Brandon Garrison is returning to Kentucky, providing a significant boost to head coach Mark Pope’s frontcourt. His comeback strengthens the Wildcats’ interior presence and adds experience and depth to the team’s lineup for the upcoming season.
Brandon Garrison is officially returning to the University of Kentucky, and his decision could not come at a better time for new head coach Mark Pope. With the Wildcats preparing to enter a new era following the departure of longtime coach John Calipari, Garrison’s return offers both stability and strength to Kentucky’s frontcourt—a unit that will be critical to the team’s success in the 2025 season.
Garrison, a former McDonald’s All-American and one of the most highly-touted big men in his class, originally transferred to Kentucky after spending his freshman year at Oklahoma State. He made an immediate impression during his first season in Lexington, showcasing his athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and physicality in the paint. Now, with a full offseason to work within Mark Pope’s system and a year of SEC experience under his belt, Garrison is poised to take his game—and Kentucky’s frontcourt—to the next level.
Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing over 240 pounds, Garrison brings a blend of size, strength, and agility that few college teams can match. His return gives Pope a reliable rim protector and a consistent presence on the boards, two things that will be vital as the Wildcats look to reestablish themselves as contenders both in the SEC and nationally. Garrison’s ability to alter shots defensively and finish around the rim on offense fits well with Pope’s up-tempo, modernized style of play.
Beyond the statistics, however, is Garrison’s growing leadership role. With Kentucky undergoing a significant roster overhaul, including the expected departure of several upperclassmen and the arrival of new transfers and freshmen, Garrison’s experience will be invaluable. His return adds a veteran presence to the locker room, and his work ethic sets the tone for a team looking to build chemistry quickly under a first-year head coach.
Mark Pope, who has already made headlines by pulling in top-tier talent through the transfer portal and recruiting trail, now has a centerpiece in his frontcourt to build around. Garrison’s presence allows Pope to experiment with different lineups and gives Kentucky a reliable anchor on both ends of the floor. It also offers flexibility, allowing the team to potentially play bigger lineups when needed, without sacrificing mobility or defensive coverage.
Garrison’s decision to return also signals confidence in Pope’s vision for the program. As a player who could have pursued professional opportunities or transferred again in search of a different role, his commitment to staying in Lexington sends a strong message: the Wildcats are building something special, and he wants to be part of it.
As Kentucky prepares for a new chapter, Brandon Garrison’s return stands out as one of the offseason’s most important developments. His experience, physical tools, and leadership will be essential to the Wildcats’ success, and his presence solidifies what could become one of the SEC’s most formidable frontcourts in 2025.
