Donovan Dent has opted to stay on the West Coast, committing to Mick Cronin and UCLA. With Dent off the board, Kentucky must shift its focus elsewhere to strengthen its backcourt. Fortunately, there are still several quality options available in the transfer portal. Here’s a look at five guards who could be ideal additions for the Wildcats.
1. Nick Boyd (San Diego State)
Boyd is a defensive-minded point guard who has steadily improved each season. While not an elite three-point shooter, his offensive numbers may have been limited by San Diego State’s slower pace. With more freedom in Kentucky’s system, he could shine.
2024-25 Stats:
- PPG: 15.6
- APG: 4.7
- RPG: 2.0
- FG%: 41.3
- 3P%: 35.3
- FT%: 72.1
2. Dedan Thomas (UNLV)
A polished floor general, Thomas excels in court vision and game control. Though his three-point shooting still needs improvement, his overall skill set and defensive instincts make him a strong candidate. With two years of eligibility left, he could be a long-term asset.
2024-25 Stats:
- PPG: 15.6
- APG: 4.7
- RPG: 2.0
- FG%: 41.3
- 3P%: 35.3
- FT%: 72.1
3. Silas Demary Jr. (Georgia)
Demary is a defensive-first, pass-first guard who fits well with Kentucky’s backcourt philosophy. His shooting has improved, and with SEC experience under his belt, he could be a valuable addition.
2024-25 Stats:
- PPG: 13.5
- APG: 3.1
- RPG: 3.9
- FG%: 39.6
- 3P%: 37.4
- FT%: 80.4
4. Ja’Borri McGhee (UAB)
McGhee is the best perimeter shooter on this list and a potential difference-maker for Kentucky. Though still developing as a playmaker, his shooting ability could be a perfect fit in Mark Pope’s system. As a freshman, he has three years of eligibility remaining.
2024-25 Stats:
- PPG: 11.1
- APG: 2.8
- RPG: 2.7
- FG%: 51.7
- 3P%: 40.8
- FT%: 68.6
5. Jalen Jackson (Purdue Fort Wayne)
Jackson is an offensive weapon who had a slight dip in three-point shooting last season but has previously been a 40% shooter from deep. If he rediscovers that form, he could be a major contributor for the Wildcats.
2024-25 Stats:
- PPG: 19.2
- APG: 3.1
- RPG: 4.4
- FG%: 48.4
- 3P%: 26.4
- FT%: 75.1
Final Thoughts
While missing out on Dent is a setback, Kentucky still has strong options in the transfer portal. With Pope’s track record of maximizing guard play, any of these five could help the Wildcats make a deep tournament run. If Braden Smith leaves Purdue, he would immediately become the top priority. Stay tuned for more updates on Kentucky’s transfer portal moves.
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