**JUST ANNOUNCED: Mark Pope Just Revealed Kentucky Wildcats NEW Roster – FULL Details Inside!**
The Kentucky Wildcats have officially unveiled their new roster under head coach Mark Pope, and fans are buzzing with excitement. After months of speculation, transfers, and recruiting battles, the full lineup for the 2024-2025 season has been revealed. Pope, who took over the program following John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas, has been working tirelessly to assemble a squad capable of competing for an SEC title and making a deep NCAA Tournament run. This new-look Wildcats team features a mix of returning players, high-profile transfers, and talented freshmen ready to make their mark in Lexington. Without further ado, let’s dive into the complete breakdown of Kentucky’s new roster.
### **Returning Players**
While Kentucky saw several key players depart via the NBA Draft or transfer portal, a few familiar faces will be back in blue and white. The most notable returner is **Adou Thiero**, the explosive forward who showed flashes of brilliance last season. Thiero’s defensive versatility, athleticism, and improving offensive game make him a critical piece for Pope’s system. His decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Kentucky was a massive win for the program.
Another returning contributor is **Zvonimir Ivišić**, the 7-foot-2 Croatian big man who captivated fans with his unique skill set. Ivišić’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, combined with his shot-blocking presence, gives Pope a versatile weapon in the frontcourt. After a year of adjusting to college basketball, Ivišić is expected to take a major leap this season.
### **Key Transfers**
Mark Pope and his staff were aggressive in the transfer portal, landing several impact players who will immediately bolster the Wildcats’ rotation. The biggest addition is **Andrew Carr**, the 6’10” forward from Wake Forest. Carr is a polished scorer with a reliable mid-range game and the ability to stretch the floor. His experience and leadership will be invaluable for a relatively young Kentucky squad.
Another major pickup is **Koby Brea**, the sharpshooting guard from Dayton. Brea was one of the best three-point shooters in the country last season, knocking down **49.8%** of his attempts from deep. His elite shooting will open up the floor for Kentucky’s slashers and playmakers, making him a perfect fit in Pope’s offensive scheme.
The Wildcats also secured **Lamont Butler**, the defensive stopper from San Diego State. Butler, known for his game-winning shot in the 2023 Final Four, brings championship experience, lockdown perimeter defense, and steady ball-handling. His presence will be crucial in high-pressure moments.
Rounding out the transfer class is **Brandon Garrison**, the former Oklahoma State center. Garrison is a strong interior defender and rebounder who provides much-needed size and physicality in the paint. His ability to protect the rim and finish around the basket makes him an important piece of Kentucky’s frontcourt.
### **Incoming Freshmen**
While the transfer portal was the primary focus, Kentucky also added a pair of talented freshmen who could make an immediate impact. **Travis Perry**, the in-state star and all-time leading scorer in Kentucky high school basketball history, joins the Wildcats as a dynamic combo guard. Perry’s scoring ability, basketball IQ, and competitive fire make him a fan favorite from day one.
The other freshman is **Collin Chandler**, a 6’4” guard who originally committed to BYU before flipping to Kentucky. Chandler is an explosive athlete with a smooth shooting stroke and high defensive potential. After serving a two-year mission, he’s older and more physically ready than the average freshman.
### **Projected Starting Lineup**
Based on the current roster, here’s an early look at how Kentucky’s starting five could shape up:
– **PG: Lamont Butler (San Diego State transfer)** – Veteran floor general, elite defender, and clutch performer.
– **SG: Koby Brea (Dayton transfer)** – Deadly three-point shooter who spaces the floor.
– **SF: Adou Thiero (Returning)** – Versatile wing with defensive intensity and slashing ability.
– **PF: Andrew Carr (Wake Forest transfer)** – Skilled stretch-four who can score inside and out.
– **C: Zvonimir Ivišić (Returning)** – Unique big man with shot-blocking and three-point range.
This lineup offers a balance of shooting, defense, and experience, with plenty of flexibility for Pope to adjust based on matchups.
### **Bench Depth**
Kentucky’s bench will be deeper than last season, providing Pope with multiple options. **Brandon Garrison** will be the primary backup big, offering physicality and rim protection. **Travis Perry** and **Collin Chandler** will compete for backcourt minutes, with Perry’s scoring and Chandler’s athleticism adding different dimensions.
Another player to watch is **Amari Williams**, the Drexel transfer who initially committed to Kentucky before reopening his recruitment. If he rejoins the Wildcats, his rebounding and interior presence would further strengthen the frontcourt.
### **Playing Style Under Mark Pope**
Fans can expect a much different style of play compared to the Calipari era. Pope, known for his offensive creativity at BYU, prioritizes spacing, ball movement, and three-point shooting. His teams play with pace but are also disciplined in half-court sets. Defensively, Pope emphasizes toughness and communication, which should lead to a more consistent effort on that end of the floor.
With shooters like Brea, Carr, and Ivišić, Kentucky will likely rank among the nation’s best three-point shooting teams. Butler and Thiero provide the defensive intensity, while Garrison and Carr add much-needed physicality in the paint.
### **Final Thoughts**
This new-look Kentucky roster may not have the same level of NBA Draft hype as past teams, but it’s a more balanced, experienced, and cohesive group. Mark Pope has built a team that fits his system, with a mix of shooting, defense, and veteran leadership. While there will be growing pains as players adjust to a new coach and new roles, the Wildcats have the pieces to compete at the highest level.
The SEC is loaded once again, with Alabama, Tennessee, and Auburn all fielding strong teams. But if Pope can get this group to gel quickly, Kentucky could surprise people and make a deep March run. One thing is certain: Big Blue Nation will be watching closely as this new era of Wildcats basketball begins.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches! #BBN
