Kentucky would be among the top five teams in the preseason if Lamar Wilkerson were added.

Kentucky Would Be Among the Top Five Teams in the Preseason If Lamar Wilkerson Were Added

The dust is still settling in Lexington after a whirlwind offseason for the Kentucky Wildcats. With head coach Mark Pope now at the helm, replacing the legendary John Calipari, a new era of Kentucky basketball is taking shape—and it may be just one major piece away from skyrocketing into national championship conversation. That piece? Lamar Wilkerson, one of the most coveted players currently in the NCAA transfer portal.

Wilkerson, a dynamic two-way guard who played last season at Southeastern Missouri before transferring to Central Arkansas and becoming a breakout star, has quickly emerged as a priority target for top-tier programs. If Kentucky were to land the explosive 6-foot-4 scorer, the Wildcats would immediately position themselves as a top-five team in the country entering the 2024–25 season.

Wilkerson’s Versatility is a Game-Changer

Lamar Wilkerson’s rise has been one of the most intriguing stories in college basketball. After spending time in the junior college ranks, he made his mark at Central Arkansas by averaging 18.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game during the 2023–24 season. His ability to score from all three levels, defend multiple positions, and serve as a secondary playmaker gives him a unique skill set that translates well to high-major basketball.

What separates Wilkerson from many guards in the portal is his mature feel for the game and competitive fire. He attacks defenders off the bounce, pulls up with confidence from mid-range, and has improved dramatically as a three-point shooter. On defense, he uses his quick hands and 6-foot-8 wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and pressure ball-handlers.

Adding a player like Wilkerson—who brings both scoring and toughness—would give Kentucky the kind of all-around backcourt threat that wins big games in March.

Kentucky’s Rebuilding Project Is Ahead of Schedule

When Mark Pope took over at Kentucky, the immediate challenge was roster stability. The program saw a wave of departures, including freshman stars declaring for the NBA Draft and several players entering the transfer portal. But Pope quickly got to work, assembling a coaching staff filled with elite recruiters and leveraging his own reputation as a player’s coach with NBA insights.

The early returns have been impressive. Kentucky has secured commitments from a strong mix of veteran transfers and promising freshmen, creating a more balanced roster than the one Calipari ran with in his final years. Players like Brandon Garrison, who recently announced his return for a junior season, and incoming talent like Collin Chandler and Amari Williams have fans feeling optimistic again.

Still, one glaring need remains: a proven guard who can take over a game. Enter Lamar Wilkerson.

How Wilkerson Fits into the Wildcats’ System

Pope’s offensive system is predicated on ball movement, spacing, and smart decision-making. His BYU teams ranked among the best in three-point attempts and assist-to-turnover ratios. To execute that system at Kentucky, Pope needs guards who can not only shoot but also read defenses and move without the ball.

Wilkerson checks all those boxes.

His off-ball movement would complement a floor-spacer like Chandler, and his defensive intensity would set the tone for a team still learning to gel under new leadership. More importantly, Wilkerson brings a scorer’s mentality without demanding the ball at all times—ideal for a Kentucky team looking to play fast, free-flowing basketball.

Imagine a lineup with Wilkerson at the two, Chandler at the point, Garrison and Williams anchoring the frontcourt, and a shooter like Trevin Knell (another potential portal addition from BYU) at the wing. That’s a group with size, skill, experience, and depth—capable of going toe-to-toe with the best in the country.

National Implications: From Fringe Contender to Top-Five Team

Right now, Kentucky is hovering just outside most way-too-early top 25 rankings. Some pundits have them between No. 15 and No. 20, noting the upside of Pope’s system and the talent coming in but acknowledging the uncertainty around so many new faces. However, adding Wilkerson—an established, high-impact player—would change the calculus.

With Wilkerson, Kentucky’s backcourt would rival that of North Carolina, Kansas, Arizona, and Duke, all of whom are currently projected top-five teams for the 2024–25 season. Kentucky would have more offensive firepower, defensive versatility, and scoring balance than it has had in years.

“Wilkerson is the kind of guy who changes your team overnight,” said one anonymous Power Five coach. “He’s a killer with the ball in his hands and will guard the other team’s best player. You put him on a stage like Rupp Arena? He’s going to thrive.”

The Recruiting Battle

Of course, Kentucky won’t be alone in pursuing Wilkerson. Schools like Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, and Miami are reportedly in the mix. Pope and his staff will need to sell not only the tradition of Kentucky basketball but also a clear vision for Wilkerson’s role within the offense.

Pope has already proven adept at building relationships in the portal, and his pitch—a chance to play in front of 20,000 fans, compete in the SEC, and develop under NBA-style coaching—will be a powerful one. If Kentucky can secure a visit from Wilkerson in the coming weeks, they may very well vault to the front of the line.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks will be pivotal for Kentucky’s roster construction. Wilkerson is expected to trim his list of suitors soon and begin taking official visits. If Mark Pope can pull this off and add Lamar Wilkerson to his already strong nucleus, the Wildcats will not only be back in the national spotlight—they’ll be legitimate title contenders.

From rebuilding to reloading, Kentucky’s offseason could go from promising to powerful in the blink of an eye.

And if Wilkerson chooses Lexington, don’t be surprised when the preseason polls roll out and the Wildcats are sitting comfortably inside the top five.