The guessing game is over — Mark Pope’s first real Kentucky lineup has dropped, and it says a lot about who he’s counting on to lead this team. After a preseason full of ups, downs, and injuries, the Cats are finally ready to roll into Rupp Arena for the season opener. Let’s break down what Pope’s choices reveal about his new-look squad.
The wait is over. After a rollercoaster preseason that saw Kentucky basketball shock No. 1 Purdue, then stumble against Georgetown, the real action finally begins. Mark Pope and the Wildcats officially open the 2025–26 season Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET, hosting Nicholls State inside Rupp Arena.
Injuries, growing pains, and lineup shuffles have dominated the preseason, but Pope now faces his first real test — setting the tone with his opening-night starting five. Here’s how Kentucky’s lineup is expected to look when the ball goes up.
Point Guard: Jaland Lowe (Jr.)
All signs point to Lowe being ready after nursing a shoulder injury through the preseason. Pope’s been cautious, calling it “day by day,” but Lowe has reportedly practiced without pain. The junior brings pace, poise, and the leadership this offense needs — even if his minutes are limited early.
Backups: Denzel Aberdeen (Sr.) — who missed the Georgetown game with a minor leg injury — should be the first guard off the bench. If he’s still not 100%, expect freshman Jasper Johnson to see spot minutes. Collin Chandler struggled running the point Thursday, so his time there will likely be minimal.
Shooting Guard: Otega Oweh (Sr.)
This one’s a no-brainer. The SEC Preseason Player of the Year is the team’s heartbeat and go-to scorer. Expect Oweh to set the tone with his intensity, defense, and downhill attacking. He’ll log heavy minutes every night.
Backups: Collin Chandler (So.) and Jasper Johnson (Fr.) will split backup duties. Pope could ride the “hot hand” between the two depending on who brings the energy and shot-making that night.
Small Forward: Trent Noah (So.)
Noah has been steady and reliable, starting both exhibition games. His understanding of Pope’s system and willingness to do the little things have earned him the nod — but his shooting has to hold up. If he’s not knocking down open looks, his defensive limitations could become costly.
Backups: Kam Williams (So.) remains the primary reserve but needs to shake off his shooting slump — just 6 points in 40 exhibition minutes. If his cold streak continues, don’t be surprised if freshman Braydon Hawthorne gets a chance to spark things.
Power Forward: Mo Dioubate (Jr.)
Dioubate is the engine that makes Kentucky go. Tough, physical, and relentless on the boards, he’s the tone-setter defensively and brings a grit this team can’t do without. The only thing that can slow him down? Foul trouble.
Backup: Freshman Andrija “Yella” Jelavic continues to impress as a skilled, finesse-style forward who complements Dioubate’s physical approach. The two provide Pope with a nice inside-out versatility.
Center: Brandon Garrison (Jr.)
After a strong showing in the exhibitions, Garrison looks locked in as the starting big man. He fits Pope’s system perfectly with his mobility and athleticism. The challenge now is staying engaged — when he’s locked in, Kentucky’s defense looks elite.
Backups: Freshman Malachi Moreno brings energy and rim-running but still has room to grow defensively. Reece Potter offers a floor-spacing wrinkle if the offense needs a stretch look, though expect Garrison to handle most of the minutes early.
After weeks of experimentation and injury updates, Mark Pope finally has his starting five. Expect Otega Oweh and Mo Dioubate to lead the way, with Brandon Garrison anchoring the paint and Jaland Lowe steering the ship.
Now it’s time to find out if all that preseason learning pays off — because when the ball tips Tuesday night, the real Mark Pope era officially begins at Rupp Arena.
