Kentucky’s offseason has already been filled with roster changes, transfer portal activity, and NBA Draft decisions, but Mark Pope and the Wildcats are still waiting for complete clarity before next season officially takes shape.
As the NBA Combine continues in Chicago this week, several players connected to Kentucky are still testing the draft waters ahead of the May 27 withdrawal deadline. Those decisions could significantly impact Kentucky’s final roster for the 2026-27 season.
The Wildcats currently have 11 players confirmed for next year’s team, but there are still major names Pope and his staff are monitoring closely as they look to finalize a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
Malachi Moreno remains Kentucky’s top priority
Kentucky’s biggest focus continues to be center Malachi Moreno.
Mark Pope recently revealed that Moreno was the Wildcats’ No. 1 priority throughout portal season, and the coaching staff believes the Kentucky native has the potential to become one of the top centers in college basketball next year.
However, Moreno’s NBA stock has steadily risen over the past few weeks.
Several mock drafts now project him close to first-round territory, and reports from the NBA Combine have only added to speculation about whether he could stay in the draft. Concerns among fans increased after reports surfaced that Moreno would not participate in the Combine’s 5-on-5 scrimmages, a move often associated with players receiving strong feedback from NBA teams.
Kentucky’s addition of veteran center Franck Kepnang also fueled discussions about Moreno’s future, but expectations around the program still point toward him returning to Lexington.
The Wildcats view Moreno as a centerpiece for next season’s roster, and Kepnang’s addition was largely seen as necessary depth at the center position. Without the Washington transfer, Moreno would have been Kentucky’s lone true center option.
Kepnang, who averaged over two blocks per game last season, was recently granted another year of NCAA eligibility due to medical hardships and COVID-related rules.
If Moreno withdraws from the draft before the May 27 deadline, he would become the 12th confirmed player on Kentucky’s roster and immediately strengthen the Wildcats’ outlook for next season.
Allen Graves remains a name to watch
Santa Clara forward Allen Graves is another player Kentucky continues monitoring closely.
Graves has generated significant NBA Draft buzz recently, with several major mock drafts projecting him as a first-round pick. His combination of shooting, size, and versatility has made him one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft process.
Still, there is ongoing speculation that Graves could ultimately return to college basketball.
Kentucky has expressed interest because his skill set would address a major need for the Wildcats at the forward position. However, LSU has long been viewed as a strong contender if Graves decides to leave the draft, largely because of family ties and connections within the program.
Should he return to college, Kentucky is expected to remain involved in the recruitment.
Milan Momcilovic could transform Kentucky’s roster
Among transfer and draft possibilities, Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic may be the player Kentucky fans want most.
The sharpshooting forward led the nation in both 3-point percentage and made 3-pointers last season, making him one of the most dangerous offensive players potentially available.
Kentucky has already contacted those around Momcilovic, and many around college basketball believe there is still a realistic possibility he withdraws from the draft and returns to school.
If Kentucky were able to keep Moreno while also adding Momcilovic, the Wildcats’ roster would immediately look far more complete heading into next season.
A lineup featuring Moreno, Momcilovic, Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, and Kam Williams could place Kentucky firmly in preseason Top 25 conversations.
Competition for Momcilovic would be intense, but Kentucky may still have the financial flexibility to make a serious push for his commitment.
Tounde Yessoufou still on Kentucky’s radar
Former Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is another name linked to Kentucky this spring.
The athletic guard was previously a major recruiting target for the Wildcats before choosing Baylor, and Kentucky has renewed its interest after he entered the transfer portal.
Yessoufou would bring athleticism, scoring ability, and long-term upside to the roster, but at the moment, he appears more likely to remain in the NBA Draft than return to college basketball.
Several mock drafts currently project him as a first-round selection, and there has been more professional buzz surrounding him than transfer portal discussions in recent weeks.
Still, Kentucky is expected to continue monitoring his situation until his decision becomes official.
May 27 remains the key date for Kentucky
Everything now revolves around the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline later this month.
Kentucky still has opportunities to strengthen its roster significantly, but much depends on whether players like Moreno and other draft hopefuls decide to return to college basketball.
For Mark Pope and the Wildcats, the next two weeks could ultimately determine just how high Kentucky’s ceiling will be entering the 2026-27 season.
