CBS Sports believes defense will be a strength for Kentucky basketball this season, and for good reason. Analyst Isaac Trotter highlighted three Wildcats — Otega Oweh, Mo Dioubate, and Jayden Quaintance — as some of the best defenders in the entire nation at their respective positions heading into the 2025–26 campaign.
Here’s what Trotter had to say about each standout:
Otega Oweh – Jumbo Utility Guard
Rank: No. 3 at his position
Oweh has built a reputation as a defensive game-changer. Described as a “freak” by Trotter, the junior guard plays with relentless energy on both ends of the floor. Last season, Kentucky’s defense looked shaky whenever Oweh wasn’t on the floor. His versatility allows him to defend virtually anyone — chasing shooters like Miles Kelly, bodying up wings such as Adou Theiro, or frustrating quick guards like Mark Sears and Tahaad Pettiford. Simply put, Oweh does it all defensively.
Mo Dioubate – Versatile Forward
Rank: No. 2 at his position
At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, Dioubate is a nightmare matchup for opposing offenses. Per Synergy, opponents averaged just 0.62 points per possession on 29 drives against him — a staggering stat that shows just how effective he is at shutting down penetration. Dioubate’s energy, quick hands, and rebounding instincts make him a constant disruptor. The key for him in 2025–26 will be avoiding foul trouble, ensuring Kentucky can keep his defensive presence on the floor.
Jayden Quaintance – Elite Rim Protector
Rank: No. 4 at his position
The Arizona State transfer is still recovering from a knee injury, but his upside is sky-high. Quaintance was one of the youngest players in the country last season, yet he already showed flashes of defensive brilliance. At 6-foot-9, he combines size, footwork, and timing in a way that makes life miserable for opponents. Whether it’s mirroring guards on the perimeter, contesting jumpers without fouling, or swatting shots at the rim, Quaintance has the tools to anchor Kentucky’s defense for years to come.
Defensive Identity in the Making
With Oweh, Dioubate, and Quaintance leading the charge, Kentucky projects to be one of the best defensive teams in college basketball this season. If all three can stay healthy and consistent, the Wildcats could lean on their defense as a foundation for a deep NCAA Tournament run.
