2026-2027 Roster discussion thread

[bucsrule8872]

Right now, with Pope coming back, he is going to want to retain most of the team. There is nothing more difficult for a coach than having to start from scratch every year. Retention is a huge key.

Look at Florida as a model (24-25), they returned most of their key players from the season before and was a 1 seed and won the title. The team the year before was mediocre: 24-12, 11-7 in the SEC, a 7 seed, and lost in the 1st round of the NCAA tourney. Similar to us this season. They brought most everyone back, didn’t sign any HS studs, brought in a couple of portal players and won a title.

This is how Pope should approach next season. Bring as many of the core players back (Chandler, Williams, Moreno, Garrison, and Dioubate) as he can. Then mix in a few portal guys. Maybe a couple of HS kids. Maybe an international kid. But retaining the core is critical at this juncture.

My guess is Chandler (shot at a starring role, loyalty to Pope), Williams(already said he wants to return), Dioubate (always dreamed of playing for UK), and Lowe (has something to prove here) will be back. Hawthorne has already said he will be back and is probably a key reserve. Potter also said he would be returning, but he won’t play meaningful minutes. Noah probably returns. Eastern Kentucky kids don’t give up on UK dreams very easily. He won’t play much, though, unless there are injuries again.

Sounds like Garrison might be going with Hart. Wouldn’t mind having him back, though.

Johnson is gone. Impatient kid with unrealistic parents. He will bolt.

Jelavic is likely gone as well. He just didn’t quite seem to fit in. Hope he comes back, but I doubt it. Never seemed comfortable.

I think Pope is desperate enough that he will throw as much money as he can at Stokes. That will give us a legitimate shot at him.

We need a backup PG. Mo Williams’ kid could be a nice start there, but I think we need another, in case Lowe ends up being fragile. I’m penciling in Williams as the backup and hoping we find a little better option to split time with Lowe.

A name I keep hoping to see pop up in the transfer portal discussion is Brett Decker, Jr from Liberty. He is from E-Town and was their leading scorer. He was 2nd in D-1 in 3-point percentage at 47% (on about 7 attempts per game), 11th in 3-pointers made on the season. He’s the kind of sniper that could really flourish coming off the bench at a P5 school.

Dink Pate probably goes to SMU to play for Hart. I think we are out on him.

Need to find a good backup for Moreno.

To me, the best case scenario for a starting five is:

G Lowe
G Chandler
G Williams
F Stokes(fingers crossed)
C Moreno

Need a backup PG, SG(dreaming of Decker here), and Center to go with Hawthorne and Dioubate off the bench. Then Noah, Potter, and Marvin Williams to round out the roster. Maybe add one or two more long-term options.

[Pete Hogwallop]

I like that you pointed out how Florida had a mediocre year, returned most of the players and won a championship. Also, Golden had a very bad record at Florida 2 years before the championship as well.

Lots of people can only look at our mediocre year this year and not envision any way we won't be the same or worse next year.

I'm not all in on returning everyone, but I'd be fine if most returned. Add in a few REALLY good players from wherever and we'll be fine as long as we have competent back-ups at PG and C.

[Pobilly]

The big thing that keeps going through my mind. This is the 3rd generation of the Pope UK roster.

Generation 1: We thought it was a miracle what Pope did to put together a roster as fast as he did and a very serviceable roster that got hi-jacked to injury during the SEC portion of the schedule. They did well for what they ended up having left.

Generation 2: We saw swings for the fences and all were misses. Then we saw some good major players signed, we saw some guys that should plug the holes we had in the SEC. Turns out there were not resolved and we saw another roster hi jacked of their PG. Plus Pope could not keep a KY boy and we all had questions about the roster build. We stayed positive: mostly due to Pope talking the roster up and then the Purdue game. It all fell apart from there. We witnessed some of the worst, disjointed under-preforming (at times) teams in recent UK history. Was a bad, ugly year with not much of a sign of better days.

Generation 3: as of March 26th 2026: Nothing to be happy about. The start has not started. Year 2 with big names, swings and misses already. Now we will see if Pope pulls any rabbits out of his hat or if he continues to try to bat in the majors with just about a 000 hitting percentage. At least as far as the major talent is concerned.

Will we see some traction in a positive direction. Stay tuned.

[EKYCat]

I like that you pointed out how Florida had a mediocre year, returned most of the players and won a championship. Also, Golden had a very bad record at Florida 2 years before the championship as well.

Lots of people can only look at our mediocre year this year and not envision any way we won't be the same or worse next year.

I'm not all in on returning everyone, but I'd be fine if most returned. Add in a few REALLY good players from wherever and we'll be fine as long as we have competent back-ups at PG and C.

