Four Potential Replacements for Travis Perry on the Kentucky Wildcats Roster

When news broke that Travis Perry—Kentucky high school’s all-time leading scorer and a fan-favorite in the Bluegrass State—was entering the transfer portal, it sent shockwaves through Big Blue Nation. Perry, a Lyon County legend, was expected to develop into a long-term piece for the Kentucky Wildcats under new head coach Mark Pope. Though his freshman season didn’t see him light up the stat sheet, his local roots and potential made his departure bittersweet for many fans.

Now, the Wildcats find themselves with an open scholarship spot and several options to consider—whether through the transfer portal or late additions to the recruiting class. With a fresh system under Pope, the staff is evaluating players who can not only step into Perry’s role but potentially exceed expectations in a retooled rotation.

Let’s break down four players who could realistically fill that gap and contribute to the future of Kentucky basketball.

1. Denzel Aberdeen – Transfer Guard from Florida

The first and most likely candidate to take Travis Perry’s place on the roster is Denzel Aberdeen, a 6’5″ combo guard transferring from the University of Florida. Aberdeen offers a polished skill set, having played two years in the ultra-competitive SEC and shown flashes of excellence on the court.

Why He Fits:

• Size and Length: At 6’5″, Aberdeen gives Kentucky much-needed size at the guard position, especially in comparison to Perry (6’2″).
• SEC Experience: He’s battle-tested in the same league and brings a familiarity with the speed, physicality, and pressure that comes with SEC hoops.
• Scoring Upside: He put up a career-high 22 points against South Carolina this past season and showed he can catch fire from deep.

Outlook:

Aberdeen is expected to slot into the rotation as a dependable ball handler who can play both on and off the ball. While Perry was more of a developmental project, Aberdeen is more plug-and-play, capable of contributing immediately in Pope’s up-tempo, spacing-oriented system.

2. Kam Williams – Tulane Transfer with Versatile Skill Set

Another intriguing option to fill Perry’s void is Kam Williams, a 6’8″ wing from Tulane who recently hit the portal. While his name hasn’t circulated quite as heavily in Kentucky rumors, he brings a unique blend of size and shooting that could complement Pope’s system.

Why He Fits:

• Shooting Range: Williams knocked down six three-pointers in a game last season, showcasing the kind of shooting Kentucky will need to stretch defenses.
• Position Flexibility: At 6’8″, he can defend wings and smaller forwards, while also functioning as a floor-spacer on offense.
• High IQ Player: Known for his smart decision-making and calm demeanor, Williams could provide leadership and maturity.

Outlook:

While not a direct replacement for Perry in terms of position, Williams’ inclusion on the roster would allow more backcourt flexibility. Players like Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard could shift into more natural roles if Kentucky can solidify their wing rotation with someone like Williams.

3. Jaland Lowe – Rising Star from Pittsburgh

If Kentucky is thinking about long-term potential blended with instant production, Jaland Lowe is a name worth watching. The former Pitt Panther earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 and has been one of the most talked-about point guards in the transfer portal.

Why He Fits:

• Elite Playmaking: Lowe averaged 13.2 points and 5.1 assists per game in the ACC, showing he can both score and facilitate.
• High Ceiling: As a sophomore with three years of eligibility, Lowe fits into both the immediate and future plans.
• Composure and Floor Leadership: He’s proven he can lead a team against high-level competition, and that’s what Kentucky needs post-Perry.

Outlook:

While Perry was more of a traditional shooting guard with scoring instincts, Lowe brings more of a point guard mentality. If Pope wants a true floor general to orchestrate his new system, Lowe might be a perfect fit. His presence would also take pressure off other guards to be primary facilitators, giving the offense more fluidity.

4. Braydon Hawthorne – 2025 High School Prospect (Uncommitted)

Though not as experienced as the aforementioned players, Braydon Hawthorne, a 4-star recruit from the 2025 class, remains unsigned and has drawn recent interest from high-major programs. A 6’6″ guard with elite wingspan (7’3″) and defensive potential, Hawthorne has been a late bloomer—and Kentucky might be the perfect home for him.

Why He Fits:

• Physical Attributes: He has the length and agility to defend multiple positions, something Perry struggled with at the collegiate level.
• Defensive Intensity: Mark Pope has made it clear that he wants Kentucky to be aggressive defensively. Hawthorne fits that vision perfectly.
• Development Upside: While he may not contribute major minutes from day one, his long-term potential is significant.

Outlook:

If Pope wants to build a roster not just for next season, but for sustainable success over the next several years, Hawthorne could be a worthwhile investment. His skill set complements more experienced guards, and he’d bring a level of athleticism that Perry didn’t quite offer. He’s raw, yes, but under Kentucky’s development pipeline, he could blossom into a major contributor by his sophomore season.

What Kentucky Loses with Perry—and What They Need to Replace

To understand what these replacements offer, it’s worth revisiting what Travis Perry brought to the program:

• Basketball IQ: Perry was known for his high-level understanding of the game and ability to read defenses.
• Outside Shooting: While limited in opportunities, Perry had a reputation as a knockdown shooter in high school.
• In-State Connection: Perry’s presence had value beyond the court, as he was beloved by Kentucky fans due to his local ties.

So what do the replacements need to bring?

1. Immediate Production: Unlike Perry, who was a project, the incoming replacement should ideally contribute right away.
2. Defensive Versatility: Kentucky has struggled at times with perimeter defense. Someone like Hawthorne or Williams could help.
3. Shooting: With Perry out, Kentucky needs to ensure they don’t fall behind in outside scoring. This is where Aberdeen and Williams shine.

Mark Pope’s Strategy in the Transfer Era

Head coach Mark Pope has embraced the transfer portal as a modern necessity. Rather than relying solely on high school talent, Pope is assembling a roster through a mix of veteran transfers and promising young players who align with his system.

Perry’s transfer, while disappointing to some fans, may simply be a product of this new approach—one where immediate impact and positional versatility are prioritized. Pope needs players who fit his tempo, spacing, and spacing-dependent offensive scheme, and each of the four candidates listed above bring different strengths that could elevate the Wildcats.

Travis Perry’s exit from the Kentucky Wildcats is a reminder that college basketball, especially in the transfer portal era, moves fast. While losing a homegrown star always stings, the Wildcats have several intriguing options to fill the gap.

Whether it’s an experienced SEC guard like Denzel Aberdeen, a versatile shooter like Kam Williams, a floor general like Jaland Lowe, or a high-upside high school recruit like Braydon Hawthorne, Mark Pope has the tools to make the right call.

As the dust settles on Perry’s decision, all eyes now turn to how Kentucky fills that spot—and how the next chapter in the Wildcats’ rebuild begins.