Heading into the 2025–26 season, most of the buzz surrounding Kentucky basketball has been about its guard play — and with good reason. The Wildcats boast a stacked backcourt featuring SEC star Otega Oweh, All-ACC transfer Jaland Lowe, Florida national champion Denzel Aberdeen, and a top-25 freshman in Jasper Johnson. It’s a group built for scoring, speed, and versatility.
But while all eyes are on Kentucky’s guards, there’s a growing case to be made that the real difference-maker for this year’s team could come from the frontcourt. In fact, some analysts believe the Wildcats may have one of the most underrated frontcourts in all of college basketball.
The Key Piece: Jayden Quaintance
At the center of that conversation is sophomore sensation Jayden Quaintance. Still just 18 years old, Quaintance has the talent to become one of the top big men in the nation. His size, athleticism, and skillset give Kentucky a legitimate star in the paint. Much of the Wildcats’ ceiling depends on his health and development, but if he reaches his potential, he could be a game-changer in the SEC and beyond.
Brandon Garrison’s Next Step
Supporting Quaintance is junior Brandon Garrison, who enters his second season under Mark Pope. Garrison showed flashes of real promise last year, displaying both toughness and skill. With another offseason of growth, he could transform into a steady, reliable frontcourt presence — the kind of player who does the dirty work while still having the ability to score.
Freshman Impact: Malachi Moreno
While Kentucky waits for Quaintance to return to full strength, freshman Malachi Moreno will be asked to shoulder early minutes. So far, the 7-footer has impressed in offseason practices, showing that he can contribute right away. Moreno’s ability to protect the rim and rebound gives Kentucky another option inside, and his development will be worth watching as the season progresses.
The Veteran Glue Guy: Mo Dioubate
Then there’s Mo Dioubate, a versatile forward with SEC experience. Known for his defensive intensity and physicality, Dioubate is the kind of player who can anchor a team on that end of the floor. If he can continue to expand his offensive game, he has a chance to be one of the most impactful role players in the conference.
The Wildcard: Andrija Jelavic
Perhaps the most intriguing piece in the frontcourt puzzle is Croatian big man Andrija Jelavic. At 21 years old, Jelavic brings professional experience from overseas. The big question is how quickly he can adjust to American college basketball. If he finds his rhythm, he could give Kentucky a unique dimension with his size, maturity, and skillset.
Depth, Versatility, and Potential
When you put all these pieces together — Quaintance’s star power, Garrison’s steady improvement, Moreno’s upside, Dioubate’s toughness, and Jelavic’s mystery factor — Kentucky has a frontcourt that’s not only deep but also versatile. Each player brings something different to the table, giving Mark Pope multiple ways to attack matchups.
The backcourt may be stealing headlines, but don’t be surprised if Kentucky’s frontcourt ends up being the group that makes the biggest difference come March. If these pieces click, the Wildcats won’t just have an underrated frontcourt — they could have one of the best in the country.
