The collegiate basketball context is rapidly changing, and the Kentucky Wildcats actively utilize the transfer portal to transform their team for the coming season. Here’s a detailed look at the most recent developments and what they represent for Kentucky’s upcoming season.
Players Joining the Kentucky Wildcats
Kam Williams (Tulane – Guard)
Williams, Tulane’s highly rated sharpshooter, has committed to Kentucky. The 6-foot-8 guard possesses a solid perimeter game, averaging 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season. His ability to spread the floor (41.2% three-point shooting) makes him a valuable addition to the Wildcats’ offensive strategy.
Williams chose Kentucky over several other top schools, citing the school’s excellent basketball culture and player development track record as significant factors in his decision.
Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama – Forward)
Former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate, Kentucky’s third transfer portal commitment announced on April 7 and officially signed on April 11, brings valuable experience to the Wildcats. Though he didn’t start any games over the past two seasons, he played in 70 total contests and showed strong development.
As a sophomore, he averaged 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 16 minutes per game—more than doubling his production from his freshman year. Dioubate will enter Kentucky as a junior, expected to provide depth and energy in the frontcourt.
Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh – Guard)
Guard Jaland Lowe, Kentucky’s second transfer portal commit, announced on April 5 and officially signed on April 11, brings proven production and leadership from Pittsburgh. A consistent starter, he played in all 64 games over two seasons, including starting all 31 in 2024-25.
Lowe earned All-ACC third-team honors last season, averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. The Texas native recorded ten 20-point games and delivered a historic triple-double against VMI. He joins the Wildcats as a junior and is expected to be a key contributor in the backcourt.
Jayden Quaintance (Forward – Arizona State)
Jayden Quaintance, a 17-year-old forward and the youngest player in college basketball last season recommitted to Kentucky on April 8 after spending his freshman year at Arizona State. Originally signed under former coach John Calipari, Quaintance was released from his national letter of intent following Calipari’s departure and went on to average 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 24 games for ASU before a knee injury ended his season.
Despite the setback, he earned Big 12 All-Defensive and All-Freshman honors and enters Kentucky as a highly touted sophomore with NBA lottery potential.
Some Players the Kentucky Wildcats are Showing Interest in
Frankie Collins
Collins announced his decision to transfer from TCU a few days ago. Many elite programs have already contacted Collins. Collins, who stands 6-foot-1, can potentially energize an offense, especially with the Wildcats set to lose many key offensive performers.
Kentucky is reportedly among the schools that have contacted Collins.
Alex Steen
The Cats have also approached 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward Alex Steen. They are one of several Division I programs hunting for the Division II product. Alabama and Kentucky are two of the SEC teams that have approached Steen.
Steen averaged 18.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in his junior season.
Silas Demary Jr.
The Cats are also interested in Georgia guard Silas Demary Jr, according to KSR’s Jacob Polacheck. Demary Jr., a 6-foot-5, 195-pound sophomore, averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game last season for the Bulldogs.
Wildcats Losing Experience
Kerr Kriisa
Kerr Kriisa, who entered the transfer portal on March 31, had a limited impact at Kentucky due to a foot injury that restricted him to just nine games, none after December 7. Despite attempts at rehabilitation, it was announced in March that he wouldn’t return for the remainder of the season.
The Estonian guard averaged 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game—second-best on the team in assists. Uncertain about his future for a time, Kriisa ultimately committed to Cincinnati on April 6, as announced via Instagram.
Six UK seniors signed via the transfer portal last offseason and have exhausted their eligibility.
Guards Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, and Jaxson Robinson are among the members of this group, as are forwards Ansley Almonor and Andrew Carr and center Amari Williams.
Missed Targets: Players Who Chose Other Programs
Donovan Dent (New Mexico – Guard)
Kentucky was interested in Donovan Dent, a terrific point guard from New Mexico, but he eventually chose UCLA. Dent, the reigning Mountain West Player of the Year, had a stellar season, averaging 20.4 points and 6.4 assists per game.
His decision to join UCLA ensures Kentucky is still looking for a high-impact point guard to lead the attack next season.
Also Read: Despite Dream Season Ending Early, Kevin Young & BYU Prove They Belong in NCAA Tournament
The Wildcats remain active in the transfer market, hoping to build an intriguing lineup for the upcoming season.
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