The transfer portal is usually challenging to use because calls and visits are arranged on a daily basis, in between (and frequently on top of) real commitments. However, Kentucky in particular has had an extremely difficult year.
In order to observe players first, Mark Pope has arranged two visits, undercut other institutions, and, of course, secured top point guard Zoom Diallo as his first accomplishment.
Although Kentucky has had a slow start—and not necessarily a negative one—a recent piece of portal news might make Cats supporters who are awaiting another pledge unhappy. According to Big Blue Dylan, Utah guard Terrence Brown has canceled his trip to Lexington.
Brown shared a picture of a video conference with Coach Pope online, making him one of the first recruits in this transfer portal cycle to garner attention from Kentucky. The prospective couple appeared to be equally thrilled about the prospect of a visit, which was scheduled for this coming weekend in Lexington.
That is, until Brown effectively closed the door on any future communication with Kentucky immediately following his visit with Kansas and Bill Self. Once more, his visit was canceled, and there was no indication that it would be rescheduled.
The Wildcats have more choices at guard (we’ll talk about that), but Brown’s cancellation probably has more to do with his personal matters than with what Pope is secretly plotting for Kentucky’s backcourt.
Above all, it appears that Brown has a stronger connection to the pitch at both Kansas and North Carolina, the other big school interested in recruiting him. The 20-point scorer would have been a huge asset to Kentucky’s backcourt.
But he’s far from the only capable guard in the mix, and the Cats are far from helpless on the matter.
Kentucky and Pope Can Pivot
Alex Wilkins, who just arrived for his own visit to Kentucky, is at the top of the Wildcats’ list. Wilkins, a long-lasting defender and high scorer, makes an equally promising, if not superior, addition to the previously mentioned Diallo.
Even while Kentucky’s options aren’t currently limited, it’s safe to assume that they are rapidly decreasing given that Cruz Davis committed to Texas Tech and Brown changed his mind in less than a day.
However, as Coach Pope and his staff work to bring the pieces together, the BBN may have a little more patience with Wilkins in tow and a strong commitment already on board.
