Kentucky’s Mark Pope and St. John’s Rick Pitino have emerged as two of the most strategic architects in college basketball this offseason. Both programs have secured top-tier transfer classes and aim to transform their teams into national contenders.
While Kentucky has been lauded for assembling the best transfer class in the country, St. John’s has also made significant moves, propelling them to No. 2 in CBS Sports’ early Top 25 rankings.
Kentucky Reloads with Defense and Depth Under Mark Pope
Pope wasted no time overhauling Kentucky’s roster in year two. The Wildcats secured one of the most complete transfer hauls in the country.
The Wildcats picked up high-upside big man Jayden Quaintance, who averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game at Arizona State. His athleticism and shot-blocking raise Kentucky’s ceiling, assuming he returns fully healthy from an ACL injury.
From Alabama, Mouhamed Dioubate adds size and defensive toughness, posting 7.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season.
Mark Pope is wasting no time. Five new Wildcats via the portal:
• Jaland Lowe⁰• Jayden Quaintance⁰• Denzel Aberdeen⁰• Mouhamed Dioubate⁰• Kam Williams
Which addition will have the biggest impact next season? pic.twitter.com/u2E9oWTnLD
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 30, 2025
Kentucky’s backcourt is shaping up to be one of the deepest in the country. The Wildcats added Jaland Lowe, who averaged 16.8 points and 5.5 assists at Pitt, bringing needed playmaking and scoring at the point.
Denzel Aberdeen, who was a key contributor to Florida’s postseason success, adds elite perimeter defense. Moreover, he shot 56% from the corners last season, making him a valuable floor spacer. Kam Williams, a 6-foot-8 wing from Tulane, brings size and shooting with a 41.2% mark from beyond the arc last season.
These additions join returning guard Otega Oweh, five-star freshman Jasper Johnson, and redshirt freshman Collin Chandler.
Rick Pitino’s Veteran-Led Reload at St. John’s
Pitino’s rebuild at St. John’s continues with purpose. This offseason, the Red Storm added seven significant transfers, each with proven experience or elite pedigree.
The headliner is Dillon Mitchell, a former five-star prospect who averaged 9.9 points and 6.9 rebounds at Cincinnati while shooting over 61% from the field. He brings athleticism and the versatility to anchor either forward position effectively.
Ian Jackson, a dynamic scorer from North Carolina, and Bryce Hopkins, a battle-tested forward from Providence, add firepower and toughness on the wings.
St. John’s now has the No. 1 Overall Transfer Portal Class with the addition of Dillon Mitchell, Per @TravisBranham_ pic.twitter.com/O3fCgi7jtQ
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) April 23, 2025
St. John’s also landed Dylan Darling, the reigning Big Sky MVP from Idaho State, in a major backcourt addition. He averaged 19.8 points and 5.7 assists last season. With his experience and composure, Darling provides the Red Storm with a true lead guard presence.
Additionally, Oziyah Sellers, who shot 40.1% from deep at Stanford, provides elite spacing. Arizona State’s Joson Sanon adds perimeter depth and returner Zuby Ejiofor gives the frontcourt Big East experience.
Pitino’s additions are built for immediate production. St. John’s now boasts an experienced, physically mature rotation capable of defending and scoring at all three levels.
How Do the 2 Classes Compare?
Both schools addressed major gaps, but with contrasting philosophies.
Kentucky’s ceiling hinges in part on the health of Jayden Quaintance and the development of Malachi Moreno, a 7-footer and consensus top-30 prospect in the 2025 class. If he is ready to contribute as a freshman, he gives Mark Pope a true anchor in the paint.
St. John’s, meanwhile, is ready to win now. Rick Pitino prioritized proven scorers and defenders with high-major experience. His class may lack the long-term ceiling of Kentucky’s, but it offers immediate chemistry and scoring depth across positions.
The advantage here is razor-thin. Kentucky brings a roster full of high potential and long-term upside, giving them a strong foundation for sustained success. On the flip side, St. John’s has built a lineup ready to make an immediate impact, packed with experienced players who can contribute right away.
KEEP READING: Recruiting Masterclass By Rick Pitino Leaves Fans Shocked as Big Sky MVP Dylan Darling Commits to St. John’s
Both rosters are built to contend—Kentucky with its blend of youth, size, and long-term upside, and St. John’s with a veteran core ready to compete from day one.
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