2026-2027 Roster discussion thread

[Matt Dillon]

Kentucky Mr. Basketball was released from his Belmont commitment. His name is very recognizable by KY fans. (FELDHAUS)

There's an article about that on the Recruiting Forum if anyone's interested.

[UKHoops01]

So we heard roster retention was key for Pope and KY now they are saying turnover sounds like they have no plan at all.

Sounds to me like Pope got an earful from boosters, alumni and the fan base that wanted to see a different roster next year, not the same one.

They'll likely keep some of the roster, but I'm guessing they're more bench/role players and not primary ones.

[bucsrule8872]

Go check out KSR Rapid Reaction to Lowe leaving. Stated there that UK does not want to keep many from our roster. Pope wants a roster turnover.

Not the best course of action, IMHO.

You don’t build stability without retention.

Programs aren’t built by bringing in new faces every year.

This team must have had some major locker room issues for Pope to clean house like this.

Or maybe the coach is looking for scapegoats?

[Pobilly]

Not the best course of action, IMHO.

You don’t build stability without retention.

Programs aren’t built by bringing in new faces every year.

This team must have had some major locker room issues for Pope to clean house like this.

Or maybe the coach is looking for scapegoats?

Scapegoats I would think are the asst coaches. There was smoke all year about issues with players. Someone trying to steal someone else's girl and so forth. The disjointed play pretty much made that rumor look very real early on. If I am a coach and I have to deal with off court issues more than on court issues I am getting rid of the on court issues. Do i clean house, no. Do I sit down with all the guys and then 1 at a time and see where their heads and hearts are, yes. Then no matter if the issue is Lebron James, I am getting rid of the issue. There wes a Rashad Carruth on this team or maybe 2 or 3.

[WeWant9]

The team never clicked with each other or Pope it seemed, so I can get going in a different direction. But I do find it odd he talked about retention and wanting to bring everyone back during the season. It won’t be a slow off-season with assistants and players going and coming.

[Tomcats1990]

Saw where Chandler is leaning coming back he has unfinished business. Chris Washington Junior ex Bama commit 6”9 and 200 is in negotiations with Pope and KY.

[KentuckyWild2020]

One thing is for sure,my expectations this year compared to last year are zero. I am interested in seeing if Pope can keep his job...

[Pobilly]

Agreed with zero expectations. UK could get the top 10 players available 2 at each position and I would have no expectations. It would take proof on the court for me to start enjoying the season. Pope has a ton of work to do no matter whom is on this team.

[Pobilly]

Saw some more specifics on X from jack pilgram. Per Jack: Pope had a very short meeting with Lowe, told Lowe they are going in a different direction and Lowe was fine with that.
Also said that if guys want to stay it will be at reduced $$$. The production from the year does not warrant the $$$. If they want to go pursue other avenues Pope is fine with that.

I would say Pope was not happy at all with the players this past year and is not putting up with it. Good on Pope. Now he and the staff has to go out and get guys that will play for him. He cannot be these guys best friends. He has to be their coach.

[Tomcats1990]

Saw some more specifics on X from jack pilgram. Per Jack: Pope had a very short meeting with Lowe, told Lowe they are going in a different direction and Lowe was fine with that.
Also said that if guys want to stay it will be at reduced $$$. The production from the year does not warrant the $$$. If they want to go pursue other avenues Pope is fine with that.

I would say Pope was not happy at all with the players this past year and is not putting up with it. Good on Pope. Now he and the staff has to go out and get guys that will play for him. He cannot be these guys best friends. He has to be their coach.

Problem with Pope and KY now is they have very few assistant coaches at the moment. Need to hire some good ones ASAP.

[UKHoops01]

Problem with Pope and KY now is they have very few assistant coaches at the moment. Need to hire some good ones ASAP.

I'd like to see them hire the actor Bill Murray's son, Luke Murray, away from UCONN. And bring back Orlando Antigua from Illinois. I'd be fine with those moves.

[Matt Dillon]

I'd like to see them hire the actor Bill Murray's son, Luke Murray, away from UCONN. And bring back Orlando Antigua from Illinois. I'd be fine with those moves.

We won't be hiring Luke Murray. He was hired as HC of the Boston College Eagles three days ago.

[EKYCat]

Not the best course of action, IMHO.

You don’t build stability without retention.

Programs aren’t built by bringing in new faces every year.

This team must have had some major locker room issues for Pope to clean house like this.

Or maybe the coach is looking for scapegoats?

Honest question, why would you want to run it back with this bunch? They weren't good.

[Pete Hogwallop]

Saw some more specifics on X from jack pilgram. Per Jack: Pope had a very short meeting with Lowe, told Lowe they are going in a different direction and Lowe was fine with that.
Also said that if guys want to stay it will be at reduced $$$. The production from the year does not warrant the $$$. If they want to go pursue other avenues Pope is fine with that.

I would say Pope was not happy at all with the players this past year and is not putting up with it. Good on Pope. Now he and the staff has to go out and get guys that will play for him. He cannot be these guys best friends. He has to be their coach.

I'm fairly convinced at this point that Jack Pilgram makes up a lot of stuff. Not specifically disputing this information, and I agree with your 2nd paragraph.

[UKHoops01]

I'm fairly convinced at this point that Jack Pilgram makes up a lot of stuff.

Is it just me, or is Jack Pilgrim becoming more and more annoying? The times I've watched KSR after a Kentucky loss or some bad news is breaking, Pilgrim almost seems giddy and is way too upbeat while everybody else seems a bit somber. That just rubs me the wrong way. He doesn't have to be unhappy, angry or upset....but for crying out loud, at least not act like a radio DJ that's having a little party behind the mic!