After Mark Pope’s successful debut season as Kentucky’s head coach, he’s already reloading the Wildcats’ 2025-26 roster, aiming to strengthen key positions through the transfer portal. One clear need is a guard with size and shooting ability, with targets like Lamar Wilkerson from Sam Houston State and Jaron Pierre Jr. from Jacksonville State in focus.
Another area of concern is frontcourt depth. Currently, Kentucky has eight guards and only four players in the frontcourt who are 6-foot-9 or taller: Mouhamed Dioubate (6-7), Jayden Quaintance (6-10), Brandon Garrison (6-11), and Malachi Moreno (7-0). While Kentucky has talent in the frontcourt, there’s uncertainty about Garrison’s status, as rumors circulate about his potential transfer. If he stays, it would be a boost, but adding more depth could still be beneficial, especially after last season’s injury woes.
Pope’s system revolves around playmaking big men, with Garrison showing flashes of this as a sophomore. Moreno, Quaintance, and Garrison all have potential as passers, though outside shooting remains a concern for them. Last season, Quaintance and Garrison combined for just 25% shooting from deep, while Dioubate’s shooting was limited. Improving their perimeter shooting is essential for Kentucky’s offense, but that will depend on their development over the offseason.
If Garrison does transfer, Kentucky could target a player like Robert Morris’ Alvaro Folgueiras. The 6-foot-9 forward was named Horizon League Player of the Year after averaging 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks, shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc. His ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him an appealing option for Kentucky’s frontcourt.
However, there may be other players like Folgueiras entering the transfer portal as well, giving Kentucky time to assess the best fit. Whether or not Garrison stays, adding more frontcourt depth remains a possibility.
