One minute of summer practice footage. That’s all it took for Big Blue Nation to start connecting the dots… and many fans think they’ve just figured out Mark Pope’s first starting five.
The practice clip, which features high-level scrimmage play and intense half-court sets, appears to showcase a unit that played longer together, communicated more, and executed like a group with trust.
Now the question is: Was that Kentucky’s starting five taking shape right before our eyes?
The “First Five” That Stole the Spotlight
Here’s the lineup that ran together in multiple clips:
Jasper Johnson (5 freshman guard)
Otega Oweh (returning two-way wing)
Mo Dioubate (versatile, battle-tested forward)
Brandon Garrison (returning center and rim protector)
Malachi Moreno (in-state 7-footer with massive upside)
That’s three freshmen and two returnees, combining length, speed, and skill — and Pope may be trying to build chemistry early with a group that blends youth with experience.
Why Fans Think It Matters
Coach Pope has made one thing clear:
> “Practice performance dictates playing time. I don’t care what class you’re in.”
That means summer rotations aren’t random — they’re a preview of who’s rising, who’s earning trust, and who might start in November.
So when you see players like Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno getting extended time with veterans like Garrison and Oweh, it’s hard not to read into it.
Fan Reactions from BBN:
“Jasper looks like a pro already. The game comes EASY to him.”
“Moreno’s size next to Garrison? That’s a WALL in the paint.”
“Dioubate is everywhere — that dude plays with FIRE.”
“Oweh looks like the leader — barking out calls, locking dudes down.”
“I don’t know how you keep Jayden Quintance out of the mix though…”
Who’s Missing from That Five?
The buzz around other key freshmen like Jayden Quintance, Braydon Hawthorne, and Andrija Jelavic hasn’t died down — far from it. But Pope may be slowly building different rotation units based on style, spacing, and chemistry.
Don’t be shocked if:
Quintance becomes the defensive anchor off the bench early
Trent Noah takes on the sixth-man spark plug role
Denzel Aberdeen gets run as a steady backup PG
Hawthorne and Jelavic emerge mid-season as matchup problems
Why This Lineup Makes Sense
Jasper Johnson: Shot creator + poise beyond his years
Otega Oweh: Defensive dog + high motor leader
Mo Dioubate: Energy, rebounds, and toughness
Brandon Garrison: Screen setter, post defender, team-first vet
Malachi Moreno: 7-footer with elite timing, footwork, and touch
It’s a lineup that screams: “We’re young, but we’re coming fast.”
Final Word
Whether it’s Pope showing his hand or just early experimentation, this practice footage has BBN talking — and possibly dreaming.
Because if this group really is the starting five?
Then Kentucky isn’t just rebuilding — they’re reloading with size, IQ, and serious upside.
The message is clear:
“Earn it in the gym… and we’ll roll with you in Rupp.”
