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With most of the offseason transfer portal frenzy behind them, the Kentucky Wildcats appeared to have their 2025–26 roster just about set. That was, until in-state freshman guard Travis Perry unexpectedly entered the transfer portal earlier this week — a move that opened up a scholarship spot and reintroduced some roster flexibility for first-year head coach Mark Pope.
Now, with 12 scholarship players on board, Pope is content with the core he has but remains on the hunt for the right kind of final additions. In a conversation with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Pope shared his mindset on where things stand.
“I’d like to play them all. I have 12 guys right now. I have 12 guys that will help us, and we’re actually going to try and round out this roster,” Pope told Rothstein. “I’m actually scouring the planet right now for guys that would fit in as maybe a redshirt guy that would kill it in practice or be a last year of your career guy that wants to come here and put on this one-of-one jersey and be a part of this.”
Perry’s departure surprised many, especially given his Kentucky roots and role as a young developmental piece. But it’s now opened a door for Pope to explore another scholarship addition — one that could become even more meaningful if the NCAA approves roster expansion to 15 scholarship players.
“We need to add a couple more pieces,” Pope continued. “But right now, we have our roster that is going to own the minutes on the floor. We have all of the pieces.”
That sense of readiness is accompanied by Pope’s usual optimism and ambition. For him, the goals at Kentucky don’t change — it’s about building a championship contender, and he believes the current group has what it takes.
“We can do it,” he said. “We can get it done. There are a lot of teams that can get it done, but if we do this right with the right guys, we can get this done. That’s our job. That’s what we’re supposed to do, that’s the standard here and nothing less is acceptable.”
Even with Perry’s exit, Pope’s confidence hasn’t wavered. And with one or two additions still possible, the final version of Kentucky’s roster may not yet be complete — but it’s already shaping up like a group ready to make a serious run for an NCAA Title.
Continue reading...
Now, with 12 scholarship players on board, Pope is content with the core he has but remains on the hunt for the right kind of final additions. In a conversation with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Pope shared his mindset on where things stand.
“I’d like to play them all. I have 12 guys right now. I have 12 guys that will help us, and we’re actually going to try and round out this roster,” Pope told Rothstein. “I’m actually scouring the planet right now for guys that would fit in as maybe a redshirt guy that would kill it in practice or be a last year of your career guy that wants to come here and put on this one-of-one jersey and be a part of this.”
Perry’s departure surprised many, especially given his Kentucky roots and role as a young developmental piece. But it’s now opened a door for Pope to explore another scholarship addition — one that could become even more meaningful if the NCAA approves roster expansion to 15 scholarship players.
“We need to add a couple more pieces,” Pope continued. “But right now, we have our roster that is going to own the minutes on the floor. We have all of the pieces.”
That sense of readiness is accompanied by Pope’s usual optimism and ambition. For him, the goals at Kentucky don’t change — it’s about building a championship contender, and he believes the current group has what it takes.
“We can do it,” he said. “We can get it done. There are a lot of teams that can get it done, but if we do this right with the right guys, we can get this done. That’s our job. That’s what we’re supposed to do, that’s the standard here and nothing less is acceptable.”
Even with Perry’s exit, Pope’s confidence hasn’t wavered. And with one or two additions still possible, the final version of Kentucky’s roster may not yet be complete — but it’s already shaping up like a group ready to make a serious run for an NCAA Title.
Continue reading...