Walter Clayton Jr was probably 90% of the reason they won like they did in 2025. It's not that it can't be done here. But, as of now, Pope has zero commitments. Zero. Duke and Arkansas both have 3 five star commits. He's given me little confidence in his ability to land the kind of guys we need to win in March.

[Pobilly]

The big thing that keeps going through my mind. This is the 3rd generation of the Pope UK roster.

Generation 1: We thought it was a miracle what Pope did to put together a roster as fast as he did and a very serviceable roster that got hi-jacked to injury during the SEC portion of the schedule. They did well for what they ended up having left.

Generation 2: We saw swings for the fences and all were misses. Then we saw some good major players signed, we saw some guys that should plug the holes we had in the SEC. Turns out there were not resolved and we saw another roster hi jacked of their PG. Plus Pope could not keep a KY boy and we all had questions about the roster build. We stayed positive: mostly due to Pope talking the roster up and then the Purdue game. It all fell apart from there. We witnessed some of the worst, disjointed under-preforming (at times) teams in recent UK history. Was a bad, ugly year with not much of a sign of better days.

Generation 3: as of March 26th 2026: Nothing to be happy about. The start has not started. Year 2 with big names, swings and misses already. Now we will see if Pope pulls any rabbits out of his hat or if he continues to try to bat in the majors with just about a 000 hitting percentage. At least as far as the major talent is concerned.

Will we see some traction in a positive direction. Stay tuned.

Sorry got on a business call. My point is this year: whomever we end up with I think our expectation will be low until we get through the non conference portion of the schedule. We could sign Stokes, Pate, PG from Europe, the back up guard here yesterday, another PF, another big and 2 more guards that have 60% from 3 and we will be trying to get their medical files, check their transcripts and so forth and not be happy. Maybe that is just me.

[bucsrule8872]

One thing about BBN, this fanbase has very little patience.

Florida fans did not give up on Golden after a bad season and a mediocre season. They gave him a chance.

Now I am not expecting a title next season, but I think it’s too early to write Pope off as a failure. When he was hired, I said give him his five years and then, if we don’t get to the level we should be at (competing for a title every season), then we move on. I am sticking with that for now.

But I know BBN is impatient, the fans want results now.

BBN (the average fan that is) is pretty immature in that aspect. We give up too quickly and are ready to move on if we don’t see immediate results.

I think it’s not just an indictment on BBN, but on our society as a whole. Instant gratification is the driving force for most people. “What have you done for me lately.” “I want it all and I want it now!” No patience. No time to build something over time.

Remember, Calipari left the cupboard empty for Pope.

Regardless, it doesn’t really matter. BBN doesn’t get
tp decide who coaches our team, we have no choice but to either be patient or give up and root for some other team or just quit watching altogether.

We are stuck with Pope for at least one more season. Will we be patient and give him a chance or just be miserable until he gets fired or steps down? Everyone has to answer that for themselves.

I’m not going to be miserable over something I have no control over.

[UKHoops01]

To me, the best case scenario for a starting five is:

G Lowe
G Chandler
G Williams
F Stokes(fingers crossed)
C Moreno

If that's the best case scenario, well likely be in a world of hurt next year as well. I see that as a repeat of this year if that's the best we can do.

[KentuckyWild2020]

The bottom line with Johnson is that he was too weak to play major minutes for a D-1 program as a Freshman. He needs to live in the weight room over the summer and add weight and get stronger. He has tons of potential, but was not physically ready to play at this level, especially in the SEC.

Now he will transfer and hit the weights at UNC or somewhere else and come back as a Sophomore and play very well on a stronger frame and his family will be pointing fingers at UK’s staff and saying he wasn’t used right. All because they weren’t patient and realistic enough to know that Jasper needed a year of college to mature and get stronger. Instead of staying the course he will do what most immature people will do, blame everyone else and go somewhere that will give them instant gratification. And his relatives are enabling him by blaming the staff when it was abundantly clear that Jasper was not physically ready to play at this level. They should be saying that Jasper had a successful season as a Freshman, adjusting to college basketball and is looking forward to improving his body in the offseason, instead of whining that he wasn’t used correctly or that the staff wouldn’t give him a chance to shine, or other such nonsense. Delusional parents are worse than delusional fans.

Agreed

[bucsrule8872]

If that's the best case scenario, well likely be in a world of hurt next year as well. I see that as a repeat of this year if that's the best we can do.

Most likely, unless some guys step it up and make marked improvements.

I tend to be optimistic, since I have no control over the situation, I choose to hope for the best.

G Lowe- we never really saw him healthy. If healthy he should be at least a slight improvement over Aberdeen at PG. He is actually a PG. Hopefully he plays with some fire as he will want to prove his doubters wrong.

