The Kentucky Wildcats are making significant changes to their roster heading into the 2025–26 college basketball season under new head coach Mark Pope. One of the most notable developments is the departure of standout in-state freshman guard, who officially entered the NCAA transfer portal earlier this week.
The guard, a 6-foot-2 guard from Eddyville, Kentucky, was one of the most celebrated recruits in the state’s history, arriving at Kentucky as the all-time leading scorer in Kentucky high school basketball history. Despite his high school accolades and local popularity, Perry found limited playing time as a freshman, averaging just 2.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists across 9.7 minutes per game.
His most notable performance came in a game against Alabama, where he scored a season-high 12 points. But with the influx of experienced guards through the transfer portal and increasing competition in the backcourt, Perry opted to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Since entering the portal, Perry has drawn strong interest from several programs including Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisville, Ole Miss, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Iowa, Georgia, Missouri, LSU, Western Kentucky, and South Carolina.
Other Departures from the Wildcats
Perry is not the only Wildcat exiting the program this offseason. Several key players are either testing NBA Draft waters or moving on after exhausting their eligibility:
- Otega Oweh: The junior guard and leading scorer from the 2024–25 campaign is testing the NBA Draft process but has maintained his college eligibility. Ranked No. 77 on ESPN’s 2025 NBA Draft prospects list, Oweh may still return to Kentucky if undrafted.
- Graduated Seniors: Kentucky is also parting ways with several veteran contributors, including Koby Brea, Amari Williams, Jaxson Robinson, and Andrew Carr, who have all completed their eligibility.
Incoming Talent and Roster Outlook
Despite the departures, the Wildcats are actively reloading. Coach Mark Pope has brought in fresh faces to fill key roles:
- Denzel Aberdeen: The former Florida Gators guard has transferred to Kentucky, bringing size and versatility to the backcourt. Aberdeen, at 6-foot-5, averaged 3.3 points per game last season and is expected to play a larger role in Pope’s system.
Coach Pope has emphasized roster depth and shooting in his rebuild, and more additions could still be on the way to complete the 2025–26 squad.
Travis Perry’s exit is a clear sign of the end of a short but notable chapter for the homegrown talent in Lexington. As the Wildcats continue their roster reshaping, fans will watch closely to see how Perry’s career progresses elsewhere and how Coach Pope molds a competitive team in the new era of Kentucky basketball.
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