Mark Pope appears to be feeling increasingly confident about Kentucky’s options at center heading into the 2026-27 season.
While sophomore star Malachi Moreno is expected to handle the majority of the workload at the five, Pope knows the seven-footer cannot play every minute. That makes the Wildcats’ depth behind Moreno an important part of the upcoming season.
Speaking with Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, Pope explained why he believes Kentucky has a strong setup at center — provided the group can stay healthy.
Moreno remains the centerpiece. After earning All-SEC recognition as a freshman, the Georgetown, Kentucky native enters his sophomore season with expectations of making another significant leap. His size, skill and defensive presence give Kentucky a potential difference-maker in the paint.
But the Wildcats have more options behind him.
Franck Kepnang brings experience, physicality and elite shot-blocking ability. The veteran center played alongside Kentucky point guard Zoom Diallo at Washington last season, averaging 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 22.9 minutes per game.
The major question surrounding Kepnang is health.
Pope joked about Kepnang’s long history of injuries, but also pointed out that last season was one of his healthier campaigns. He missed six games at the end of the year, yet still demonstrated why Kentucky wanted him.
The good news for the Wildcats is that Kepnang won’t need to play nearly 23 minutes per game in Lexington. A role closer to 10-15 minutes could allow him to provide rebounding, defense, physicality and rim protection without being overworked.
There is also evidence that Kepnang can stay healthy when his workload is managed. During his 2021-22 season at Oregon, he played all 35 games and averaged 4.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 14.5 minutes per game.
Then there is Reece Potter.
The Lexington native spent last season redshirting after transferring to Kentucky, putting him somewhat under the radar. However, Pope believes Potter can provide valuable depth if called upon.
At Miami (Ohio), Potter showed an ability to stretch the floor, connecting on 39.8% of his three-point attempts in limited action. He also brings some physicality that could give Kentucky another option depending on the matchup.
Potter participated without restrictions during Kentucky’s recent open practice, another encouraging sign for the Wildcats.
If everything goes according to plan, Kentucky could have three capable options at center: Moreno as the primary star, Kepnang as the physical defensive presence and Potter as a potential stretch-five option.
The biggest factor, however, remains health.
If all three big men stay available throughout the season, Pope believes Kentucky will be in an excellent position.
“If we stay healthy, we think we have a really, really good setup at the five,” Pope said.
For BBN, that could be one of the most encouraging developments of Kentucky’s offseason. Moreno may get most of the attention, but Pope clearly believes the Wildcats have enough depth behind him to make the center position a strength rather than a concern.
