As summer workouts heat up in Lexington, one of the most refreshing voices coming out of Kentucky’s camp belongs to Collins Chandler — and he’s shedding light on what really makes this Wildcats team different.
Speaking with the media after a recent practice, Chandler didn’t focus on drills, stats, or even the team’s athleticism. Instead, he spotlighted something far less measurable but just as crucial: personality.
> “This team’s got characters,” Chandler said with a grin. “It’s big having joy in the gym when you’re playing. That energy is contagious.”
From locker room banter to fierce competition on the court, Chandler described a roster filled with vibrant personalities, each bringing something unique to the table. While some guys are loud and energetic, others lead by quiet example — but together, they form a culture that feels electric.
> “You’ve got guys cracking jokes one minute and going all-out in drills the next,” he said. “It just makes coming in every day something you look forward to.”
Insiders say the chemistry this group is developing could be the secret sauce to a deep postseason run. In past seasons, talent has never been an issue in Lexington — but finding the right mix of cohesion and joy? That’s something special.
Fans may soon find out that this team’s biggest weapon isn’t just skill — it’s spirit.
With a schedule loaded with challenges and expectations sky-high under Coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats are going to need every ounce of that joyful firepower. And if you ask Chandler?
> “We’re not just teammates — we’re brothers. And when you’ve got that bond, it changes everything.”

