Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats are set in for next season. After facing disappointment even with a squad worth around $22 million, Pope has rejuvenated hopes in Kentucky faithful. With a budget boosted up to around $23 million this season, Pope has a promising roster.
One of their transfer portal additions, Zoom Diallo is expected to be a vital piece for Mark Pope’s plans. And he has some ambitious expectations from himself and his teammate Alex Wilkins. His ambition made Kentucky insider Jack Pilgrim remember John Wall and Eric Bledsoe’s partnership.
“I feel like teams are going to have to guard me or him,” Diallo told KSR. “No matter if we have the ball or don’t have the ball, they’re going to have to know where we’re at all times.”
“I feel like Alex is dynamic with the ball and off the ball because he poses as a threat — he can shoot it at a high clip,” he said. “And just me having the ball and me continuing to extend my range and shoot it at a high clip also myself, I feel like we challenge each other every day. Even when we’re not on the same team, it’s more of a competitive thing. When we’re on the same team, it’s more dangerous, because teams have to guard me and they have to guard him.”
Pilgrim remembered Wall and Bledsoe, one of Kentucky’s most iconic duos who eventually became renowned NBA guards. Under John Calipari, the duo made history. They led the Wildcats to a 35-3 record and an Elite Eight appearance.
Wall handled the ball and Bledsoe was more of a shooter. Eventually their brotherhood grew and they even got matching tattoos.
Kentucky’s new additions
Apart from Diallo and Wilkins, Mark Pope has assembled an impressive bunch of players. One of the biggest names, Milan Momcilovic eventually committed to Kentucky after much speculation.
He brings extreme athleticism, physicality as well as elite three-point shooting. Franck Kepnang also joined the Wildcats. Other notable additions are Ryan Hampton, Mason Williams and Ousmane N’Diaye.
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