Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats are searching for a playmaker in the transfer portal and their answer could lie with Syracuse Orange transfer Naithan George. The point guard has become the fourth transfer portal entry from Syracuse after averaging 10.9 points and 5.4 assists per game last season. Last year, he transferred to Syracuse from Georgia Tech.
According to SI, the Wildcats are reportedly interested in bringing George into the fold. SI’s Wyatt Huff described George as “one of the best passers out of the ACC.”
When George was with Georgia Tech, he led the ACC with 6.5 assists per game. This season, he ranked fifth with Syracuse. While he might be a good playmaker, he also turns over the ball a lot, recording 98 turnovers (3.1 per game). The number was 41 more than the next closest player. He could fit well at Kentucky, which has battled inconsistency and injuries at the position.
Kentucky is also reportedly interested in Brett Decker Jr. and Camren Hunter.
Mark Pope Given Top Transfer Portal Target to Replace Departing Otega Oweh
Kentucky’s Otega Oweh has exhausted his college eligibility, meaning Mark Pope will have to replace his 18.6 points per game production this offseason. According to SI, the best name to replace him is former Wake Forest wing Juke Harris, who has entered the portal and also the NBA draft. Assuming Pope can convince Harris to take his name out of the draft, Kentucky should be the place Harris might consider in favor of delaying his NBA dreams.
This season, Harris averaged 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 44.4% from the field, including 33.2% from the 3-point line. Harris is still a sophomore, which means he’s got two years of eligibility left.
Mark Pope, whose roster has seen multiple departures via the draft and portal, will need to act fast and get fresh blood to give Kentucky the best shot at winning the title next season.
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