2026-2027 Roster discussion thread

[Matt Dillon]

Morton is a Cat.
Washington State Guard Jerone Morton Signs With Kentucky - On3

[UKHoops01]

G Diallo/M. Williams/Z. Hawthorne
G Wilkins/Morton
F K. Williams/B. Hawthorne/Noah
F N’Diaye/McBride
C Moreno/Potter

Since Santos hasn't committed, I removed him....but didn't Braydon Hawthorne's little brother commit? I believe he's a combo guard, but he'd probably be pencilled in at Point Guard for now.

[Trueblujr]

It's obvious that you're all torn up because we didn't get Stokes, although you should have seen it coming and been prepared for your disappointment. Still, that's no reason to put words in my mouth. I never said anything about the "wow" factor or recruiting.

I’m indifferent about Stokes. I think I would have rather he dissed both us and Kansas for Oregon, would have softened the loss some. He’s going to be one of two things, a great player that pushes for post-season awards or he’s gonna turn an ankle and milk Kansas for 10 months of NIL while sitting on the sidelines. We’re either gonna regret him not coming or be glad he didn’t. I don’t know how this roster will ultimately shake out, if it will be better than last years or if not that necessarily, will it fit Popes system better. As it stands we have a decent roster but still a couple of guys away from making me feel more comfortable.

[Trueblujr]

Morton is a Cat.
Washington State Guard Jerone Morton Signs With Kentucky - On3

Really good depth piece. Good shooter, maybe takes some of The minutes lost by Chandler leaving.

[Trueblujr]

Since Santos hasn't committed, I removed him....but didn't Braydon Hawthorne's little brother commit? I believe he's a combo guard, but he'd probably be pencilled in at Point Guard for now.

Hawthorne’s brother will be way down the bench. He understands that will be his role too. The Hawthorne brothers are guys we should all be rallying behind and making fan favorites. They’re here because they want to be and not chasing a payday. I think Braydon surprises some folks this year.

[UKHoops01]

Trueblujr ....I understand that, I was just accurately listing the roster and including a commitment while eliminating someone who has merely been mentioned as an option that Pope is or is planning a visit to.

[bucsrule8872]

Since Santos hasn't committed, I removed him....but didn't Braydon Hawthorne's little brother commit? I believe he's a combo guard, but he'd probably be pencilled in at Point Guard for now.

Correct.

But I think Zyon is essentially a walk-on. I wasn’t counting him. I think he’s more of a 2 guard. If it gets to the point that he is our primary ball handler, we are in serious trouble.

[KentuckyWild2020]

It's clear, the top players really aren't lining up to play for Pope. I get it, players want the safer route, the branded route, a coach who is proven with a reputation. Look at Purdue, good coach, good players, still no star power really, still no Championship, I don't want to be another Purdue.

To solve this problem, Pope has to win with so so players the old fashioned way. If he can consistently win and get a reputation within the ranks, maybe he will be able to land those top freshman and portal players down the road? For now it's the old fashioned way, everyone on the same page, everyone knowing the role, no egos', great x's and o's gameplan, 110% effort. Is it good enough, time will tell....

[UKHoops01]

Correct.

But I think Zyon is essentially a walk-on. I wasn’t counting him. I think he’s more of a 2 guard. If it gets to the point that he is our primary ball handler, we are in serious trouble.

I think he'll be a redshirt (depending on how the NCAA rules on the whole 5 years proposition). I'm not expecting (or hoping) that he'll see any action....I expect him to see about as much as his brother saw last year...but he has committed and is on next year's roster, as of now.