Building the Roster

Pope rebuilt the backcourt after portal exodus: Zoom Diallo (Washington PG) and Alex Wilkins (Furman SG) land in April. Mason Williams is the lone 2026 HS commit.

Power Forward is still the CRITICAL hole. Donnie Freeman committed to St. John's on April 20 — Rick Pitino closed with the highest offer (reported $3M+). The former UK head coach just poached Kentucky's top PF target. Rob Wright III returned to BYU; Sebastian Rancik chose FSU; Anthony Thompson went Ohio State; Bruce Branch III picked BYU.

The last PF shot: James Madison F Justin McBride (15.3 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 40% 3PT) visits Lexington Tuesday April 21. Portal closes April 22.

Seven players depart: Quaintance (NBA), Oweh (graduating), Lowe (Georgetown), Chandler (BYU), Johnson (Oregon), Garrison (Alabama), Jelavic (Ohio State), Dioubate (in portal).

Tyran Stokes visited Lexington April 15 but departed uncommitted. Kansas pulling ahead per analysts. Decision expected after portal closes April 22.