Zoom Diallo is thrilled to reunite with Franck Kepnang: “A force to be reckoned with”

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Washington Huskies center Franck Kepnang (11) celebrates a defensive play during the second half of their game in the Acrisure Series in Palm Desert, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. | Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When it comes to the Kentucky Basketball big men, Malachi Moreno gets much of the focus, and rightfully so.

However, don’t overlook just how big of an impact we could see from the next man up behind Moreno: Former Washington Huskies center Franck Kepnang.

If you don’t know him, you will. Just take what Zoom Diallo had to say about him at a recent media availability.

“Man, I think BBN is going to love Frank, to be honest,” Diallo said. “Off the court, he’s a great guy. He cares. Cares very much. In person, if you walk up and have a conversation with him, you’re going to feel his energy, his intent.

“On the court, he’s a real live dog. If you guys see Frank like get low and start growling, he really has that intention of coming to win. He’s a worker. He’s always working. He’s a force to be reckoned with, seriously.”

Hearing that, you can start dreaming of Frank Kepnang exorcising those demons of Frank ‘The Tank’ Kaminsky 12 years ago. Okay, maybe that’s going too far, but we can dream, right?

At the very least, Kentucky may have a violent force in Kepnang. At 7-0, 265 pounds, Kepnang is a force of nature inside. He’s played six seasons of college basketball: Two at Oregon and four at Washington.

Last season with the Huskies, Kepnang averaged 6.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while ranking third in the Big Ten in blocks with 55 and shooting 51.5% from the floor.

You may be focused on Diallo, Alex Wilkins, and Milan Momcilovic as the crown jewels of this transfer portal class, and that’s fine. But Kepnang may be the most forceful and impactful addition the Wildcats made this offseason.

When he rolls in, Big Blue Nation and opponents will feel Kepnang’s presence.

Zoom Diallo was a celebrity in Lexington before he even got here. For a player who called Kentucky his “Dream School,” he’s already fitting right in. #BBNpic.twitter.com/XwSn7EmYtG

— Alex Frank (@frankie_nnati) June 25, 2026

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