More unknowns than knowns about Kentucky’s roster at this point

Chris Livingston (24) may favor staying at UK but reports indicate those close to him believe he could be a NBA draft or should transfer. (Vicky Graff Photo)

The first of many expected offseason roster moves on the Kentucky basketball team happened Monday when point guard Sahvir Wheeler announced he was putting his name into the transfer portal.

While that decision was expected, at least now it is known.

Unfortunately, there are a lot more  unknowns about the Kentucky roster going forward.

Start with freshman Ugonna Onyenso who talked openly after the Kansas State game that he would be back. He reclassified his recruiting class so he could be at UK this season to start developing for the 2023-24 season.

“There are often times with guys in their circles who may have more influence than the kid himself (on his future),” Jack Pilgrim, Kentucky basketball beat writer at KSR, said on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk. “I have been told if it was up to him, he would be back.

“But after doing some digging it will not be his call. I have been told there are already some schools in the Big East telling them they are in a better situation moving forward in the northeast. Kentucky is going to do its best to keep him and he’s a potential focal point of the roster. Kentucky believes it can get him back for year two, but it’s just not the simple decision it should be because there is loyalty to the guys who got him to America to play college basketball.”

What about the thought he was at UK to spend a learning year before becoming a major factor for the Cats?

“Every time I brought up redshirt they (Onyenso’s people) reached out to me and said not to use that word redshirt. On their end they thought opportunities were available that he did not get,” Pilgrim said.

Another freshman, Chris Livingston, made a big impact this year but does not look ready for the NBA and certainly could be a huge part of Kentucky’s team next year. But he is  represented by Klutch Sports for NIL representation and Pilgrim said his understanding is the agency is pushing  for Livingston to go pro this year. Pilgrim says several NBA officials have told him it is unlikely that Livingston will be back at UK because his agency anticipates him being a first-round NBA draft pick.

“His agency wanted him to be a one-and-done,” Pilgrim said. “It was more effort, crashing boards and hustle. Does that show he deserves to be an NBA starter. His agency is telling him he could go somewhere else and be a star. I have been told if it was up to him he would be back at Kentucky.”

Sophomore Daimion Collins could also be a likely transfer loss. His father passed away before the season started and many are speculating he could transfer closer to home in Texas to be closer to his mother and sister.

“I think when push comes to shove he will hit the transfer portal. There is nothing shady going on. He just has his own decision to make,” Pilgrim said.

Then there is incoming freshman Rob Dillingham, part of UK’s No. 1 rated recruiting class. Pilgrim said he is a “whole different animal” with his circumstances about next season.

“There is a report of a grievance against Overtime Elite and his (Dillingham’s) diploma was not up to standard. I am keeping a close on academic things and hear his transcript a little bit up in the air. That is a whole different situation,” Pilgrim said.

The KSR beat writer did say on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk he expected Antonio Reeves to come back and that it would come down to money he could make at UK versus turning pro.

“He will test the (NBA) waters. If a team gives him a two-way contract and a $300,000 to $400, 000 per year range, I think he will take that. If that is not promised to him, I am pretty confident he will be back,” Pilgrim said. “There are two freshman ball-dominated guards (Dillingham and DJ Wagner) who could use help guiding them.”

Pilgrim also thinks junior Lance Ware will be back but noted that senior guard CJ Fredrick has gone “rogue” and his not talking to anyone about his future. However, Pilgrim indicated he believes Fredrick would love to have another year and “not go out the way he did and show he can be a quality Kentucky basketball player.”

Again, most of this is speculation by Pilgrim but it is what I would consider “informed” speculation and shows just how tumultuous this offseason is going to be for Kentucky before you even start to factor in the transfer portal which could turn out to be way more important for Calipari than it looked like it might be a few months ago.