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The Morning After: Four Things To Know after Kentucky vs. Duquesne

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UK Athletics

In game two of what Cats fans hope will be a long season ahead, Kentucky hosted the Duquesne Dukes at Rupp Arena on Friday Night.

The Wildcats were still without Damion Collins and Oscar Tshiebwe on Friday night, but Sahvir Wheeler did make a return to the court, making his impact felt.

To start, the Wildcats were a little sluggish as they didn’t hit double-digits until the 13-minute mark of the first half. However, Sahvir Wheeler check in off the bench and dished three straight assists, and hit a layup to ignite the Wildcat offense. This gave Kentucky some momentum and allowed them to create separation and enter halftime with a 38-22 lead.

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Coming out of the half, Duquesne went on a quick 7-0 run that cut the lead to single digits. While Kentucky made some runs of their own, they had just an 11-point lead with just 11 minutes to go. Finally, Fredrick-Reeves-Toppin went on a 12-2 run themselves and Kentucky never looked back.

To summarize, the Wildcats were dominant in almost every asset, coming out of Rupp Arena with a 77-52 win, covering their 19-point spread.

Let’s talk about it.

Sahvir Wheeler shows his impact in return

For what was Sahvir Wheeler’s season opener, he looked to have already found his groove. Prior to the game, it was reported that Wheeler would only see 10-15 minutes of action, but ended up playing 27 minutes, and did plenty of good.

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Coming off the bench, the senior guard already had 4 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds through his first five minutes of action. Wheeler finished with a double-double scoring 11 points and adding 11 assists and 2 steals.

Looking more in-depth, Wheeler went 1-2 from the three-point line and limited his turnovers, only having 2 for his 27 minutes of play.

While some fans are calling for Cason Wallace to be the starting point guard, Wheeler proved his value once again. The Bob Cousy award finalist and SEC assist leader was +32 on the night, with Antonio Reeves in second at +20.

Bench impact

The biggest story of the Kentucky offense against Duquesne was the bench production.

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The starting five consisted of the same live last game, Wallace-Fredrick-Reeves-Livingston-Toppin. Off the bench, Onyenso-Reeves-Wheeler combined for 38 points, nearly half of Kentucky’s 77 points.

While Wheeler will most likely be starting for the remainder of the season, Reeves and Onyenso will be two of the biggest contributors off the bench and the best was seen from both on Friday night.

The duo affected the game on both ends. On offense, they combined for a total of 27 points on an efficient 56 percent from the field, as well as two of the highest offensive ratings. On the other end, the pair combined for four blocks and also had two of the highest defensive ratings.

The bench contribution should improve even more with the return of Collins, and when Livingston is moved back.

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Onyenso continues to impress

Ugonna Onyenso should be a high school senior this year, but instead, he reclassified and is making an impact for the Kentucky Wildcats.

In the absence of Oscar Tshiebwe, the freshman has stepped up in both regular season games in a big way. Through the exhibitions and the first two regular season games, Onyenso has proven that he is an elite rim protector and can rebound well, but it is clear his offense is a bit behind.

On Friday night, Onyenso had an impressive 10 rebounds and three blocks, but also scored 9 points. Wheeler set the freshman big up with a few baskets, but Onyenso also showed the ability to create opportunities for himself.

In the freshman’s first two games he is averaging just under 20 minutes per game, but is making use of his time on the floor, floating with a double-double; averaging 7.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks.

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When a player is playing with that level of efficiency, it is going to be hard to keep him off the floor.

Guard-play

The guard play for the Cats had another impressive outing.

All four guards – Fredrick, Reeves, Wallace, and Wheeler – scored at least 8 points for the Wildcats, and shot a combined 55 percent from the field. Yet they performed even better from the perimeter.

As a team, the Cats shot 11-19 (58%) from 3-point range. Of course, CJ Fredrick and Antonio Reeves accounted for eight of the threes, but Wallace and Wheeler both hit one apiece as well.

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It is early, but Fredrick and Reeves are both shooting over fifty percent from three on thirty combined attempts. The duo looks to be among the purest shooters in the Cal era, and could put themselves in the program record books.

What may be the most impressive stat, Kentucky had 22 assists on 28 made field goals, giving them a 79 percent assist percentage. For reference, East Carolina had the highest assist percentage in the country last season at 67.2 percent.

Right now, it seems that in nearly any rotation Calipari draws up, the guards seem to play well with one another and it will interesting to see how that develops over the course of the season.


Through two games, the Cats have performed very well despite not being at full strength. However, it is expected for Collins and Tshiebwe to make their season debut against Michigan State on Tuesday night.

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With that said, Kentucky seems to be playing well and prepared regardless of lineup.

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Has Contacted Nation’s Leading Scorer, Four-Star Transfer Jaron Pierre Who Is “Definitely” Interested in the Cats

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Jacksonville State transfer Jaron Pierre has been contacted by Kentucky.
Jacksonville State Athletics

There are more than a thousand players in the transfer portal, meaning names are flying left and right. As of April 1st, Kentucky has one commitment in Kam Williams (Tulane), and is projected to land top 25 transfer Magoon Gwath (San Diego State).

