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A new era of Kentucky basketball has arrived. John Calipari stunned college basketball by departing for Arkansas, so Kentucky alum Mark Pope is the new head coach after a successful run at BYU. College basketball rosters have increasingly become revolving doors in recent years. Coaching changes, especially ones of this magnitude, only accelerate that process. The 2024-25 Kentucky basketball roster is set to look drastically different as a result.
Calipari regularly built his Kentucky rosters with elite one-and-done recruits. What will Pope’s Kentucky basketball recruiting strategy look like, and who is coming and going for the 2024-25 season? If you love the Wildcats, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.
The team of insiders at CatsPause.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering 60% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.
Kentucky basketball roster departures
Leading scorer Antonio Reeves is out of eligibility as is forward Tre Mitchell, while Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards and Ugonna Onyenso have all declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. Guard DJ Wagner, center Zvonimir Ivisic, guard Joey Hart, center Aaron Bradshaw and forward Adou Thiero have all entered the college basketball transfer portal. Ivisic has committed to follow Calipari to Alabama, while Bradshaw has committed to Ohio State.
The 2024 recruiting class that Calipari built has seen plenty of attrition as well. Three players — Somto Cyril, Karter Knox and Jayden Quaintance — have decommitted. Boogie Fland, who had already signed his NLI with Kentucky, has requested to be released. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster
With eight of the nine leading scorers from last season heading out, all eyes turn to guard Reed Sheppard. The rising sophomore was Kentucky’s third-leading scorer last season at 12.5 points per game. He shot an astounding 52.1% from 3-point range, a mark that led the nation. He’s a projected lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, so there’s a high probability that he’ll go that route.
However, Sheppard’s family is close with Pope and he might be the one hire that could keep him in Lexington longer. Sheppard is also a Kentucky native who could cash in on NIL opportunities, so his decision will be a critical one for the 2024 roster.
Jordan Burks, Brennan Canada, Kareem Watkins, Walker Horn, Grant Derbyshire are the other players who, as of now, are expected to return, though none averaged more than 2.0 points per game in 2023-24. Billy Richmond and Travis Perry, the No. 22 and No. 73 players in the nation, according to 247Sports, remain in the 2024 recruiting class for the time being.
With at least eight scholarships available, Pope will actively look to add to the roster. For example, Pope reportedly has been in contact with TCU transfer JaKobe Coles, and he’ll be looking at all options remaining in the 2024 recruiting class and the portal to be competitive immediately in Lexington. Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster additions.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 60% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
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