Kentucky’s summer practices are heating up, and one of the most important voices in the locker room is already making waves.
Jaland Lowe — the former Pittsburgh point guard and All-ACC standout — is stepping into a leadership role for Mark Pope’s second-year squad in Lexington. With the talent around him and a banner-hungry coaching staff, Lowe is fired up about what’s brewing in the Bluegrass.
Speaking with Keith Farmer of BBN Tonight, Lowe couldn’t hide his excitement about this group.
> “Just how hard and detailed the guys are. Everybody wants to win — that’s our main priority,” Lowe said. “That’s why Coach [Pope] brought us here, to win and hang another banner. Knowing the guys are on the same page, it’s really a collective effort.”
That “banner mentality” is everywhere right now — from the updated practice facility proudly displaying the No. 9 placeholders to the relentless effort in team drills. The message from Coach Pope is clear: This is about legacy.
Lowe knows he’s stepping into big shoes, taking over the role previously held by Lamont Butler. But early reports say he’s been nothing short of outstanding so far, controlling the pace, setting up teammates, and bringing a veteran calm to the court.
With a roster full of high-level recruits, dynamic transfers, and hungry returners, the 2025/2026 Kentucky Wildcats might just have the deepest and most versatile team in the nation. And if everyone stays locked in on the mission, Jaland Lowe believes this group has what it takes to make a serious run.