That said, the Kentucky staff has been in contact with more than a dozen players, and there is another notable player to add to that list.

KY Insider can report that Kentucky has contacted Jaron Pierre from Jacksonville State. Pierre is currently a four-star transfer prospect and ranked as the 34th ranked prospect in 247Sports‘ transfer portal rankings.

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At Jacksonville State last season, Pierre scored more points than anyone else in college basketball (777 points), averaging 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range (9.0 attempts per game). He scored 30 points or more in six games, and only had one game where he did not score in double digits. His impressive play earned him Conference USA Player of the Year honors.

Pierre also had prior stops at Southern Miss and Wichita State, where he spent two years at each school, and will be going into his sixth season of college basketball. Pierre has also declared for the NBA Draft, but is not currently projected on any mock drafts.

While still early in his recruitment, Pierre tells KY Insider that he is “definitely” interested in Kentucky, but no Zoom meeting or visit has been scheduled.

“I love it Big Blue Nation,” Pierre said of the Kentucky program. He also really liked what Mark Pope was able to do in his first season in Lexington. “He was able to pick up right where it left off.”

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The level of competition is always a question when evaluating a mid-major talent, but Pierre’s athleticism jumps off the page and a 38.2% clip from three on nine attempts per game is nothing to slight at.

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Men's Basketball

Kentucky Receives Predictions for 7-Foot, Top 25 Transfer Magoon Gwath

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7-footer Magoon Gwath, a top 25 transfer prospect, is predicted to commit to Kentucky.
San Diego State Aztecs

Magoon Gwath, the 7-foot freshman from San Diego State, has received a crystal ball to Kentucky. No, ladies and gentlemen, this is not an April Fools prank.

Gwath entered the transfer portal on Mar. 24 after he averaged 8.5 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 2.6 blocks per game for the Aztecs. His play earned him Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors in the Mountain West Conference. Kentucky was one of the first schools to contact Gwath, and Lamont Butler is even reported to be helping recruit Gwath to Kentucky.

At approximately 12 p.m. on April 1st, Travis Branham, a 247Sports Basketball Analyst, awarded the big man with a crystal ball prediction that has Gwath becoming a Wildcat. On3’s Joe Tipton has also chimed in, following Branham’s prediction and mentioning Michigan as a top destination as well. 

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This isn’t a guess, this is a calculated report. Now, Mark Pope and his staff will await the decision of Gwath in the coming days.

According to 247Sports transfer rankings, Gwath is the No. 22 transfer portal player in the country, ranking fourth among centers. The class of 2023 recruit was unranked, and due to a foot injury, was redshirted for the 2023-24 season.

With a 7-foot, 205-pound frame, Gwath needs to fill out some to help with his strength. However, he is an elite shot-blocker with good defensive instincts. On the offensive side, he has good vision for his size, which Mark Pope loves, and is comfortable putting the ball on the deck with his face-up game.

With the departure of Amari Williams and Andrew Carr in the frontcourt, the addition of Gwath would be major for the Pope and the Wildcats.

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Get familiar with Gwath’s game BBN.

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Men's Basketball

Transfer Portal Tracker: Tracing Kentucky’s Involvement Thus Far

Mark Pope built a tournament roster almost entirely out of the transfer portal last season – where is he looking to repeat his success?

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Chet White | UK Athletics

Despite having only opened this past Monday, the transfer portal has already amassed enough players and prospects to fill out an entire league of their own. In this new era of NIL-fueled college basketball, programs, some of which are actively participating in the NCAA Tournament, are scrambling to sift through the masses and find pieces for their next roster.

Mark Pope, who built this Sweet 16 Kentucky team almost entirely out of the transfer portal last year, is no stranger to the process. In fact, he’s already landed a transfer in Kam Williams, a freshman wing from Tulane. You can learn more about him here.

In addition to coaching the ‘Cats towards a historic tournament appearance this year, Pope and his staff have already made waves in the transfer market as well. Here’s a list of players they’ve either already contacted, or are expected to.

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Dedan Thomas Jr.

A point guard out of UNLV, Thomas Jr., at this stage, seems like the other most likely possibility to land in Lexington. With two years of eligibility left, a 16/5/2 average split and one of the best catch-and-shoot efficiencies in the country (95th percentile) Thomas Jr. would look to fill the hole left by Lamont Butler’s graduation and the ominous possibility of Kerr Kriisa’s transferring.

Either way, he’s a high-level scorer with a lot of room to grow; he’d have a spot on the roster either way. Thankfully for Kentucky, the interest isn’t a one-way ordeal. UK is reportedly one of his top schools, with a zoom meeting between Coach Pope and Thomas Jr. happening as soon as later this week. ‘Cats fans should keep a close eye on this one as the portal grows ever more populated.

Magoon Gwath

Gwath, a 7’0″ big from San Diego State and reigning Mountain West defensive player of the year, is a name that many have attached Kentucky too early on in this transfer portal process. Just about every report has the recruitment coming down to UK and Michigan, with no clear indicator of preference in either direction.

