The Kentucky Wildcats have bolstered their frontcourt for the upcoming season, securing a commitment from former Washington Huskies center Franck Kepnang, the program officially announced Tuesday.
Kepnang, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound native of Yaoundé, Cameroon, brings a defensive-minded, physical presence to a Kentucky roster looking to replace key interior contributors. He will join the Wildcats as a transfer with two years of eligibility remaining, pending NCAA clearance on his immediate waiver request.
Head coach John Calipari emphasized Kepnang’s potential impact on the defensive end. “Franck is a high-level shot blocker and a relentless rebounder who plays with a toughness we need in the SEC,” Calipari said in a statement. “He’s developed his offensive game every year, and with our staff and his work ethic, we believe he’s just scratching the surface. Plus, he’s a terrific young man who fits our culture perfectly.”
Kepnang originally began his collegiate career at Oregon before transferring to Washington in 2022. After sitting out the 2022-23 season due to NCAA transfer rules, he appeared in 24 games for the Huskies last season, averaging 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in just 17.6 minutes per contest. His per-40-minute averages (14.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.9 blocks) highlight his efficiency when given extended run.
Injury interruptions have been a recurring theme; Kepnang missed significant portions of both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons with a left knee injury that required multiple procedures. However, Kentucky’s medical staff has reportedly cleared him for full basketball activities after a comprehensive evaluation. A team spokesperson confirmed he is expected to be ready for the start of preseason practice.
Kepnang’s recruitment came down to a final group of Kentucky, Miami, and Oregon. The allure of playing in Calipari’s big-man lineage which includes recent NBA Draft picks like Oscar Tshiebwe and Antonio Reeves proved decisive.
“I chose Kentucky because it’s the highest level of competition, and Coach Cal has a real history of getting bigs ready for the next level,” Kepnang said in a release distributed by UK Athletics. “I want to prove I can stay healthy and dominate the paint on both ends. I’m coming to win a national championship and leave my mark on this program.”
With Kepnang’s addition, Kentucky’s scholarship distribution solidifies. He is expected to compete immediately for starting center minutes alongside returning forward Ugonna Onyenso and incoming freshman Jayden Quaintance, giving the Wildcats a deep and physical rotation in the paint.
Kentucky opens the 2024-25 season on November 4 against Wright State at Rupp Arena.
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