Mark Pope’s debut season as Kentucky’s head coach showcased his offensive prowess, leading the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 with a top-10 ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency. The 2024-25 Wildcats, averaging 84.4 points per game, were seventh in the nation in scoring. Fans hoped Pope’s five-out offensive system would continue to thrive, but concerns are mounting over the scoring potential of the 2025-26 roster.
Despite retaining star guard Otega Oweh, who withdrew from the NBA draft to return for his senior season, Kentucky enters the upcoming season with only two players who averaged double figures in college last year: Oweh (16.2 points per game) and transfer point guard Jaland Lowe (16.8 points at Pittsburgh). This is a stark contrast to Pope’s first roster, which featured multiple proven scorers from the transfer portal.
The rest of the roster includes young talents and transfers who have yet to demonstrate consistent offensive production. Rising sophomores Jayden Quaintance (9.4 points at Arizona State) and Kam Williams (9.3 points at Tulane) showed promise as freshmen, while SEC transfers Mo Dioubate and Denzel Aberdeen bring untapped scoring potential from Alabama and Florida, respectively. Freshmen Jasper Johnson and Andrija Jelavic add excitement but remain unproven at the collegiate level.
Pope’s emphasis on athleticism and defensive intensity may raise Kentucky’s ceiling but leaves questions about their offensive floor. Last year, Pope’s system boosted the efficiency of many players, with improvements in field-goal and three-point percentages for key contributors. However, only three of eight transfers raised their scoring averages under Pope.
For 2025-26, three-point shooting could be a concern. While five players with prior experience shot above 35% from deep last season, none bring the elite pedigree of former sharpshooter Koby Brea. The Wildcats will need collective contributions to replace his impact.
Ultimately, Kentucky fans have reasons for both optimism and concern. Pope’s track record suggests he can extract offensive production from his players, but the lack of proven scorers raises legitimate doubts about whether this roster can consistently deliver at the highest level. As the Wildcats aim for a Final Four return, offensive cohesion will be critical to their success.
