UK has added some serious shot-blocking threats to the roster this week.
It’s been a whirlwind for fans since the Kentucky Wildcats lost in the Sweet 16 to Tennessee on March 28th.
The transfer portal era has created a world where it’s possible to fill your time with 24/7 content related to the movement of players across the country.
Of course, Kentucky fans lead the charge when it comes to curiosity about what their team will look like come this fall.
The dust has begun to clear, and we’re all getting an idea of what year two in the Mark Pope era will look like from a personnel standpoint.
After an anxiety-filled few weeks, the Big Blue Nation is now oozing excitement as Kentucky’s 2025-2026 basketball roster takes form.
One gripe that many had with last year’s team (there weren’t many) was that the Cats seemed to lack athleticism. This flaw was particularly evident on defense. Amari Williams was a monster defensively while Andrew Carr and Brandon Garrison were solid rim protectors but nothing quite like we’ll see next year.
In 2024-2025, the Wildcats blocked 145 shots, led by Amari Williams, who averaged just over one per game.
After several key additions, that doesn’t seem like much of an issue moving forward.
Jayden Quaintance, Kam Williams, and Mouhamed Dioubate combined to swat 123 shots last season by themselves.
- Quaintance – 63
- Williams – 35
- Dioubate – 25
Adding those three guys to the fold should give UK an immediate upgrade in the shot-blocking department.
Don’t forget that 7-foot Malachi Moreno will also be joining the roster and aims to be a defensive presence in his own regard. If he’s ready to contribute then you can only assume Kentucky’s front-court will be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
It’s a block party, who’s invited?
Everyone.