Mark Pope has reshaped Kentucky’s backcourt with the additions of Washington transfer Zoom Diallo and former Furman guard Alex Wilkins, giving Big Blue Nation plenty to be excited about heading into next season.
Both players arrive in Lexington after highly productive seasons. Diallo averaged 15.7 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field. Wilkins was just as impressive, putting up 17.8 points and 4.7 assists per game on 46% shooting. Their ability to score and facilitate immediately raises the floor of Kentucky’s guard play.
Wilkins is expected to take on more off-ball responsibilities, but his skill set suggests that transition shouldn’t be an issue. He has the size, versatility, and scoring instincts to thrive in multiple roles, and there’s a strong case that he could emerge as the most impactful player among the guards if everything clicks.
The key question, though, is how this new duo compares to last season’s pairing of Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen.
While Lowe showed potential, he didn’t see enough time on the floor to fully establish himself. Aberdeen had his moments but lacked consistent production. In contrast, Diallo and Wilkins bring a more proven track record, making them feel like a safer and more reliable combination heading into the season.
Diallo, in particular, understands his role well. He’s not a high-level three-point shooter, but he excels at attacking the rim, creating offense, and setting up teammates. His ability to control the tempo and score efficiently should be valuable for Pope’s system.
Despite the optimism around the backcourt, there are still concerns about the team as a whole. Kentucky no longer has a clear go-to star like Otega Oweh, and it remains uncertain who will step into that role. While Diallo and Wilkins provide stability and production, the Wildcats may still need a true star to compete at the highest level.
Ultimately, the new backcourt has the potential to be an upgrade. Their experience, scoring ability, and versatility give Kentucky a solid foundation. However, whether this group can elevate the team will depend on one of them — or someone else on the roster — emerging as a true difference-maker.
