Mark Pope is entering his third season in Lexington, Ky., as the 2026-27 Kentucky basketball season could be a defining one for the alum. Each of the prior five Kentucky coaches — who lasted at least three seasons — all made, at least, the Elite Eight by their third seasons with the program. Pope’s predecessor, John Calipari, won the national championship in his third year, so there are high expectations for the Cats as the 2026 college basketball transfer portal is now open.
Pope landed Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen from the transfer portal in each of the last two years. But the seniors, who were UK’s top two scorers this past season, are now out of eligibility. Other departures are expected, so Pope is tasked with replenishing the 2026 Kentucky basketball roster by tapping back into the college basketball transfer portal. If you love the Wildcats, or 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 annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
CatsPause already has news out on who is coming and going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause.com now to see the latest updates.
Kentucky basketball roster news
The Wildcats have just one commitment from a recruit, and that’s courtesy of Mason Williams, a four-star guard who is the son of former NBA All-Star Mo Williams. He would be a start in replacing the starting backcourt of Oweh and Aberdeen, even if the latter attempts to prolong his college career. Aberdeen, despite being out of eligibility, entered the transfer portal on Tuesday, as he will have to secure a waiver from the NCAA to play in 2026-27.
Meanwhile, Andrija Jelavic has three seasons of eligibility remaining but is considering destinations outside of Lexington as he also entered the college basketball transfer portal. The 6-foot-11 Croatian started 20 of his 32 games as a freshman, averaging 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds. Jelavic played professionally in Europe prior to joining Kentucky, and he becomes the fifth Wildcat to enter the portal, not counting Aberdeen. Prior to the transer portal opening on Tuesday, Mouhamed Dioubate, Brandon Garrison, Jasper Johnson and Jaland Lowe hopped into it, as UK could be facing a roster makeover next season. Get the latest Kentucky basketball roster news at CatsPause.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates
Pope is expected to go after some big names in the transfer portal, and the CatsPause staff has all the latest news involving incoming and outgoing transfers. You can only see the latest updates at CatsPause.com.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope? Go to CatsPause.com to see their insider information, all from a staff who has deep-rooted ties inside the Kentucky program, and find out.
And remember, CatsPause.com is offering 60% off an annual VIP membership for a limited time, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
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