Monday’s basketball-related news was pretty unpleasant for Kentucky.
Boogie Fland reopened his recruitment, Aaron Bradshaw transferred to Ohio State, Zvonimir Ivisic transferred to Arkansas, DJ Wagner entered the transfer portal and Ugonna Onyenso declared for the NBA draft.
The bad news here is that Kentucky could very well end up losing Fland for good, which would really hurt the team’s recruiting class for this fall.
It’s also not the best outcome that Bradshaw, Ivisic, Onyenso, and Wagner (assuming he doesn’t return to Kentucky) all four are removed from the roster. Although the four didn’t really amount to much last season, they were eyed for significant growth in year two at UK.
This also puts a bit of pressure on new head coach Mark Pope, as he has to work twice as hard to complete his team, but also work his magic in the transfer portal.
If – and this is a big deal if – Reed Sheppard returns, the Wildcats will have two Kentucky Mr. Basketball winners in their backcourt with him and freshman Travis Perry.
There is also the slight possibility that Adou Thiero will return to Lexington.
Former BYU big man Aly Khalifa is expected to make his transfer decision soon, while Drexel Dragons forward Amari Williams will meet with Pope next week.
Kentucky also has its eye on Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Javon Small, TCU big man JaKobe Coles, Northern Illinois Huskies guard David Coit and Dayton Flyers guard Koby Brea.
David Cobb of CBS Sports listed the nation’s top 60 players in the transfer portal, with some of them appearing to be a perfect fit for the Pope system.
There’s a lot of work to be done, but Pope clearly has the passion to bring Kentucky back to the promised land and the fans must absolutely love it.
Tweet of the day
Another Wildcat leaves.
Securities
Pope Girls Make Unique Impact on New Kentucky Coach – Vaught’s Perspective
Their family is wonderful.
Caitlin Clark taken by Fever, Angel Reese heads to Sky – CBS Sports
No surprises here.
21 former Kentucky Wildcats make the NBA playoffs – KSR
Will we end up winning everything?
2024 NBA play-in tournament schedule and predictions – USA Today
Anthony Davis suits up tonight.
Kentucky WBB adds North Carolina transfer wing Teonni Key – KSR
Kenny Brooks is on a roll.
How awesome can it be?
Andru Phillips could be second rounder in 2024 NFL Draft – KSR
Excited for him.
American basketball finalizes its list for the Paris Olympics 24 – ESPN
Some former Wildcats listed.