Kentucky fans knew this team had talent — but few expected one player to transform the offense this quickly. When he stepped on the court Friday night, everything clicked: the pace, the movement, the flow. And after just 18 minutes, fans left Rupp Arena buzzing about one name. Let’s break down why everyone’s talking about him.
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Kentucky fans got a glimpse Friday night of what life looks like with Jaland Lowe running the show — and it’s electric.
In Kentucky’s 107–59 blowout win over Valparaiso, Lowe came off the bench early in the first half and immediately changed the game’s rhythm. The Wildcats’ offense just flowed better. The ball zipped around the court with more purpose and precision — and the difference was easy to see.
Lowe finished with six points, five assists, and a plus-minus of +23 in 18 minutes. But the numbers don’t tell the full story — it was his presence, pace, and playmaking that unlocked everything for Kentucky’s offense.
“I’m out here, so I’m 100%,” Lowe said after the game, referencing the shoulder tweak that sidelined him earlier in the preseason.
He wasted no time making an impact. Just 23 seconds after checking in, Lowe found Denzel Aberdeen in the corner for a three — his first assist as a Wildcat.
“Oh man, I was so happy that he was my first assist,” Lowe said with a grin. “It felt great just making plays for my guys. I’m glad Denzel was the first one to hit one for me.”
Moments later, he scored his first basket in Kentucky blue — a smooth layup in transition. But the highlight of the night came in the second half when, while lying flat on his back, Lowe dished a pass to Malachi Moreno for a bucket and a foul. Moreno hit both free throws to complete the play, and Rupp Arena roared.
It was the kind of sequence that shows why head coach Mark Pope is so high on his freshman guard.
“I thought Jaland was great,” Pope said postgame. “He can get anywhere he wants on the floor — that’s huge for us. He’s cat-quick, delivers passes right in the pocket, and makes plays that not many players in college basketball can make. He’s a difference-maker.”
Pope didn’t stop there. “He’ll open this game up for us and make things easier for everyone. Most of us dream about moving the way he can — it’s impressive.”
Lowe isn’t used to coming off the bench, but he’s embracing the role for now.
“It’s not new to me,” he said. “I went through that as a freshman before. You just keep a positive attitude and play your game.”
With his poise, vision, and creativity, Lowe looks like the kind of point guard who could turn Kentucky’s offense from good to special. It’s early, but it’s clear — when Jaland Lowe is on the floor, this Wildcats team just clicks.
And if Friday night was any indication, the rest of the SEC is about to find out just how dangerous Kentucky’s newest floor general really is.
