2026-2027 Roster discussion thread

[Pobilly]

I'm somewhat disappointed. I was hoping he'd work on the things he needed to work on during the off-season and return next Fall prepared to contribute more than he did this year. Best wishes to the young man wherever he ends up.

You hate it for both Jasper and UK that it was such a horrible fit this year due to PG issues. But Jasper was not strong enough with the ball as the off guard either and he has tons of work if he wants to play in SEC, BIG 10 or BIG 12. Maybe ACC or lesser schools. He just did not try to gain strength which happens to freshman. Even Moreno did not gain the strength he really needed to be the starter but ended up playing very well for a freshman center.

[Matt Dillon]

Jasper has entered the portal

I'm somewhat disappointed. I was hoping he'd work on the things he needed to work on during the off-season and return next Fall prepared to contribute more than he did this year. Best wishes to the young man wherever he ends up.

[WeWant9]

Jasper has entered the portal

[KentuckyWild2020]

The friendship angle might actually work against us. If coach Pope believes Chandler really wants to leave, he might not try to persuade him to stay.

A player like Chandler finally develops and comes into his own then walks away from the almighty University of Kentucky basketball program. That right there is a problem in itself. What does that say about our program when we can't even keep a 3-4 star recruit and convince them to stay, not to mention the friendship aspect of it all.

I for one hope Billy Donovan takes off a year and if Pope doesn't work out this upcoming year, hopefully UK goes out and lands the best of the best whoever that may be...

[Matt Dillon]

I get it but the bigger issue and question is this.

If we can't retain or convince someone like Chandler to stay, then what does that really say about our whole situation?

Chandler has excelled, no denying that. Still, he's no Reed Sheppard, he's good but he's not elite, still many holes in his game.

He and Pope go way back, a friendship, a coach. If this doesn't hold any merit and you can't convince someone like that to stay, that's a problem.

Is it Pope or is it the whole whispers of the entire Kentucky program, fans, expectations, all of the above.


Reality is this, feels like no one is beating down the doors to stay or play at Kentucky these days, that sucks!!!

The friendship angle might actually work against us. If coach Pope believes Chandler really wants to leave, he might not try to persuade him to stay.

[KentuckyWild2020]

I won't fault Chandler if he goes back to Utah. He's a devout Mormon, Utah is his home and it wouldn't exactly be like he'd be leaving a NC contender (UK) for a nothing program (BYU).

I get it but the bigger issue and question is this.

If we can't retain or convince someone like Chandler to stay, then what does that really say about our whole situation?

Chandler has excelled, no denying that. Still, he's no Reed Sheppard, he's good but he's not elite, still many holes in his game.

He and Pope go way back, a friendship, a coach. If this doesn't hold any merit and you can't convince someone like that to stay, that's a problem.

Is it Pope or is it the whole whispers of the entire Kentucky program, fans, expectations, all of the above.


Reality is this, feels like no one is beating down the doors to stay or play at Kentucky these days, that sucks!!!

[UKHoops01]

UConn has 3 seniors and 3 juniors in their core rotation. I want that for UK where NIL resources and staff prioritize retention and player development.

Of the core rotation that you speak of, only 3 were retained or returning players (Solo Ball, Tarris Reed Jr., and Alex Karaban). And they actually had 9 players who averaged over 16 MPG, so they definitely use their bench and go deeper than just 6. Also, Mullins, the kid who hit the game winning three pointer against Duke, is a freshman. So as long as you have the right players and the right mix, it doesn't matter how long they've been there.

[Trueblujr]

I won't fault Chandler if he goes back to Utah. He's a devout Mormon, Utah is his home and it wouldn't exactly be like he'd be leaving a NC contender (UK) for a nothing program (BYU).

I wouldn't fault him either, but he's seemed to be a Pope loyalist and He's getting all the minutes he wants here. I'd almost go so far as to say Pope shows him some favoritism.

[Trueblujr]

Looking at Ruffin's history, getting a waiver is a big if.

He's had some injury issues we may want to avoid. I'm sure those are what he will use as his excuse to get another year. Not sure if it will work or not, but when healthy, he's a baller. little guy only 5'-8" but can score and dish. Though the last thing we need is another PG with an injury history.

[Matt Dillon]

I won't fault Chandler if he goes back to Utah. He's a devout Mormon, Utah is his home and it wouldn't exactly be like he'd be leaving a NC contender (UK) for a nothing program (BYU).

[Los Gatos]

Brett Decker, Jr. from Liberty, Kentucky kid, played for Central Hardin, is in the portal. Might be the dead eye shooter we need off the bench. shot 47% from three this season. averaged over 16 points a game. Also, Jackson States point guard Daeshun Ruffin is in the portal. We just took his coach to be an assistant here, but we also took that coaches son who plays the same position. Though Williams is likely a multi-year player and Ruffin would need a waiver to be eligible, which we all know how those things go when Kentucky is involved. Ruffin led their conference in scoring and averaged over 5 assists per game too. Might help solidify that position if we can get Ruffin an extra year and let Williams play behind him for a season.

