Although the transfer portal window is shut, college basketball rosters can still change. Kentucky has already made moves, landing Washington point guard Zoom Diallo, Furman guard Alex Wilkins, and 6’11” international player Ousmane N’Diaye, plus high school recruits Mason Williams and Zyon Hawthorne. But the roster isn’t set. Coach Pope still needs help on the wing and in the frontcourt, and his staff is managing a volatile situation.
As May approaches, here’s an updated look at Kentucky’s top targets and who’s most likely to commit next.
Top remaining transfers:
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Jerone Morton (Guard, Washington State): Former George Rogers Clark star and Kentucky native just wrapped up a strong official visit. Averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 assists, and shot nearly 44% last season.
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Justin McBride (Forward, James Madison): 6’7″ Third Team All-Sun Belt pick visited UK last week; averaged 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds.
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Devin Williams (Forward, Florida Atlantic): Pope recruited him out of high school at BYU; the 6’10” forward posted 7.5 points and 2.6 blocks last season.
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Joson Sanon (Shooting Guard, St. John’s): Pope has made contact, but little progress so far.
NBA Draft decisions looming:
Kentucky is eyeing elite transfers who are currently testing the draft, forcing Pope to hold scholarships open.
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Milan Momcilovic (Forward, Iowa State): Shot 48.7% from three last season (best in college). Has a do-not-contact tag in the portal while exploring the draft.
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Allen Graves (Forward, Santa Clara): 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, over 41% from deep. Rising on draft boards (ESPN Top 25), unlikely to return.
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Tounde Yessoufou (Small Forward, Baylor): Former 5-star freshman averaged 17.8 points and 5.9 rebounds. Leaning toward staying in the draft, but if he pulls out, UCLA leads, with UK interested.
High school and international targets:
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Ryan Hampton (2027 5-star): Ranked No. 5 in 2027, considering reclassifying to 2026. Pope recently visited; landing him would add elite wing talent.
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International options:Â After missing Miikka Muurinen, Kentucky is still looking at Sayon Keita (Duke is favorite), plus wing Eric Del Castillo and big man Mouhamed “Momo” Faye if domestic options run dry.
The next few weeks will shape Pope’s third season. Which domino do you think falls first?
