Constructing a college basketball roster can be tough, though with a blue blood school like Kentucky, that deep NIL war chest could certainly help a lot. Mark Pope had one of the most expensive rosters in the country but they still could not do a deep run during March Madness. This year, they are willing to splurge again and have secured some very big pieces, but analyst Mike DeCourcy is still not very impressed.
The veteran sports columnist t stated that while there are some big names expected to return, such as Malachi Moreno and Kam Williams, as well as great transfers like Zoom Diallo, Mike DeCourcy noted that it is not a “perfect” roster.
“I don’t think it is a perfect roster. Justin McBride (Richmond) and Alex Wilkins (Furman) have to make really successful transitions to the SEC from mid-major teams. That might be a lot. We have seen lots of players do it but it is not a given,” he said. “Franck Kepnang, when healthy, is a physical, powerful, great shot blocker. He is a perfect backup big guy as long as Moreno is back, Kepnang will not get overwhelmed.”
He added that Diallo is a capable point guard who knows how to handle the ball, but he worries about how Wilkins or McBride could transition into a high major level of play. The analyst added that fans should take note that last year’s roster was very much celebrated, but the team still lost 14 games and fans should remember that.
Kentucky Also Looking To Add SF Milan Momcilovic
Aside from its current roster, Mark Pope is also gunning for former Iowa State small forward Milan Momcilovic. The Wildcats need a good player on the 3 spot right now, and Momcilovic is sounding like a perfect fit.
There is still one problem though, and that is the fact that the former Cyclones star has entered the NBA draft. There is some interest in him, but he is keeping his options open and has not ruled out going back to college where he is listed to be in the transfer portal. Currently, Kentucky is considered one of the favorites, but he is also still considering entering the NBA.
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