Looking at Ruffin's history, getting a waiver is a big if.

[WeWant9]

During Cal, I just assumed everyone would enter the draft. With this current era, I just assume everyone will shop themselves around. College sports are pro leagues now, minus actual contracts. Until something gets put in place like that, just assume guys will bounce around.

I would look for 1-2 game changers a year, go all in on them and build a team around them. The new player development guy has said he cares more about fit than talent. So, I think the staff will be more strategic in the portal this year in going after guys who can fit Pope's system. I am fine with that, but will say sometimes systems fail and you just need a baller who can take the game over. Maybe they go all in on Stokes and build the system around him? I don't know, I don't get paid the big bucks to figure it out lol.

[KentuckyWild2020]

Kentucky basketball rosters are danged if you do, danged if you don't .The players who need development are under the microscope so much that if or when they finally hit that stride and develop, they are walking away for more money or ready to escape Lexington and the pressure. The elite talent pay for play doesn't seem to be buying into the Kentucky 1st attitude and would rather go elsewhere make more money and have it all about them.

This is the NBA 2.0. even NFL MLB. Draft a young talent, develop that talent, when that talent develops and the contract is up, it's off to the highest bidder ,no hometown discount for the organization that developed you.

I could go on and on about what's right what's wrong ,who stays who go's, developed veteran rosters but for some reason, just seems like the whole Kentucky basketball roster culture is totally out of wack. Was wack for Calipari now with NIL, it's even more wack for Pope..

Trying to gameplan this, what is the objective and goal of it all??

1.Sign lesser know talents teach team ball develop those talents and hope they stay once they hit their basketball stride and have a veteran team?

2.Or, focus on the most elite 5 star talents out of high school and blend it with a few vets either returning or on the NIL market?

3.Or, hit the portal year in and year out and find your 5-8 best guys to fit your scheme, pay them the money, hope they stay healthy?? Do it all again next year??


Unfortunately, the culture at Kentucky is if you have a so so year, you are not UK worthy or a failure. Most of us fans have been waiting a solid decade to have a great team and our patience if very thin game to game it seems.

Option 1.. As fans, are we willing to accept the growing pains and let the kids develop without running them out of town?

Option 2. Do we want Calipari 2.0 again from another coach? I will say this option seems to be the blueprint for some of good teams but you have to have a coach who can A. recruit like no other and B. play a scheme and coach the kids to play to it's strengths, doesn't hurt if you actually have a in game feel for the game and can make adjustments and draw up great plays when needed.

Option 3. Call it for what it is, PAY FOR PLAY. You go out spend the money whatever it takes and get the best players you can get to fit the scheme and hope it stays healthy. Somehow have to be up front and honest about it all and convince the new incoming player it's all about the team winning first and foremost..


Anyways, just rambling on a slow news day. If Chandler leaves, it's a slap in the face and lesson learned about the whole system these days, Loyalty is out the door...

[bucsrule8872]

Brett Decker, Jr. from Liberty, Kentucky kid, played for Central Hardin, is in the portal. Might be the dead eye shooter we need off the bench. shot 47% from three this season. averaged over 16 points a game. Also, Jackson States point guard Daeshun Ruffin is in the portal. We just took his coach to be an assistant here, but we also took that coaches son who plays the same position. Though Williams is likely a multi-year player and Ruffin would need a waiver to be eligible, which we all know how those things go when Kentucky is involved. Ruffin led their conference in scoring and averaged over 5 assists per game too. Might help solidify that position if we can get Ruffin an extra year and let Williams play behind him for a season.

I’ve been wanting Decker for a while (see my previous posts). That 47% from 3 is second in the nation in 3 point percentage. And that’s on 7 attempts a game. He led his team (which won the CUSA regular season) in scoring as well with 17ppg. He’s not just a shooter, he can score a bit.

[Trueblujr]

Brett Decker, Jr. from Liberty, Kentucky kid, played for Central Hardin, is in the portal. Might be the dead eye shooter we need off the bench. shot 47% from three this season. averaged over 16 points a game. Also, Jackson States point guard Daeshun Ruffin is in the portal. We just took his coach to be an assistant here, but we also took that coaches son who plays the same position. Though Williams is likely a multi-year player and Ruffin would need a waiver to be eligible, which we all know how those things go when Kentucky is involved. Ruffin led their conference in scoring and averaged over 5 assists per game too. Might help solidify that position if we can get Ruffin an extra year and let Williams play behind him for a season.