Kentucky basketball needs to use the transfer portal to fill these vacancies.
Kentucky Basketball Needs to Use the Transfer Portal to Fill These Vacancies
As the Kentucky Wildcats approach the 2025-2026 basketball season, they face a crucial off-season full of questions and challenges that will require careful attention from both the coaching staff and the front office. The Wildcats, led by head coach John Calipari, have long been a powerhouse in college basketball. However, as the season transitions into the off-season, Kentucky finds itself needing to make critical moves to stay competitive within the SEC and maintain its reputation as a championship contender.
One of the most pressing needs for the Wildcats this off-season is to use the transfer portal effectively to address several vacancies within their roster. The transfer portal has become an increasingly important tool for college programs looking to fill gaps left by graduation, players entering the NBA Draft, or those departing for other reasons. Kentucky is no stranger to utilizing the portal, having brought in high-profile players in recent seasons. However, the Wildcats must now look to it once again to address specific positions and areas of need for the 2025-2026 season.
In this article, we’ll explore the key vacancies that Kentucky basketball needs to address via the transfer portal, why these positions are critical, and which players could potentially fill these roles. With the right additions, Kentucky could emerge as one of the favorites for the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
1. Point Guard: A Leader on the Court
Point guard is one of the most crucial positions in basketball, and this is especially true for a program like Kentucky, where the expectations are always high. The Wildcats are losing Severe Wheeler, who has served as the team’s starting point guard for the last two seasons. Wheeler’s departure leaves a significant gap in Kentucky’s backcourt, and the team will need to find a replacement who can not only run the offense but also step into a leadership role on the court.
While Kentucky does have some talent on its roster at the point guard position, there is a glaring need for someone with proven experience and the ability to facilitate an up-tempo offense. Kentucky has had success with point guards in the past, from John Wall to Tyrese Maxey, and finding a player who can fill this role is essential for the team’s success in 2025-2026.
A potential target for Kentucky in the transfer portal could be a player like Tyler Perry from North Texas, who has established himself as one of the most efficient and dynamic point guards in the Conference USA. Perry is known for his ability to score, distribute, and control the tempo of the game, all skills that would translate well to Kentucky’s system. His leadership qualities would make him an ideal fit to lead the Wildcats as they attempt to return to national prominence.
Another potential option could be Jaden Ivey, the former Purdue standout, who could bring a combination of athleticism and playmaking that would elevate Kentucky’s offense. While Ivey would likely be a more long-shot option, his skill set could make him a great addition to the Wildcats if he were to enter the portal.
Regardless of who Kentucky targets, the need for a reliable point guard who can initiate the offense, make plays, and keep things under control will be paramount to their success next season.
2. Wing/Forward Depth: More Versatility
The wing/forward position is another area where Kentucky will likely need to make significant moves in the transfer portal. While the Wildcats return some talented forwards, the loss of Chris Livingston, who declared for the NBA Draft, leaves a vacancy on the wing that will need to be addressed. Kentucky has often excelled with versatile forwards who can score both inside and outside and provide defensive versatility. The Wildcats will need to find a player who can fill the role of a multi-dimensional forward who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and contribute offensively.
One potential target for Kentucky in the transfer portal could be Tylor Perry, the highly sought-after forward from Kansas State. Perry has been an impactful player for the Wildcats and could provide the length, shooting ability, and defensive capabilities that Kentucky needs. A player like Perry could give Kentucky the versatility it has lacked at times in recent seasons.
Another option could be Jared McCain, a standout wing from Indiana who has the size, skill, and ability to contribute immediately at the next level. McCain’s ability to hit the three-point shot and defend on the perimeter would make him an excellent fit for Kentucky’s needs at the forward position.
The wing position is integral to the Wildcats’ offense and defense, and a versatile player who can step in and make an immediate impact is a must-have for Kentucky to stay competitive in the SEC.
3. Rim Protection and Interior Defense
One area where Kentucky basketball has struggled in recent years is rim protection and interior defense. While Kentucky’s guards and wings have often been strong on defense, the team has at times been vulnerable in the paint. Oscar Tshiebwe’s departure for the NBA Draft leaves a significant void in the post, particularly in terms of his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. Kentucky’s frontcourt will need a big man who can protect the rim, rebound effectively, and provide a physical presence in the paint.
A possible transfer portal target for Kentucky in this area could be Trey Alexander, a center from Syracuse who has shown excellent shot-blocking ability and is known for his defensive prowess. Alexander could provide the rim protection that Kentucky desperately needs and help the Wildcats dominate the boards. A player like Alexander could complement Kentucky’s talented guards and forwards, making the team more formidable on both ends of the floor.
Another possibility could be Zach Edey, the towering center from Purdue, who has proven to be a dominant force on both sides of the ball. Edey’s size and ability to control the paint would be a significant asset for Kentucky. Although he may be a long shot, his presence in the middle would provide the Wildcats with the physicality and rim protection they need to thrive in the SEC.
4. Scoring Spark: A Consistent Offensive Threat
While Kentucky has the talent to compete at a high level, there are still questions about where the consistent scoring will come from on the roster. The team has plenty of talent, but at times last season, they lacked a go-to player who could create their own shot when the offense stalled. This issue was particularly apparent in big games when the Wildcats struggled to score in critical moments.
To address this, Kentucky will likely look to the transfer portal for a scoring guard or wing who can fill that void. A player like Jordan Walsh from Arkansas could be a great addition. Walsh is known for his ability to score from all areas of the court, including driving to the basket and shooting from beyond the arc. His scoring ability would give Kentucky a much-needed offensive spark, especially in tight games when they need a player to step up and make plays.
Another option could be Maxwell Lewis from Pepperdine, who has been a prolific scorer at the college level. Lewis’ ability to shoot from deep and finish around the rim would make him a perfect fit for Kentucky’s offense, adding another layer of scoring depth.
5. Experience and Leadership
In addition to addressing specific positional needs, Kentucky basketball will also benefit from bringing in players with significant experience and leadership qualities. The Wildcats have a young team with some talented prospects, but adding veteran players who have experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable.
A player with championship experience or tournament pedigree would provide Kentucky with the leadership it needs to navigate through tough games, especially in the SEC and NCAA Tournament. Look for Kentucky to target players with a high basketball IQ, the ability to play under pressure, and the maturity to step into a leadership role on and off the court.
