Kentucky basketball’s annual Pro Day offered NBA scouts and Wildcat fans an early look at what Mark Pope’s third team could become.
There were plenty of encouraging moments inside Rupp Arena on Tuesday night, particularly from a roster loaded with shooting. But the event also highlighted one position that remains a significant question mark heading into the 2026-27 season.
The biggest strength was obvious: Kentucky can really shoot the basketball.
Pope has spent much of his time at Kentucky emphasizing the importance of 3-point volume. His teams have yet to reach his preferred target of 35 attempts per game, but this roster appears capable of getting much closer.
Milan Momcilovic once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the best shooters on the roster. The Iowa State transfer knocked down a quick-release corner three and later connected on a deep fadeaway three.
Alex Wilkins was equally impressive. The Furman transfer continued his hot shooting after winning the 3-point contest at Big Blue Madness, showing the confidence to attempt shots from well beyond the arc.
Freshman Mason Williams also displayed a willingness to shoot from deep, while Ousmane N’Diaye and Justin McBride showed that Kentucky’s frontcourt players aren’t afraid to stretch the floor.
That shooting could completely change the way opposing defenses approach the Wildcats.
But Pro Day also exposed a concern that could become difficult to ignore.
The power-forward position remains unsettled.
Pope made a significant effort during the offseason to strengthen that spot, pursuing Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler and eventually landing Mark Mitchell before Mitchell ultimately returned to Missouri.
Now, Kentucky appears to be relying on N’Diaye and McBride to fill the void.
N’Diaye has intriguing potential. His size, athleticism and shooting range make him a unique option, but his perimeter shooting remains inconsistent.
McBride brings a more physical presence. The 6-foot-8 transfer from James Madison has the strength and toughness Kentucky needs, but he has yet to clearly establish himself as the obvious starter at the position.
That uncertainty could make the battle for the starting power-forward role one of the most important storylines of the preseason.
Kentucky already appears to have several foundational pieces. Malachi Moreno provides an intriguing interior presence, Momcilovic brings elite shooting, Zoom Diallo can create with the ball, and Wilkins continues to emerge as one of the roster’s most exciting players.
The question is whether Pope can find the right combination around them.
Pro Day didn’t provide every answer, but it made two things clear: Kentucky has the shooting to be dangerous, and the power-forward position still needs to be figured out.
With the Wildcats opening exhibition play against Little Rock on October 16, there isn’t much time left to find those answers.
