Despite Mark Pope missing out on star transfer forward Donnie Freeman already generating significant buzz online fans and analysts have spent hours criticizing the Wildcats’ head coach after St. John’s landed the highly regarded recruit; it’s what the kids these days would call a classic “whiff” Pope still has a job to do. With Freeman no longer an option, the Kentucky staff must simply move on to the next target. Having secured only two transfer commitments so far, the Wildcats may soon be forced to take whatever they can get. For now, however, they still have some flexibility, and the most logical next target is Washington State guard Jerone Morton.
Morton, a Kentucky native scheduled to visit the school this weekend (according to Jacob Polacheck), would likely come off the bench alongside Mason Williams, given that Kentucky has already locked in its starting backcourt. He’s a score-first combo guard who could provide useful depth.
Jerone Morton Offers Sensible Depth
Naturally, any home-state player will be embraced by Big Blue Nation. In Polacheck’s post confirming the visit, Morton’s father said, “We just love Kentucky, man. He was born and raised here. That’s been his lifetime dream to play at Kentucky.” For the most devoted fans, that alone might be reason enough to give him a shot.
While some fans may initially feel underwhelmed or distracted especially since Kentucky still lacks a solid power forward option after the Freeman miss dependable depth is just as vital as anything else on a competitive high-major roster. Kentucky struggled last season precisely because of a lack of depth. Morton, who posted a strong 43.8% field goal and 38.7% three-point shooting split as a junior, has all the tools expected from a reliable second-unit guard.
If the energetic guard and his family love Big Blue, and Kentucky has a need for his services, this is an easy call. Big Blue Nation is desperate for any kind of win.
Kentucky Shouldn’t Overthink It
Even if it’s not a flashy addition, bringing in a depth guard who would almost certainly play for the name on the front of his jersey seems like a no-brainer. Landing a Kentucky native could help restore some lost momentum in the transfer portal. At this point, it’s increasingly about paying what’s necessary and filling out the roster and Morton is a more than reasonable way to do that.
