Kentucky basketball appears to be getting closer to filling its final roster spot, but the latest developments have created an intriguing choice for Mark Pope and his staff.
The Wildcats have been linked to two major names: Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler and Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell. Either player would give Kentucky another significant piece heading into the 2026-27 season.
Kohler has emerged as a particularly interesting possibility after Kentucky reportedly held a 2.5-hour Zoom meeting with the Michigan State transfer on Wednesday. According to Kentucky Sports Radio’s Jack Pilgrim, the conversation went “as good as it could’ve gone.”
That development could be important for Kentucky, especially with BYU also heavily involved in Kohler’s recruitment. The Cougars reportedly met with Kohler as well, leaving the Wildcats competing for a player who could immediately address some of their frontcourt needs.
Kohler averaged 12.5 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds per game at Michigan State last season. He also shot 50% from the field, nearly 39% from three-point range and around 87% from the free-throw line.
Those numbers explain why Kentucky could be so interested.
Kohler would give Pope another strong rebounder while also providing a frontcourt player capable of stretching the floor. His shooting could create even more spacing for Kentucky’s guards and other offensive weapons.
But there is another major possibility.
Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell remains on Kentucky’s radar, although his situation depends on a pending eligibility case in Kentucky. A ruling could arrive soon, potentially determining whether Mitchell can become available to the Wildcats.
Mitchell was one of Missouri’s most productive players last season, averaging 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He led the Tigers in all three categories and shot 54.7% from the field and 38.8% from three.
That versatility makes him an entirely different type of addition.
Kohler would provide rebounding, size and shooting, while Mitchell could give Kentucky another proven scorer and playmaker capable of creating his own offense.
And that is where the twist comes in.
Kentucky may have two legitimate paths to completing its roster, but the window to make the decision could be closing quickly. Kohler is reportedly expected to make his decision soon, potentially forcing Kentucky to know where it stands before Mitchell’s situation is completely resolved.
For Pope, the final roster spot could therefore come down to timing as much as talent.
If Kentucky lands either player, the Wildcats would add another proven piece to an already talented roster.
Now Big Blue Nation is left waiting for the biggest question of the offseason:
Who will become the final piece of Mark Pope’s Kentucky roster?