G Chandler- a year older and more experienced.

G K. Williams- a slight improvement over Jelavic, IMHO. Better shooter and defender.

F Stokes- replaces Oweh as the focal point of the offense. He’s bigger (6’7), and more talented overall, but will lack Oweh’s experience.

F Moreno- a year older and more experienced. Hopefully stronger.

Dioubate probably doesn’t give us anything more than what he gave us this season off the bench. He might be slightly better being a year older and knowing the system better.

We really don’t know what we have with Hawthorne. He could help us or he might be a non-factor.

If we can get Marvin Williams, he replaces Johnson and at least looks stronger.

If Potter and Noah play much, it’s probably going to be a long season.

Pope probably gets a few decent pieces in the portal as well. Fingers crossed.

I think that could be a strong core. Would really help to get a strong backup PG, backup wing shooter, and backup big man.

[Trueblujr]

Most likely, unless some guys step it up and make marked improvements.

I tend to be optimistic, since I have no control over the situation, I choose to hope for the best.

G Lowe- we never really saw him healthy. If healthy he should be at least a slight improvement over Aberdeen at PG. He is actually a PG. Hopefully he plays with some fire as he will want to prove his doubters wrong.

G Chandler- a year older and more experienced.

G K. Williams- a slight improvement over Jelavic, IMHO. Better shooter and defender.

F Stokes- replaces Oweh as the focal point of the offense. He’s bigger (6’7), and more talented overall, but will lack Oweh’s experience.

F Moreno- a year older and more experienced. Hopefully stronger.

Dioubate probably doesn’t give us anything more than what he gave us this season off the bench. He might be slightly better being a year older and knowing the system better.

We really don’t know what we have with Hawthorne. He could help us or he might be a non-factor.

If we can get Marvin Williams, he replaces Johnson and at least looks stronger.

If Potter and Noah play much, it’s probably going to be a long season.

Pope probably gets a few decent pieces in the portal as well. Fingers crossed.

I think that could be a strong core. Would really help to get a strong backup PG, backup wing shooter, and backup big man.

in response to your mentions above.
G Lowe - agree, though I don't think he can shoot quite as well as Aberdeen and that's not saying a lot. Aberdeen was rather streaky, but Lowe is by far a better distributor and in the brief time we had him on the floor, our offense ran more efficiently. His health is an issue though, so we still desperately need a starter level PG out of the portal.

G Chandler - agree, Chandler could play himself into some All-SEC consideration, maybe not first team, but could be up there in the conversation.

G K. Williams - I think he's an X-Factor for next year. Should be a starter, I think his injury hurt us more than we really know. He could be really good. I think he could take on a lot of Aberdeen's minutes and role (prior to being forced into playing PG)

F Stokes - I think he's a pipe dream. Kansas' to lose. I think they'll come up with the money, that seems to be where he wants to be. He's a catch 22, probably a head case and might alienate some in the locker room, but he's also a generational type player. He's the 2026 version of Cooper Flagg, or AJ Dybansta. Experience isn't the issue, his talent outweighs that. He's a true one and done and will be up for major awards. If we get him great, just hope he can be a team player.

F Moreno - He's really a center, not a forward. If he can get in the best shape of his life in the offseason, he could play himself into a lottery pick.

F Dioubate - indifferent on him, I think he definitely gives us the defense and rebounding we need, really needs to work on his shooting.

Hawthorne has been drawing comparisons to Tayshaun Prince in practices and how he plays his game. Hopefully he's putting on weight and gaining strength. Seems like a kid who wants to be here, especially if he was willing to redshirt, so we need to rally behind him. I think he plays significant minutes off the bench next year.

Marvin Williams is a true PG. Not as quick as some, which might hinder him defensively, but he is stronger and a good floor general from what I've read. Plays under control and smart.

Pope said Potter is pretty good and should contribute, he's added some bulk and strength after and illness that led to his redshirt, but Pope says he does some things better than the guys we have. Could be a serviceable backup for Moreno.

Not sure about Johnson. He definitely has some work to do and could be good if he could become more of a team player and learn how to play under control.

Jelavic as well, seems a bit stiff and wasn't the shooter I thought he was supposed to be. I thought he would fit that Andrew Carr type role for us. I won't be mad if he's back, but he can't be a starter, unless his game just blows up.

Garrison - Feel like he's probably gone and maybe for the best. He just had trouble putting together consecutive games of good play. he would play lights out for a game then disappear for 10.

Noah - love the kid, but he's just in over his head at this level I think. He could go to one of these solid mid-major programs and probably be a key player and make more of a name for himself.

