Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope: Transfer portal news, 2024 roster, targets, recruits by best KY insiders

Kentucky basketball is the lifeblood of the state and a tumultuous offseason has put the program in a state of flux. After a first-round exit in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, John Calipari left for Arkansas and former BYU head coach Mark Pope has stepped in. A former national champion at Kentucky as a player, now Pope has been tasked with rebuilding the Kentucky basketball roster after he was left without a single scholarship player upon his arrival. However, Pope has managed to hit the ground running, securing commitments from eight players in the college basketball transfer portal and signing two incoming freshmen in the Class of 2024 as Kentucky basketball recruits.

Who else will he target on the Kentucky basketball recruiting trail and how can he get a new unit to gel in time for the 2024-25 season? If you love the Wildcats, or just 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 50% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up .

The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info .

Kentucky basketball roster departures

Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell exhausted their eligibility after last season and freshmen Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, Ugonna Onyenso and Justin Edwards all left for the 2024 NBA Draft. However, Calipari's sudden departure led to every other scholarship player on the roster entering the college basketball transfer portal.

Adou Thiero and Zvonimir Ivisic are following Calipari to Arkansas and D.J. Wagner is heavily favored to follow suit. Meanwhile, Jordan Burks left for Georgtown, Aaron Bradshaw left for Ohio State and Joey Hart is heading to Ball State. Pope currently has 10 commitments in hand to replace all that departing production but he'll likely look for another body or two to help round out his roster for 2024-25. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky's roster changes .

Kentucky basketball news, roster

Pope quickly went to work in the college basketball transfer portal, adding eight commitments already from experienced players who earned meaningful minutes at program's across the country. Kerr Kriisa, Brandon Garrison and Otega Oweh played in the Big 12 a season ago, while Koby Brea, Lamont Butler Jr. and Amari Williams were award-winners in solid mid-major conferences last season.

Andrew Carr averaged 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for Wake Forest and was also a starter at Delaware. Kentucky's latest transfer portal commitment was Ansley Almonor, a 6-foot-7 forward from Fairleigh Dickinson who averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. Meanwhile, in-state four-star prospect Travis Perry is choosing to honor his commitment to Kentucky and Pope also added a commitment from Noah, a three-star from Harlan County. Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky's roster additions .

How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates

Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news .

Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats , and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it's too late .

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