Kentucky basketball fans may have a new favorite player to watch when the 2026-27 season begins.
According to new Wildcats point guard Zoom Diallo, 7-foot center Franck Kepnang is the type of player who can completely change the energy of a team — both with his personality and his physical presence on the court.
“BBN is going to love Franck,” Diallo said. “Off the court, he’s a great guy. He cares, and you can feel his energy whenever you talk to him.”
But once the game starts, Diallo says Kepnang becomes a completely different player.
“He’s a real-life dog,” Diallo explained. “If you see Franck get low and start growling, it’s because he cares. He’s trying to win.”
That intensity is exactly what Kentucky hopes the veteran big man brings to Lexington.
Kepnang, listed at 7 feet and 275 pounds, joins the Wildcats after spending the last four seasons at Washington. Before that, he began his college career at Oregon. Originally from Cameroon, Kepnang has built an impressive basketball résumé while also earning multiple degrees, including a master’s degree focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
His college journey has been extended because of injuries, including multiple knee issues. Last season at Washington, he dealt with a stress reaction that ended his year early and has kept him out of Kentucky’s summer practices so far.
Even while sidelined, though, Kepnang has already made an impact.
Kentucky center Malachi Moreno said Kepnang’s personality has stood out during workouts.
“He’s a big guy, and he’s loud and energetic,” Moreno said. “BBN, you better be prepared because he’s going to surprise some people.”
Kepnang showed his defensive ability last season, averaging 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while starting 25 games for Washington. He also recorded multiple blocks in 15 games, including four performances with at least five blocks.
That shot-blocking ability could give Kentucky another weapon inside.
With Moreno expected to handle the starting center role and viewed as a potential NBA first-round pick, Kepnang’s role may not require huge minutes. If he can stay healthy, even 10-15 minutes of his physical style could give the Wildcats a major boost.
Diallo believes Kepnang’s presence will make everyone around him better, especially Kentucky’s frontcourt players.
“He’s a guy teams are going to know is down there,” Diallo said. “You’re going to feel his presence.”
Former Washington teammate Hannes Steinbach, who was recently selected No. 14 overall in the NBA Draft, previously credited Kepnang for helping improve his own game. Practicing against such a physical defender forced him to become more creative and tougher offensively.
Now Kentucky hopes Kepnang can bring that same impact to the SEC.
The chemistry between Diallo and Kepnang could also become one of Kentucky’s biggest strengths. The two teammates stayed connected even after entering the transfer portal separately and eventually reunited in Lexington.
“We’re forever family,” Diallo said. “We both have winning attributes, and coming here gives us a chance to change the narrative.”
While fans have not yet seen the full version of Kepnang on the court, his teammates are already seeing the personality that makes him special.
He may not literally growl during games, but Diallo says opponents will know when Kepnang is locked in.
“He’s just so determined,” Diallo said. “He cares about winning, and he cares about his teammates. I can’t wait until he gets on the court with us.”
If Franck Kepnang can stay healthy, Kentucky may have added one of the most intimidating defensive forces in college basketball.
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