Mark Pope discusses his ideas regarding the roster for the upcoming season and the possible return of the Kentucky duo.

As Coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for the 2025-26 season, there are plenty of questions surrounding the roster and how the team will shape up. The offseason is always a period of reflection, recruitment, and decision-making, and this year is no different for Pope. With a few key players uncertain about their futures, including a talented duo that may or may not return for another season, the Wildcats are poised for major changes. In a recent interview, Pope opened up about his plans for the roster, his vision for the upcoming season, and the potential impact of the Kentucky duo—whose return could alter the trajectory of the program.

Mark Pope’s Vision for the 2025-26 Roster

Mark Pope is no stranger to rebuilding and reshaping teams. Having taken on the role of head coach at Kentucky, he is aware of the immense expectations that come with leading one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Kentucky’s roster is in a transitional phase, with some notable departures and additions, and Pope is focused on making sure the team is both competitive and balanced for the upcoming season.

Prioritizing Depth and Versatility

One of the most prominent themes in Pope’s roster strategy for 2025-26 is depth. After Kentucky’s 2024-25 season ended with a mixture of highs and lows, Pope knows that maintaining a solid, versatile rotation is essential for sustaining success. While the Wildcats have some exciting young talent coming in, Pope has stressed the importance of bringing in players who can contribute immediately, particularly in areas where the team has struggled in the past—specifically, guard play, shooting, and rebounding.

“We need guys who are not only talented but can step into roles and deliver day one. The level of competition in the SEC and nationally means we can’t afford to be anything but deep and balanced,” Pope said in his interview. “We’re looking for players who can do multiple things. It’s no longer just about filling specific positions. The modern game requires flexibility, and I want our guys to be able to switch, shoot, defend, and work together as a unit.”

Pope’s emphasis on versatility is key to his strategy, particularly in an era where basketball is played with positionless flexibility. He acknowledges that traditional positions like point guard and center are still critical, but the game is moving toward a more fluid style, where players need to adapt quickly to different roles.

Building Around Experience and Leadership

While Kentucky’s roster will feature young stars, Pope is also determined to balance this youth with experience. Leadership, especially in a program as historically rich as Kentucky, cannot be underestimated. For Pope, the perfect mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned veterans will be crucial to achieving success in the 2025-26 season.

“We have some really exciting freshmen coming in, but the ability to have veterans who have been through the grind of SEC play is invaluable. That experience can’t be replaced,” Pope shared. “The older guys can teach the younger ones, not just how to play basketball but how to handle the pressures of playing at Kentucky. We’re building for now, but also for the future.”

The Kentucky Duo: Potential Returns and Their Impact

As Pope looks to finalize the roster, one of the most significant factors in his planning revolves around the potential return of two standout players from the 2024-25 season: Oscar Tshiebwe and Antonio Reeves. Both players played crucial roles in the Wildcats’ success last season, and their possible return for another year would have a profound impact on Kentucky’s title aspirations. Pope spoke at length about these players and what they would mean for the team moving forward.

Oscar Tshiebwe: The Anchor of the Paint

Oscar Tshiebwe, one of the most dominant players in college basketball, is still a key piece of Kentucky’s future plans. After winning the National Player of the Year award in 2022 and continuing to show his prowess on both ends of the floor, Tshiebwe became a household name in the world of college basketball. His ability to control the glass, protect the rim, and finish around the basket made him one of the most formidable forces in the game.

After a strong 2024-25 campaign, Tshiebwe considered testing the waters in the NBA Draft, as he was expected to garner attention for his rebounding skills and physical presence. However, after careful consideration, he has yet to make a final decision regarding his future. In his interview, Pope was cautiously optimistic about Tshiebwe’s potential return.

“We’ve had several conversations, and Oscar knows how much we value him here,” Pope said. “He’s such a unique player, not just because of his talent but because of his work ethic, his leadership, and the way he elevates the team. I’m hoping we get him back, but ultimately, it’s about what’s best for Oscar. He’s earned the right to make this decision.”

Tshiebwe’s return would undoubtedly elevate Kentucky’s chances of competing for a national championship. His ability to dominate the boards, provide interior scoring, and be a defensive anchor in the paint would make the Wildcats one of the most feared teams in the country. Pope would be able to build the offense around Tshiebwe’s presence, knowing he can rely on his star center for both scoring and leadership.

Antonio Reeves: A Scoring Machine on the Wing

Antonio Reeves, a shooting guard who was instrumental in Kentucky’s offensive schemes during the 2024-25 season, has also been weighing his options. Reeves showed flashes of brilliance as a scorer, particularly from long range. His ability to shoot the three-ball with consistency made him a key perimeter threat for the Wildcats. Given the emphasis Pope has placed on shooting and scoring, Reeves would be a critical asset in Kentucky’s pursuit of success.

In Pope’s comments about Reeves, he acknowledged the importance of the guard’s scoring ability and leadership. “Antonio is a guy who can light up the scoreboard,” Pope said. “He has a unique ability to stretch defenses and create offense. Having him return would be huge for us. His ability to score in a variety of ways, combined with his experience, makes him a centerpiece for our plans moving forward.”

If Reeves does choose to return for his senior year, he would provide Kentucky with a consistent scoring threat. His presence on the floor would take some of the pressure off of younger players, allowing them to develop in a less intense environment while also providing a veteran presence on the wing.

The Impact of These Returns on Kentucky’s Roster and Play Style

The possible return of Tshiebwe and Reeves would be monumental for Kentucky. Both players are integral to the Wildcats’ success and would help balance the team’s overall composition. Tshiebwe’s rebounding and interior scoring would provide stability inside, while Reeves’ scoring ability and leadership on the perimeter would give Kentucky the necessary firepower to compete at the highest level.

The combination of these two players would give Coach Pope flexibility in how he structures his offense. With Tshiebwe in the paint, Kentucky could focus on establishing a powerful inside game while using Reeves as a floor spacer to open up driving lanes. Additionally, Tshiebwe’s leadership would help mentor younger players in critical moments, and Reeves could provide the vocal leadership that Kentucky has sometimes lacked.

Moreover, the two players’ decisions will also shape the roles of Kentucky’s incoming recruits and transfer additions. With a stable nucleus of veterans, Pope could more effectively develop younger players and bring them along gradually. Their return would allow the coaching staff to fine-tune the roster without the pressure of filling significant gaps in the lineup.

Coach Pope’s Final Thoughts on the Roster

When asked about his final thoughts on the upcoming season and the potential return of Tshiebwe and Reeves, Pope reiterated his excitement for the future but also his understanding of the challenges ahead.

“We’ve got a lot of talent, and I feel really good about where we’re headed,” Pope said. “But college basketball is a grind. You’ve got to have depth, you’ve got to have chemistry, and you’ve got to have guys who can perform when the lights are the brightest. Whether Oscar and Antonio come back or not, we’re preparing to compete at the highest level. We’re always striving to make the best decisions for our players, and we’ll make sure we’ve got the pieces in place to challenge for a championship.”

In conclusion, Mark Pope’s approach to the 2025-26 Kentucky basketball roster reveals a balanced focus on depth, leadership, and versatility. The potential return of Oscar Tshiebwe and Antonio Reeves could transform Kentucky into a powerhouse in college basketball once again. With a mix of experience, talent, and the right fit for the program, the Wildcats are shaping up to be a formidable contender in the upcoming season. As Pope continues to navigate roster decisions, the excitement surrounding the Wildcats’ future is palpable.