Kentucky basketball 2024 roster, preview: Depth chart projections, predictions under Mark Pope by UK insiders

Kentucky basketball underwent an offseason of change following the departure of John Calipari, who is now the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. A quick search landed former BYU coach and Kentucky alum Mark Pope in Lexington as the replacement. Pope, who signed a five-year contract for $5.5 million per season, will look to leave his mark and build a Kentucky basketball roster that is capable of winning in March after Calipari failed to get out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2019.

The Wildcats will open the season ranked No. 23 in the preseason Associated Press (AP) poll and the USA Today Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. Kentucky has been ranked in the preseason coaches’ poll 59 times dating back to the inaugural poll in 1950. The Wildcats open the 2024-25 season with a home matchup against Wright State on Monday, Nov. 4. If you want to see the latest Kentucky basketball news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.

The team of insiders at CatsPause.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering $1 for the first month*, so now is the time to sign up.

The team at CatsPause has full coverage of Kentucky’s roster overhaul and practice reports leading up to the season opener. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.

Top Kentucky Wildcats basketball roster storylines 

Pope hit the transfer portal as hard as any coach in the country and the Wildcats will feature one of the most experienced teams in college basketball. Kentucky’s new-look veteran lineup has played in 845 career games, made 586 starts, scored 7,900 points and knocked down 1,033 3-pointers at a 37.0% rate. However, not a single scholarship player has appeared in a game for the Wildcats. 

Kentucky’s roster will be loaded with players capable of creating their own shots on the offensive end of the floor. Ansley Almonor, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr and Amari Williams are all 1,000-point scorers in their collegiate careers. Kerr Kriisa has played in 99 career games and has made 238 3-pointers, while Otega Oweh has seen action in 60 games and was Oklahoma’s second-leading scorer a season ago. Butler and Williams were also named their league’s defensive player of the year, giving Kentucky fans a reason for optimism heading into the 2024-25 season. Stay up to date on the latest news involving Kentucky basketball at CatsPause. 

How to get insider Kentucky basketball updates

Kentucky’s basketball roster will also feature a talented group of youngsters, including a freshman who can shoot the lights out from 3-point range, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news. 

How is Kentucky’s basketball roster shaping up, and which freshman can make an instant impact for the Wildcats? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering $1 for the first month*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.

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