When Mark Pope made a change to Kentucky’s starting lineup, the move wasn’t subtle. With Mo Dioubate sidelined after suffering an ankle injury against Michigan State, Pope reshuffled the rotation: Kam Williams stepped in for Dioubate, and a freshman seven-footer replaced Brandon Garrison at center.
The adjustment has paid immediate dividends — and the newcomer has seized the moment with both hands.
A Promotion That Came as a Surprise
He admits he wasn’t expecting to hear his name in the starting five.
“It was very surprising,” he said. “But I was extremely grateful for the opportunity. It shows he has trust in me, and now I’m just never gonna look back.”
Through two games as a starter, he’s rewarded Pope’s confidence.
Production Has Been Undeniable
In his first start against Loyola (MD), he posted:
10 points (5-10 FG)
8 rebounds
4 blocks
2 assists
23 minutes
Garrison, coming off the bench, responded well too — but he built on that momentum with an even better performance against Tennessee Tech.
During Kentucky’s 50-point blowout win, he delivered his best game yet:
13 points (4-5 FG, 5-6 FT)
Career-high 11 rebounds
3 assists
2 blocks
1 steal
25 minutes
The Georgetown native looked every bit like one of Kentucky’s most promising young big men.
The Numbers Back Up the Eye Test
His early-season stat line is impressive:
10.6 points per game
7.6 rebounds per game
59% shooting
14 assists to just 7 turnovers
Team-leading 8 blocks
Only 2 fouls committed all season
That combination of discipline, production, and efficiency is rare — especially from a freshman.
“I just want to give 110 percent every time I step on the court,” he said. “Just to show them they can trust me and I’m gonna make a good play.”
A Starting Spot That May Not Be Temporary
As long as he keeps producing like this, his starting spot feels locked in. While Jayden Quaintance remains a threat for minutes, he has earned every second through consistency and effort.
He’s winning the trust of his coach.
He’s energizing the fan base.
And most importantly, he’s not looking back.
Kentucky may have just discovered its next frontcourt star — and the numbers prove it.
