For only the second time in the last century, a former player is set to lead the Kentucky basketball program. Mark Pope, who won a national championship with the Wildcats in 1996, is the new head coach in Lexington. Coming from BYU, Pope replaces John Calipari, who has moved on to Arkansas. With Calipari’s departure, many of his former players are following suit by entering the college basketball transfer portal, resulting in a transitional period for the 2024-25 Kentucky basketball roster. Calipari’s recruiting prowess consistently brought in top classes for Kentucky, a trend that Pope hopes to continue.
In 2023, Kentucky had the top recruiting class according to 247Sports, but Pope may not retain many of those players due to transfers or NBA Draft declarations. Unlike Calipari, who rarely dipped into the transfer portal, Pope may utilize it to replenish the roster. For the latest updates on Kentucky basketball, including roster changes and transfer portal news, check out CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers all things Kentucky basketball.
CatsPause has a team of insiders providing real-time updates on the coaching transition at Kentucky and roster adjustments. With over 20 years of experience covering the Wildcats, CatsPause has established deep-rooted sources within and around the Kentucky athletic department. Currently, CatsPause is offering a 60% discount on the first year of an annual subscription, making it the perfect time to subscribe and stay informed.
The Kentucky basketball roster has seen significant departures as a result of Calipari’s exit. Top recruits such as Aaron Bradshaw and D.J. Wagner have entered the transfer portal, along with big man Zvonimir Ivisic who followed Calipari to Arkansas. The Class of 2024 has also been impacted, with highly touted prospects like Jayden Quaintance and Boogie Fland decommitting from Kentucky. CatsPause has the most comprehensive coverage of all these developments, so be sure to join to stay updated.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, guard Reed Sheppard emerges as a key player for Kentucky. A rising sophomore, Sheppard was the third-leading scorer last season and is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His decision to stay at Kentucky could be influenced by his relationship with Pope and potential NIL opportunities in his home state. Several other players are expected to return, but with multiple scholarships available, Pope will be actively looking to bolster the roster through transfers and recruiting.
To get the latest insider updates on Kentucky basketball, including potential transfers and recruiting targets under new coach Mark Pope, join CatsPause. With a team of experienced reporters covering the Wildcats, CatsPause provides in-depth information on all roster movements. Take advantage of the 60% discount on the first year of an annual VIP membership before it’s too late.
