Mark Pope didn’t hold back after Kentucky’s latest win — and his comments about one freshman guard are turning heads. Jaland Lowe finally made his debut in a Kentucky uniform, and what Pope said afterward has Big Blue Nation buzzing. He says this Wildcat is already making NBA-level plays
Jaland Lowe — or “JLo” as his teammates call him — finally made his long-awaited Kentucky debut, and he wasted no time making a statement.
In just 18 minutes, the freshman point guard scored 6 points, dished out 5 assists, and didn’t commit a single turnover. But the stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story. Mark Pope said it was how Lowe did it that impressed him the most.
“I thought Jaland was great,” Pope said. “He’s a 5-0 guy right out of the gate in his first game in a Kentucky uniform. He can get wherever he wants to go on the floor… he’s just cat quick.”
The “5-0” Pope referred to — five assists and zero turnovers — isn’t just a sign of control, it’s a sign of confidence. Especially for a freshman seeing his first action in front of the Rupp Arena crowd.
Then came the quote that got everyone talking.
> “It’s NBA level,” Pope said. “One of the differences between college guys and NBA guys is this — college guys get in the lane and throw to an area. JLo delivers it into the pocket. They’re 35-foot hook laser passes… off the move. It’s just really impressive.”
That kind of court vision is rare in college basketball — and even rarer in a freshman. Lowe’s ability to anticipate movement, deliver perfect passes, and control tempo is exactly what Pope’s offense needs to flourish.
Pope didn’t hold back on how valuable Lowe will be moving forward.
> “I don’t think there are a lot of players in college basketball that can make the plays he makes,” Pope said. “He’s going to be massively important to this team.”
The only slight concern from his debut came from the shoulder brace Lowe wore, similar to one Lamont Butler used last season. It could potentially limit motion, but for now, it didn’t seem to bother him one bit.
If this is what Jaland Lowe looks like in his first game, Kentucky fans have every reason to be excited. The Wildcats return to action Tuesday against Louisville — and you can bet all eyes will be on the freshman making “NBA-level” plays in blue and white.
