The John Calipari era in Lexington may have ended, but his players are still scattered across college basketball. While Mark Pope is shaping his own foundation with the Wildcats, more than a dozen ex-Kentucky players will be suiting up elsewhere this season.
Only two members of Pope’s first roster entered the transfer portal this offseason. Still, with 10 former Calipari recruits holding eligibility and another player still searching for a landing spot, Big Blue Nation will see familiar names popping up all over the country. And with the NCAA increasing the scholarship cap from 13 to 15, roster movement may only accelerate in the future.
Here’s a closer look at where those former Wildcats are headed in 2025-26:
Dontaie Allen (G — Transfer Portal)
At UK: 2019–22
Last season: 7.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.0 APG at Wyoming
Allen has already made stops at Western Kentucky and Wyoming after leaving Kentucky. Now entering the portal for the third time, he’s still looking for his next destination.
Devin Askew (G — Villanova)
At UK: 2020–21
Last season: 18.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.5 APG at Long Beach State
Askew finally broke out with an all-conference season at Long Beach State, leading the league in assists and minutes played. He now joins Villanova, where he’ll try to help restore the Wildcats to national prominence.
Aaron Bradshaw (F — Memphis)
At UK: 2023–24
Last season: 6.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG at Ohio State
Once a five-star signee, Bradshaw’s college career hasn’t taken off the way many expected. After a rocky year at Ohio State, he’s headed to Memphis for a fresh start under Penny Hardaway.
Jordan Burks (F — Central Florida)
At UK: 2023–24
Last season: 5.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG at Georgetown
Burks became a late-season starter at Georgetown and flashed real promise. He’ll now continue his career at UCF under Johnny Dawkins.
Daimion Collins (F — South Florida)
At UK: 2021–23
Last season: 8.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 BPG at LSU
Collins had his best year yet at LSU. Now at South Florida, he could become one of the American Athletic Conference’s most dominant forwards.
Cam’Ron Fletcher (F — High Point)
At UK: 2020–21
Last season: 1.3 PPG, 1.1 RPG at Xavier
Injuries have held Fletcher back in recent years, but he’s landed at High Point, a program fresh off back-to-back 28-win seasons.
Joey Hart (G — Ball State)
At UK: 2023–24
Last season: 2.4 PPG, 1.3 RPG at Ball State
A prolific scorer in high school, Hart is still adjusting to the college level. With two years left, he’ll continue developing at Ball State.
Bryce Hopkins (F — St. John’s)
At UK: 2021–22
Last season: 17.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG (injury-shortened) at Providence
When healthy, Hopkins has been one of the nation’s most efficient forwards. He now joins Rick Pitino at St. John’s with hopes of leading the Red Storm on a deep tournament run.
Zvonimir Ivišić (F — Illinois)
At UK: 2023–24
Last season: 9.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 BPG at Arkansas
“Big Z” emerged as a rim protector and shot-maker last season. At Illinois, he’ll team up with his twin brother Tomislav to form one of the tallest duos in college hoops.
Kerr Kriisa (G — Cincinnati)
At UK: 2024–25
Last season: 4.4 PPG, 3.8 APG at Kentucky (injury-limited)
Kriisa’s time in Lexington was derailed by injury, but when healthy, he’s a flashy playmaker. He’ll finish his college career at Cincinnati.
Ugonna Onyenso (C — Virginia)
At UK: 2022–24
Last season: 2.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG at Kansas State
Onyenso never found his footing at Kansas State. A new opportunity at Virginia gives him another chance to turn his size and defensive instincts into production.
Travis Perry (G — Ole Miss)
At UK: 2024–25
Last season: 2.7 PPG in 9.7 MPG at Kentucky
The all-time leading scorer in Kentucky high school history showed flashes in limited minutes as a freshman. Now at Ole Miss, he’ll aim for a bigger role in Chris Beard’s rotation.
D.J. Wagner (G — Arkansas)
At UK: 2023–24
Last season: 11.2 PPG, 3.6 APG at Arkansas
Wagner thrived in his first year under John Calipari at Arkansas, starting every game and providing steady production. Another leap could put him among the SEC’s elite guards.
