When you think of Kentucky basketball, you think stars. Five-star recruits. Lottery picks. One-and-done phenoms. But this summer, the buzz coming out of Lexington isn’t just about the starters — it’s about the second unit. And insiders are calling them a legit problem.
Multiple sources who’ve attended practices this summer say the bench unit is not just competitive… they’re taking it to the starters. Possession after possession. Sprinting out in transition. Flying around on defense. Showing chemistry, grit, and — most importantly — no drop-off in intensity.
So who’s powering this second wave?
Let’s break it down:
Denzel Aberdeen, the Florida transfer, is becoming a pest on both ends. He’s pushing the tempo, guarding 94 feet, and knocking down timely shots. The buzz is real — this guy is making a serious rotation push.
Mo Dioubate, often overlooked, has been a glue guy with a motor that doesn’t stop. Coaches are loving his toughness, rebounding, and versatility at the forward spot. One insider said: “He’s everywhere. You have to account for him every second.”
Reece Potter and Andrija Jelavic are bringing size and skill off the bench. Both 7-footers have shown flashes — from spacing the floor to protecting the rim — and they’re giving the starters real problems in scrimmages.
Kam Williams, a freshman with a reputation as a lockdown defender, has quietly emerged as a high-energy spark. He’s flying around in drills and showing maturity beyond his years.
Braydon Hawthorne, while not flashy, is fitting in perfectly. He’s making hustle plays, staying poised, and proving he can contribute without needing the ball in his hands.
“The Energy Is Insane”
According to practice observers, the second unit is often the one dictating pace. When the starters relax, even slightly, they get burned in transition. One coach reportedly told a recruit’s family:
“If we had to play five-on-five today, the second unit might take it. That’s how hard they’re going.”
That doesn’t mean the starters are slacking — far from it. Jayden Quaintance, Brandon Garrison, and Otega Oweh have all looked like future pros. But what’s changing the tone of the program this summer is that the talent doesn’t stop at five. Or even six or seven.
It goes ten deep, and every player knows they have to fight for minutes.
What This Means for the Season
Depth wins games — and titles — in March. Last year, Kentucky struggled at times with consistency and fatigue. This year? They might have enough depth to play two separate rotations and still compete in the SEC.
Coach Mark Pope hasn’t officially set a rotation yet, but sources say he’s thrilled with how intense every drill has become. No one’s coasting. No one’s safe.
And if the early signs are any indication…
This might be the deepest Kentucky team in a decade.
The bench isn’t waiting for garbage time.
They’re coming for minutes.
And they’re coming hard.