If he does land in Lexington, Gwath brings nearly three blocks per game, solid shooting numbers across the board, and three years of eligibility remaining to grow through. He’s easily one of the most intriguing prospects in the portal, and would be a pitch-perfect fit in Pope’s notoriously big-centered offense.

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Silas Demary Jr.

The recruitment of Demary Jr. is the most interesting, and fastest moving, on this list. Just a few days ago on a zoom call with the Georgia guard, Pope reportedly asked what his plans for dinner were, in jest. The joke led to a dinner with Demary and, apparently, a scholarship offer, too.

While that may seem like a hasty decision on the surface, a talent like Demary’s is a rare find in the transfer portal. In his sophomore year in the SEC, the 6’5″ guard averaged 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, leading the Bulldogs to wins over multiple ranked opponents, Kentucky included. His athletic frame and offensive upside make him a solid candidate to fill Lamont Butler’s shoes, and if Mark Pope has his way, it won’t be long before pen hits paper on this one.

Alvaro Folgueiras

While Robert Morris is a name that many Kentucky fans would be happy to forget, perhaps landing this forward transfer would work to wash away those memories. Alvaro Folgueiras nearly averaged a double-double for the Colonials this past season, and with two years of eligibility remaining, he could serve as a (potentially) solid replacement for Andrew Carr with added longevity. Not to mention his 41% stroke from long range, which fits the Pope offense to a tee.

Kentucky has been involved from the jump, and with that spot in the rotation inevitably opening up, Folgueiras finding his way to Rupp next season bares a distinct plausibility.

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Reed Bailey

Bailey, similar to Foulgueiras, is a stretch four from a smaller school who would bring high-level offensive capabilities to the Wildcats next season. While he only has one year of hoops left, Bailey nearly averaged 20 points per game last season on 48% shooting. Put lightly, he’s a lethal scorer.

And at 6’10”, there are few players of his size that move as quickly and efficiently as he does. Pairing Bailey with a center who can dominate the glass and hold down the fort defensively would give Kentucky the kind of versatility in the paint that leaves opposing teams helpless on either end. Luckily for ‘Cats fans, Kentucky is heavily rumored as a suitor so far.

Keyshawn Hall

“They’ve had number one draft picks, and they’re the number one fanbase in the country. It’s sold out every night,” said Hall, a soon-to-be senior guard from the UCF Knights. Hall (6’7″, 235) averaged 19 points and seven boards this past season, making himself a highly touted transfer in spite of arguably subpar shooting percentages.

Even so, the physical talent is hard to deny, and there are few offensive systems built to refine a player to the same extent as Mark Pope’s. With a zoom call set for Monday, March 31, it appears that Pope and his staff are ready to have a conversation with Hall, at the very least.

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Abdi Bashir Jr.

Bashir Jr., a Monmouth guard that has garnered at least a base level interest from Kentucky, called his potential suitors the “bluest of blue bloods.” A good sign for Kentucky folks who may be high on him as a prospect.

Averaging a 20/3/2 split, it’s hard not to be a little intrigued, even given his 37% shooting metric. Bashir has two years of eligibility remaining, too, giving him an edge over many players entering their final year in terms of improvement and longevity.

Taylor Bol Bowen

Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen, whom Kentucky is reported to have visit on April 1st, is one of the more versatile prospects to have entered the portal thus far.

At 6’10”, Bowen is an agile big with a reliable pull-up jumper, averaging almost as many rebounds as he does points. With two, if not more, pieces in their front court leaving after this season, a player like Bowen has obvious potential for the Wildcats.

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Josh Dix

While Dix’s ultimate destination may be the muddiest on this list, one interesting factor in his portal journey demands the BBN’s attention. When it was announced on social media that the 6’6 guard from Iowa was entering the transfer portal, Evan Turner, former NBA player and Big Ten extraordinaire, replied “He’s going to Kentucky.”

So while we don’t know much about Dix and his ties to Kentucky beyond that tweet, it’d be hard not to turn your head at such a statement. Dix’s scoring ability (15 PPG on 51% shooting) would be a welcome addition to any team, though, and it’s safe to assume that he’ll at least look the way of the blue and white.

Yaxel Lendeborg

UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg may be the most broadly coveted transfer currently in the forward, exhibiting versatility on both ends of the floor and, standing at 6’9″, providing the best of both world as a sort of middle-man who fits in anywhere on the floor.

While Kentucky is already confirmed to be in contact, what team isn’t for a player who averaged 18/11/4? The battle for Lendeborg will likely be the most intense of them all, though the ‘Cats being involved this early is certainly a good sign.

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Far From Over

These are just the names that, so far, seem to be clouded in blue smoke. But with 1,200+ athletes in the portal already, where the team will actually end up is completely and utterly unpredictable.

If fans can trust anyone with the matter, it’s Mark Pope, who said in an NCAA Tournament press conference, “I think guys have seen the massive success that our transfers have had this year, and I expect that we’re going to have great success recruiting the portal.” Coach isn’t playing coy.

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