high level. The point guard's playstyle will be ideal for the way Pope hopes to have his team play in the upcoming season.
6) SG Otega Oweh, Oklahoma
Otega Oweh was a four-star recruit out of high school before committing to Oklahoma. In two seasons with the Sooners, Oweh has shown flashes of the hype surrounding him in high school. After hitting the portal, the guard found a fit at Kentucky, where he hopes to build on his career season at Oklahoma.
7) SF Andrew Carr, Wake Forest
Andrew Carr played at Delaware before transferring to Wake Forest following his sophomore season. Carr is a stretch big who can defend in the post. With his versatility and ability to open up the offense, he’ll have a chance to thrive under Pope in his new role with Kentucky.
8) PG Kerr Kriisa, West Virginia
Kerr Kriisa is one of the later additions to Kentucky’s squad through the transfer portal, but he could be one of the more underrated players to join. The point guard has shown flashes of his ability to be a facilitator, but he also can score when needed. Between his high basketball IQ and skill set, he could be a sneaky good addition to UK.
9) PF Ansley Almonor, Fairleigh Dickinson
Ansley Almonor is among the more exciting names to join Mark Pope in his first year as Kentucky’s head coach. The six-foot-seven forward averaged 16.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season with the Knights. Almonor proved to be a dominant player, but the talent level of his competition at Fairleigh Dickinson compared to who he’ll face at Kentucky will be different. Nonetheless, the forward has the talent to compete at a high level, so it will be interesting to see his fit in Kentucky’s system next season.
Kentucky Reloads: Ranking the Wildcats’ Transfer Portal Stars
Following the departure of John Calipari, Kentucky made headlines with the hiring of Mark Pope as the successor to the blue-chip program. The hire of Pope had many split opinions, and many doubted his ability to recruit at the level that Calipari was able to, whether it be with high school prospects or in the portal. However, with his work in the transfer portal, the new head coach looks to have a promising future in Lexington. Among the talented names he brought in, here’s a ranking of incoming transfer portal players set to suit up for Kentucky next season.

NCAA Championship Odds: Kentucky +3500

Kentucky Reloads: Ranking the Wildcats’ Transfer Portal Stars

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