When the Kentucky Wildcats play Louisville, neither they nor their supporters need any additional inspiration. This year, though, there will be a little more irritation with the cross-state rivals. The Cardinals added Gabe Dynes, a goal for the Wildcats, after initially acquiring De’Shayne Montgomery, a transfer portal target that Pope had also pursued.
Dynes is a Bluegrass State native and a 7’5″ center. After starting college at Youngstown State, he transferred to USC for his junior year. He will now play his senior year at Louisville.
Dynes’ biggest strength at the moment is undoubtedly his size. Although he has a limited offensive game, he is a great rim protector and rebounder. He’s not as dangerous away from the hoop, but he’s fantastic around the rim. He averaged 2.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1 block per game in roughly 12 minutes per game while playing for the Trojans last season.
The Cats did get Senegalese forward Ousmane N’Diaye in the interim, but it’s another loss for Pope, who had Dynes visit last week. Kentucky is also pursuing a few other foreign frontcourt prospects. Dynes turns into an enemy, and supporters will probably tell him about it the next time they cross paths.
