As Kentucky looks ahead to next season, one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding Mark Pope’s roster is who will take over at point guard and lead the offense.
It’s a crucial position, and after last season’s ups and downs at the spot, finding the right floor general is a clear priority. The Wildcats have explored several options in the transfer portal, but no final decision has been made.
Early in the portal cycle, there was strong belief Kentucky would pursue Dedan Thomas Jr., who spent last season at LSU after beginning his career at UNLV. However, those plans quickly changed when Thomas committed to Houston, forcing Kentucky to shift focus.
One of the top names now in the mix is Washington guard Zoom Diallo, who recently visited Lexington. Standing at 6’4”, Diallo offers great size and versatility at the position. He had a productive season, averaging just under 16 points, along with around 4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. While his scoring and playmaking ability stand out, his outside shooting remains a concern after hitting 31.5% from three. Still, he showed noticeable improvement from his freshman season, which could signal further growth.
Another major target is Rob Wright, who transferred to BYU after playing at Baylor. Wright had an outstanding year, ranking sixth in the Big 12 in scoring with 18.1 points per game. He also contributed 4.6 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. His ability to score efficiently and stretch the floor makes him a strong fit for Kentucky’s needs.
Whoever the Wildcats land will step into a vital role. Last season exposed issues at the position, especially early on when injuries and lack of depth created problems. While Denzel Aberdeen improved as the season progressed, Kentucky still lacked consistency and a reliable backup option.
With that in mind, hitting on the right point guard in the portal could make all the difference. Whether it’s Diallo, Wright, or another late addition, the player who takes over this role will have a major impact on Kentucky’s success next season.
