After 11th new addition, is the Kentucky Wildcats roster set for next season?

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats have completely rebuilt a roster in Lexington which was emptied following the departure of longtime head coach John Calipari to Arkansas.

Now, after adding FDU transfer Ansley Almonor, Pope has a roster of 11 newcomers ready to lead the ‘Cats to another successful regular season in the SEC and – for BBN’s sake – more success in the NCAA Tournament.

Almonor is expected to be a reserve big for Kentucky, coming to Lexington with one year remaining after averaging 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds last year in the NEC, while shooting 39.4% from three on 7.4 attempts per game.

He joins a group of seven other transfers and three incoming freshmen, and with depth now at every position it is possible this team is done adding scholarship players for the 2024-25 season. College basketball teams are allowed 13 scholarships per season, but in the modern transfer portal era more teams are opting to offer scholarships to just 10 or 11 guys, since the back end of the roster players are more likely to transfer anyway.

Below is a look at a projected starting lineup and rotation for Pope and Kentucky if this is truly the final piece for the ‘Cats ahead of what should be an exciting season in Lexington:

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Eligibility: 1 year remaining

From: West Virginia

Stats: 11 points, 4.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 42.4% from three