21. Fast-break points from the start of the Wembanyama era: Milan Momcilovic. Landing the sharp-shooting Iowa State transfer will be a major boost for Kentucky men’s basketball, helping fix the roster issues that hurt Mark Pope’s offense last season.
20. What UK fans still need to worry about. Even so, there are at least three other concerns for the 2026-27 Wildcats (Shop Wildcat Gear) that should trouble Big Blue Nation.
19. Rebounding. Returning big man Malachi Moreno (6.3 rebounds per game), Washington transfer Franck Kepnang (6.3 rpg), and James Madison transfer Justin McBride (5.6 rpg) were decent but not dominant on the boards in 2025-26. Can the Cats secure defensive rebounds against quality opponents?
18. Physicality. The unofficial mantra of the 2025-26 men’s college hoops season was “Big is Back,” with top teams like Michigan, Illinois, and Florida thriving behind massive frontcourts. For the 2026-27 Cats, the 7-foot Moreno is listed at 250 pounds, while Kepnang played at 253. Incoming power forward Ousmane N’Diaye is a slender 6-11, 210 pounds. Do the Cats have enough bulk to battle big frontlines like Todd Golden’s at Florida?
17. Backcourt depth. Former Clark County star Jerone Morton (7.8 points, 2.6 assists last season at Washington State) is the only experienced guard behind projected starters Zoom Diallo (Washington transfer) and Alex Wilkins (Furman). With one scholarship left, should Kentucky target another guard?
16. The $6 million man. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, UK secured Milan Momcilovic with a NIL package “north of $6 million.”
15. A Kentucky first? If that figure is accurate, Mark Pope will coach a player in 2026-27 who earns more than Pope himself, who is set to make $5.5 million next season.
14. Jordan Burks. The former Kentucky forward has committed to Oklahoma State for 2026-27.
13. A travelin’ man. Burks (6-9, 205 pounds) averaged 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds for an NCAA Tournament team at UCF last season. He’s now on his fourth team in four years, having also played at Georgetown as a sophomore.
12. Ex-Cats as NBA champions. According to Jon Scott’s BigBlueHistory.com, 19 former Kentucky Wildcats have combined to win 27 NBA titles. That number will become 20 or 21 after the 2026 NBA Finals between New York and San Antonio.
11. Karl-Anthony Towns. The ex-Kentucky center is averaging 16.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a strong 5.9 assists in the playoffs, helping the Knicks reach their first NBA Finals since 1999.
10. De’Aaron Fox. The former UK point guard is putting up 16.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in the playoffs, leading the Spurs to their first Finals since 2014.
9. Keldon Johnson. A starter on Kentucky’s 2018-19 Elite Eight team, Johnson is averaging 8.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in the playoffs for San Antonio.
8. Rhyne Howard. Now in her fifth WNBA season, the ex-UK star is on fire. After dropping 36 points in Atlanta’s 91-75 win over Connecticut on Tuesday, Howard is averaging career highs of 19.3 points, plus 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.7 steals through seven games.
7. Georgia Amoore. In her rookie season with Washington (delayed by a torn ACL), the former Kentucky point guard is averaging 5.9 points and 3.8 assists in eight starts. She’s struggled with her shot, hitting just 27.1% from the field.
6. Teonni Key. Playing for the expansion Toronto Tempo, the ex-UK power forward has appeared in nine games (one start), averaging 3 points and 2.4 rebounds.
5. Charlotte McCurry. On May 28, the Class of 2029 guard from John Hardin High School received an offer from Kenny Brooks and Kentucky. As a freshman, the 6-foot McCurry averaged 27.2 points and 10.8 rebounds on 53.8% shooting.
4. In high demand. Besides UK, McCurry holds offers from Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Miami (Florida), Providence, Wisconsin, and others.
3. Jayden McClain. A 6-foot-6 center from Ryle High School, Class of 2029 prospect McClain has had a UK offer since seventh grade. As a freshman, she averaged 12.8 points and 8.4 rebounds on 54.6% shooting.
2. Offers rolling in. In addition to Kentucky, McClain has offers from Cincinnati, Clemson, Florida State, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Xavier, and more.
1. National acclaim. In ESPN.com’s recently released “Terrific 25” ranking the best Class of 2029 players nationally, McClain is No. 12 and McCurry is No. 24. UK will hope to fare better with these 2029 in-state stars than it did with Class of 2025 standouts ZaKiyah Johnson (LSU) and Leah Macy (Notre Dame).
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