Needs:
Another true PG, starter level ready and with an in-tact shoulder.
Another sniper level shooter in the mold of Kobe Brea
Another Rim protector Power forward who can play alongside Moreno or back him up. Better more consistent version of Garrison
A stretch 4 type guy Better version of Jelavic, Andrew Carr type.

[Cawood86]

in response to your mentions above.
G Lowe - agree, though I don't think he can shoot quite as well as Aberdeen and that's not saying a lot. Aberdeen was rather streaky, but Lowe is by far a better distributor and in the brief time we had him on the floor, our offense ran more efficiently. His health is an issue though, so we still desperately need a starter level PG out of the portal.

G Chandler - agree, Chandler could play himself into some All-SEC consideration, maybe not first team, but could be up there in the conversation.

G K. Williams - I think he's an X-Factor for next year. Should be a starter, I think his injury hurt us more than we really know. He could be really good. I think he could take on a lot of Aberdeen's minutes and role (prior to being forced into playing PG)

F Stokes - I think he's a pipe dream. Kansas' to lose. I think they'll come up with the money, that seems to be where he wants to be. He's a catch 22, probably a head case and might alienate some in the locker room, but he's also a generational type player. He's the 2026 version of Cooper Flagg, or AJ Dybansta. Experience isn't the issue, his talent outweighs that. He's a true one and done and will be up for major awards. If we get him great, just hope he can be a team player.

F Moreno - He's really a center, not a forward. If he can get in the best shape of his life in the offseason, he could play himself into a lottery pick.

F Dioubate - indifferent on him, I think he definitely gives us the defense and rebounding we need, really needs to work on his shooting.

Hawthorne has been drawing comparisons to Tayshaun Prince in practices and how he plays his game. Hopefully he's putting on weight and gaining strength. Seems like a kid who wants to be here, especially if he was willing to redshirt, so we need to rally behind him. I think he plays significant minutes off the bench next year.

Marvin Williams is a true PG. Not as quick as some, which might hinder him defensively, but he is stronger and a good floor general from what I've read. Plays under control and smart.

Pope said Potter is pretty good and should contribute, he's added some bulk and strength after and illness that led to his redshirt, but Pope says he does some things better than the guys we have. Could be a serviceable backup for Moreno.

Not sure about Johnson. He definitely has some work to do and could be good if he could become more of a team player and learn how to play under control.

Jelavic as well, seems a bit stiff and wasn't the shooter I thought he was supposed to be. I thought he would fit that Andrew Carr type role for us. I won't be mad if he's back, but he can't be a starter, unless his game just blows up.

Garrison - Feel like he's probably gone and maybe for the best. He just had trouble putting together consecutive games of good play. he would play lights out for a game then disappear for 10.

Noah - love the kid, but he's just in over his head at this level I think. He could go to one of these solid mid-major programs and probably be a key player and make more of a name for himself.

Needs:
Another true PG, starter level ready and with an in-tact shoulder.
Another sniper level shooter in the mold of Kobe Brea
Another Rim protector Power forward who can play alongside Moreno or back him up. Better more consistent version of Garrison
A stretch 4 type guy Better version of Jelavic, Andrew Carr type.

Agree on all of this

[South jones]

Imo, the starting roster will need to be up graded significantly from the previous team. A starting team with lowe, Chandler, Williams and Moremo will get the same results we just saw even with an addition from the portal.

look at the kind of defense being played by the remaining teams in the tourney. popes defense is not even close. His current players are too slow, too unathletic poor passers and can't rebound.
Our current guys should be for the most part, back ups .

Keep about 6/7 of our core guys from last year and up grade at every position.
JMO

[Trueblujr]

Imo, the starting roster will need to be up graded significantly from the previous team. A starting team with lowe, Chandler, Williams and Moremo will get the same results we just saw even with an addition from the portal.

look at the kind of defense being played by the remaining teams in the tourney. popes defense is not even close. His current players are too slow, too unathletic poor passers and can't rebound.
Our current guys should be for the most part, back ups .

Keep about 6/7 of our core guys from last year and up grade at every position.
JMO

Don't disagree about Lowe, but Chandler, Williams and Moreno, I kinda do. you would expect them to make progressions from one year to the next. Chandler and Williams can both be really good. If Moreno puts in the work in the off-season, he could be a lottery pick. The X-factor is the other two spots. If those three guys are starting with somebody like a Stokes and a high level PG from the portal, that could be a darn solid starting five.

[Pete Hogwallop]

Have our first 2026 HS Commit as of today - Mason Williams. 4 Star Point Guard. In the top 15 Point Guards in the 2026 class.

Might not be a superstar, but we have someone signed now.

[Pobilly]

We have a backup PG. Mason Williams committed. He is a 4 start but listed under number 100 in the nation in rankings.