Jaland Lowe (15) is expected to be UK's starting point guard. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky lost backcourt players to injuries during the 2024-25 season that definitely impacted the team and lost LaMont Butler, Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea , Kerr Kriisa and Travis Perry off that team. However, coach Mark Pope really likes his guard combinations for the upcoming season.
“I think we have a chance to have a really dynamic backcourt. Guys that are really capable of making multiple moves to make plays in the backcourt. And I think this team has a chance to really pass the ball at an elite level,” Pope said at his press conference Monday.
Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe is expected to be the new point guard. Leading scorer Otega Oweh returns along with sophomore guards Collin Chandler and Trent Noah who had limited playing time last season. Five-star freshman Jasper Johnson just won another gold medal with USA Basketball.
Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen was part of Florida’s national championship team last season and his athleticism has impressed everyone at UK. Tulane transfer Kam Willians is an intriguing wing who has been projected as a top 10 2026 NBA Draft pick in one early mock draft.
“I have so many options,” Pope said. “Otega‘s played some minutes at the one, Collin Chandler has played a lot of minutes at the one. Jasper Johnson‘s completely capable of playing the one. I think DA (Aberdeen) is very comfortable playing the one.
“We’re in a little bit of a different scenario than we felt like we were in most of the season last year. We have so many capable options.”
The coach likes having more backcourt players who can create their own shots than he had on his first UK team.
“We’re built a little bit different. We probably are going to have more get where you want to go ball handling on the floor besides just our point guard,” Pope said. “I think our two-guard, for the most part, in the game, and a lot of times our three, is going to be really aggressive off the bounce, being able to make plays off the bounce. I think we’ll live in that space a lot this year.”
Having more depth along with more versatility could more than offset a potential drop in 3-point productivity.
“Otega Oweh is making real strides with his intentionality on being a cutter and pushing the ball in transition,” Pope said. “Collin Chandler is gonna be an elite-level pace guy. We had possessions where Jaland Lowe ran by everybody on the court in transition to get to the rim. He’s got unbelievable jets. DA can run.”
2 Responses
This whole roster is great. We have a great back court and a great front court (especially with JQ) we also have great wings. I would play Noah at the 3. I think there will be a battle in practice between Hawthorne and Noah for the backup spot at the 3. Noah has the advantage because of playing last year but I think by the end of the year Hawthorne will be a more polished player. I do believe Noah will be in the top 10 in the SEC in 3 point percentage and I also believe Kam Williams can also be in that range. If Oweh and Lowe improve on there 3 pointer we will be unstoppable. If Oweh can hit at least 38% of his 3s or better watch out. He's also working on his passing and lobs which I absolutely said he needed to work on to take his game to the next level. If he can average 3-4 assist per game it will take Kentucky to the top.
We will have a dynamic front court too! If Jelavic and Quaintance are cleared to play in November, we will be a team that NOBODY will want to play after January.