The college basketball transfer portal is heating up, and the Kentucky Wildcats are making headlines with their aggressive recruitment efforts. As the NCAA Tournament progresses, with Kentucky still alive and set to face Tennessee in the Sweet 16 this Friday, March 28, 2025, the Wildcats coaching staff is also focusing on potential transfers to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
The transfer portal officially opened on Monday, March 24, 2025, and it has seen an unprecedented influx of talent, with over 700 players entering the portal on the first day alone. This surge has created a competitive environment for college teams looking to enhance their lineups, and Kentucky is no exception.
Among the top prospects on Kentucky's radar is Donovan Dent, a 6-foot-2 point guard from New Mexico. Dent had an impressive season, averaging 20.4 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three-point range. He also contributed 6.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his all-around capabilities. According to Jacob Polachek of KSR, both head coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Jason Hart have reached out to Dent, who is expected to be a key target for the Wildcats as they look to strengthen their backcourt.
In addition to Dent, Kentucky has also expressed interest in Magoon Gwath, a 7-foot center from San Diego State. Gwath earned the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors this season, averaging 8.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 37.8% from deep. His shot-blocking prowess could be a valuable asset for Kentucky, especially in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).
As the Wildcats continue to evaluate their options, several other names have surfaced as potential transfer targets. Taylor Bol Bowen from Florida State is another player of interest. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, demonstrating his versatility and defensive skills. Bowen will have two years of eligibility remaining, making him an attractive option for Kentucky.
Another notable prospect is Elyjah Freeman from Lincoln Memorial, who averaged 19.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 57.8% from the field and 46.3% from beyond the arc. Freeman’s scoring ability and size (6-foot-8) could make him a significant addition to the Wildcats' lineup.
Nick Davidson, a 6-foot-10 forward from Nevada, is also on Kentucky's radar. Davidson averaged 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while earning All-Mountain West honors. With one year of eligibility left, he could provide immediate impact on both ends of the court.
Dedan Thomas, a standout point guard from UNLV, has caught the attention of Kentucky's coaching staff as well. The 6-foot-1 Thomas was named the Mountain West Rookie of the Year in 2023-24 and continued to impress in his sophomore season, averaging 15.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game. With two years of eligibility remaining, he could help solidify Kentucky's backcourt for the foreseeable future.
Other prospects on Kentucky's watch list include Treysen Eaglestaff from North Dakota, who averaged 18.9 points per game, and Kam Williams from Tulane, who averaged 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Eaglestaff is known for his scoring ability, while Williams, a freshman, has three years of eligibility left, making him a long-term prospect for the Wildcats.
Lamar Wilkerson, a guard from Sam Houston, is also being considered. Wilkerson averaged 20.5 points per game and was recognized as the best three-point shooter in Conference USA. His shooting ability could be a valuable addition to Kentucky's offense.
Finally, Alvaro Folgueiras from Robert Morris is another player of interest. The Horizon League Player of the Year averaged 13.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential to make an impact at the Division I level. With two years of eligibility left, Folgueiras is expected to attract attention from multiple programs, including Kentucky.
As the Wildcats continue to navigate the transfer portal landscape, the coaching staff is balancing their immediate focus on the NCAA Tournament with the long-term goal of enhancing their roster. With the tournament still underway, fans are eager to see how the Wildcats will perform against Tennessee and how their recruitment efforts will unfold in the coming weeks.
In summary, the Kentucky Wildcats are strategically engaging with top transfer prospects as they look to build a competitive roster for the next season. With a mix of established talent and potential newcomers, the Wildcats are poised to make a significant impact in college basketball, both in the tournament and beyond.
