One of the top three-point shooters in the country is being targeted by Kentucky through the transfer portal

In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, the transfer portal has become a crucial tool for programs looking to enhance their rosters. The impact of the portal is undeniable, with teams constantly reshaping their lineups by bringing in talent from other schools. Kentucky, one of college basketball’s most storied programs, is no stranger to the competitive nature of the transfer portal. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats are consistently striving to stay ahead of the competition, whether by attracting elite high school talent or targeting proven transfers who can make an immediate impact.

One of the most intriguing names in the transfer portal this offseason is Dante McMillan, one of the top three-point shooters in the country. A sharp-shooting guard who has made a name for himself with his impeccable accuracy from beyond the arc, McMillan’s decision to enter the portal has sparked considerable interest from several powerhouse programs, with Kentucky emerging as a major contender for his services. In this article, we’ll explore McMillan’s journey, his incredible shooting ability, why he’s an ideal fit for Kentucky, and how his addition could transform the Wildcats’ roster.

Dante McMillan: A Rising Star in College Basketball

Before delving into why McMillan is such a coveted prospect, it’s important to understand who he is and what makes him stand out. McMillan spent the past few seasons at University of Southern California (USC), where he quickly established himself as one of the best long-range shooters in the country. Over the course of his collegiate career, McMillan consistently ranked among the nation’s top three-point shooters, garnering attention from NBA scouts and college programs alike.

At 6-foot-4, McMillan possesses a combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has made him a versatile player on the court. While his primary strength lies in his shooting ability, he is also an adept ball handler, capable of creating his own shot off the dribble or playing within the team’s offensive system. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting range makes him a significant threat, as defenders are forced to close out on him quickly, opening up driving lanes for teammates and creating space for other scorers on the floor.

In his final season at USC, McMillan averaged 17.5 points per game, shooting 42% from three-point range on high volume. This exceptional shooting percentage, coupled with his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and others, made him one of the most dangerous players in college basketball. His shooting prowess, in particular, was something that stood out on a national scale, and it’s no surprise that Kentucky and other programs were quick to express interest when he entered the transfer portal.

McMillan’s Three-Point Shooting Statistics: A Deeper Look

To truly appreciate McMillan’s value as a shooter, it’s important to break down his three-point shooting statistics and how they stack up against some of the top players in the nation.

• Shooting Efficiency: McMillan’s 42% shooting from beyond the arc is an elite figure, particularly when considering the volume of attempts. He averaged 8.5 attempts per game from deep, putting him in the conversation with the most prolific shooters in college basketball.
• Free-Throw Shooting: In addition to his shooting from three-point range, McMillan also excels at the free-throw line, hitting 85% of his free throws. This makes him a reliable scorer, not just from deep, but also when he’s fouled on the perimeter or driving to the basket.
• Offensive Versatility: McMillan is not a one-dimensional shooter; he has shown the ability to make shots from all areas of the court. His ability to shoot off the catch or off the dribble gives him a variety of ways to contribute offensively, and his three-point shooting is often used as a way to open up other opportunities for his teammates.

These shooting numbers alone make McMillan an incredibly valuable asset for any program, but when you factor in his size, athleticism, and overall basketball IQ, it becomes clear why Kentucky is so eager to land him.

Why Kentucky is Targeting McMillan

The Kentucky Wildcats have long been known for their tradition of winning, attracting top-tier recruits, and developing NBA-caliber talent. However, in recent seasons, one area where the Wildcats have struggled has been consistency from the three-point line. While Kentucky has consistently brought in elite talent, they have often lacked a player capable of providing a true, game-changing shooting threat from the perimeter.

Mark Pope, who took over as head coach in 2024, is working to re-establish Kentucky’s dominance both in the SEC and nationally. Pope has been known for developing players who excel on both sides of the ball, and his emphasis on building a balanced team has been evident from the outset. However, for all of Kentucky’s strengths—athleticism, defense, and depth—they have occasionally lacked a reliable three-point shooter capable of stretching the floor and providing spacing for their offense.

This is where McMillan comes in. His ability to knock down shots from deep would immediately solve a major issue for Kentucky, giving them a legitimate long-range threat that opposing defenses would have to account for. McMillan’s shooting could drastically change the dynamics of Kentucky’s offense, providing the spacing necessary for their athletes to attack the basket and giving the Wildcats a more versatile offensive attack.

Fit within Kentucky’s Offensive System

Kentucky’s offense is built around versatility, athleticism, and fast-paced play. In the modern game of college basketball, having a player who can shoot efficiently from beyond the arc is an essential component of any offensive system, and McMillan is precisely the type of player who can thrive in this environment. His ability to shoot off the catch would complement Kentucky’s motion offense, where players are constantly moving, setting screens, and looking for open shots.

Additionally, McMillan’s proficiency in the pick-and-roll game makes him an excellent fit for Kentucky’s style of play. In this system, McMillan would be able to receive passes from Kentucky’s playmakers and quickly get his shot off, all while creating opportunities for his teammates with his spacing.

Kentucky’s offense thrives on driving to the basket, and McMillan’s presence would force defenders to close out on him more aggressively. This, in turn, would create more open lanes for Kentucky’s guards and forwards to attack the rim or dish the ball to other open shooters. Essentially, McMillan would provide Kentucky’s offense with a weapon that makes them harder to defend, especially against teams that struggle to close out on shooters or defend the perimeter.

Defensive Impact and Role

While McMillan is primarily known for his shooting, he is not just a one-dimensional player. His size and athleticism allow him to be a capable defender, and his commitment to playing defense is one of the reasons Kentucky has shown so much interest in him. Under Coach Pope, Kentucky has emphasized the importance of being a well-rounded team, and McMillan fits into this philosophy with his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

McMillan’s defensive ability would be key in allowing him to play alongside Kentucky’s other dynamic players, including their top-notch guards and forwards. His ability to defend multiple positions, particularly on the perimeter, would allow him to contribute to Kentucky’s defensive schemes, where pressure and versatility are paramount. In Kentucky’s fast-paced system, McMillan’s ability to guard multiple positions and rotate effectively on defense would make him a strong asset.

The Transfer Portal Landscape

McMillan’s decision to enter the transfer portal has not only garnered the attention of Kentucky, but also several other programs looking to bolster their rosters with an elite shooter. Teams in the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and other top conferences have shown interest, but Kentucky’s tradition and coaching staff are tough to compete with. The Wildcats have long been known for developing NBA-caliber players, and McMillan’s skill set makes him a perfect fit for their system.

With the advent of the transfer portal, college basketball has seen a major shift in how programs build their rosters. The traditional method of recruiting high school players and waiting for them to develop has given way to a more dynamic, ever-changing roster-building strategy that includes a heavy emphasis on transfers. This strategy has proven effective for Kentucky, who has seen success in bringing in transfers who fit into their system and make an immediate impact.

For McMillan, transferring to Kentucky would provide the opportunity to play for one of the most successful programs in college basketball, compete in the NCAA tournament, and elevate his game on the biggest stage. Kentucky’s national spotlight, paired with the exposure of playing in the SEC, would provide McMillan with the opportunity to showcase his talents to NBA scouts and make a name for himself as one of the premier shooters in the nation.