As the season has come to a close for the 2025-2026 Kentucky men’s basketball team, we now enter what comes with today’s landscape of college sports: player retention, adding freshmen, and the craziness and uncertainty of the transfer portal.
Kentucky only graduated four players from this past season: Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen, Walker Horn, and Zach Tow.
Jayden Quaintance, who was a sophomore this season and only played in four games, is likely headed to the NBA Draft as a potential top 20 pick.
Which means if everyone chose to do so, and if the staff wanted, they could all hypothetically return.
With that, let’s talk about the pros and cons for every player potentially returning, based strictly off basketball, not factoring in NIL conversations or other opportunities.
Freshman -> Sophomore
Jasper Johnson:
Return Case: He was only a freshman this season, coming in regarded as one of the best scorers in the 2025 recruiting class, but did not quite live up to expectations, which is unlike freshman guards at Kentucky. It is common in college basketball, though, and completely understandable with the circumstances. Jasper got thrown into a role that probably did not suit him, having to play a majority of his minutes at point guard, which right now he is not. He is a scoring off guard who can do some things on the ball. If he can gain strength, regain confidence, continue to improve, and be put in the right position, I am not ready to give up on Jasper Johnson yet.
Departure Case: He struggled a ton this season. In limited opportunities, he struggled with turnovers, bad shot selection, and both on ball and off ball defense. He just was not a productive player or someone who brought much to the table in his minutes. As a former highly ranked player who struggled, maybe Kentucky just is not meant for him. Even as a hometown kid, which is unfortunate, it may just be the reality. A fresh start could be needed going into his sophomore year and moving forward.
Malachi Moreno:
Return Case: Moreno broke expectations this season. Coming in, expectations were that he would be Kentucky’s third center. That changed, as Brandon Garrison struggled early in the season, and Jayden Quaintance was unable to play until late December while recovering from ACL surgery, and ended up playing only four games. Moreno started 30 of 36 games this season and was listed on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Malachi has great upside, but also a lot to work on, which he will. He has a great mindset, works extremely hard, and the sky is the limit for him.
Departure Case: Malachi struggled near the end of the season and was dealing with some nagging injuries. Because of the struggles, it caused fans to call him out on social media, including some crossing the line involving him and his family. A hometown kid, but Malachi has not seemingly guaranteed himself coming back to Kentucky. He could very well go somewhere else, get a new opportunity, and thrive there if he chose to do so. If he entered the portal, he would be one of the most sought after centers available.
Braydon Hawthorne:
There are no real return or departure cases for Hawthorne. A former late bloomer in the 2025 class, he committed to Kentucky late in the cycle and redshirted this past season. He has a great frame at 6’8, an extremely long wingspan, and athleticism, along with offensive capabilities and skill. Per reports, Hawthorne is set to come back, although nothing is official yet. He projects to be a good piece moving forward for Kentucky.
Sophomore -> Junior
Kam Williams:
Return Case: Williams was a very productive player in his role this season for Kentucky. One of Kentucky’s better defenders on the team, while also being very versatile on both offense and defense. Kam unfortunately missed twelve games with a broken foot before returning for the SEC Tournament and March Madness. He showed plenty of flashes throughout the season. His defensive ability, rebounding, and shooting stood out, and before the injury, he also showed development in scoring and creating with the ball, which he did not show much of when transferring from Tulane. He has the ability to be a key piece next season, potentially a starter, but more than likely one of the first players off the bench.
Departure Case: The only way I see Williams leaving Kentucky is if money negotiations go south, or if he wants a guaranteed role and Kentucky does not feel the same way. Regardless, he will have plenty of options if it does not work out in Lexington.
Andrija Jelavić:
Return Case: He is listed as a sophomore because of his age and international background, but this was his first season in college basketball and at Kentucky. Jelavić started 20 of 36 games this season. He had some great games and some struggles. In my opinion, he is worthy of being a priority to return next season. He has great skill, is a good rebounder, and has strong finishing ability around the rim. He needs to develop, which he can, especially improving his shooting consistency, ball handling, and defensive ability, particularly in the post.
Departure Case: Because of how his season went, Kentucky could elect to recruit over him and bring in a more proven starting power forward. If that happens, it could push Jelavić down the depth chart into a lesser role, which may lead him to look elsewhere.
Collin Chandler:
Return Case: Chandler was Kentucky’s most consistent shooter this season. When he played well, Kentucky usually won. He started 31 of 36 games and made a major jump from his freshman to sophomore season. He can continue to improve by developing his ball handling, ability to create, and scoring around the rim instead of just being a standstill shooter. He also needs to improve defensively, especially off the ball, as he gave up open threes at times. But with his shooting ability and athleticism, he has a very bright future, likely in Lexington with his relationship with Coach Pope.
Departure Case: Depending on how the roster looks next season, Chandler could be pushed into a sixth man or bench role, though he could still very well be a starter again. I do not see it happening, but there is always a chance he may not want that role, even if it is unlikely.
Trent Noah:
Return Case: Mark Pope has said multiple times that he believes Trent Noah is one of the best shooters in the country. We did not see that consistently this season, but Noah plays extremely hard every time he is on the court. He would likely continue to embrace a low rotation role or depth role.
Departure Case: It just has not quite worked out. Kentucky is not in a position to guarantee things will be different next season. They need talent improvement and proven, efficient shooting, not projected shooting based on practice. It is unclear what Noah’s role would be moving forward, and a fresh start at another program might be the best option.
Reece Potter:
No return or departure case here. Multiple reports have come out that he is returning. After two seasons at Miami (OH), Potter transferred to Kentucky but redshirted last season. He’s a big kid with college production, and with a year under his belt at Kentucky, he will likely serve as a depth piece or a late-rotation player off the bench to get some minutes at the five. Time will tell.
Juniors -> Seniors
Brandon Garrison:
Return Case: Brandon Garrison, a former McDonald’s All-American, has played two seasons at Kentucky. He has shown very high highs and very low lows. The talent and ability are there, but the consistency has not been. Down the stretch, Garrison was terrific, blocking shots, scoring inside, and showing the ability to guard multiple positions. If he can do that consistently, a senior season could be big for him and Kentucky.
Departure Case: Garrison has been one of Kentucky’s most inconsistent players. It is not due to talent, but decision making, effort, focus, and motor. He has taken criticism from the fan base, and it has seemed to affect him. He may want a fresh start elsewhere. There is also the possibility he would not want to be a backup center if Moreno returns.
Jaland Lowe:
There are no real return or departure cases here. Lowe came in as the starting point guard but suffered multiple shoulder dislocations and ultimately shut it down after nine games for season-ending surgery. (Should have two years of eligibility left from a medical redshirt)
This decision will come down to Coach Pope and Lowe’s circle. Kentucky never saw a fully healthy version of him, so the evaluation is difficult. If Pope believes in him based on what he saw before the season, he could return in that role. If not, Lowe would be a highly sought after player in the transfer portal.
Mouhamed Dioubate:
Return Case: Dioubate is one of the more intriguing players on the roster. Every game and every minute, he plays as hard as anyone. He had several big moments this season and helped win Kentucky games. He brings toughness, defense, versatility, and a high level of competitiveness. Every team needs a player like him, and Kentucky should make a push to bring him back, likely in a similar role.
Departure Case: He may want a starting role, which is not guaranteed. His lack of outside shooting and spacing may not fully fit the system. Because of that, he could look elsewhere for a bigger role and more offensive freedom.
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