Summer Sparks: Jayden Quaintance’s Recovery, Zach Tow’s Return & Fresh Faces Headline Kentucky’s Early Practices

Summer Sparks: Jayden Quaintance’s Recovery, Zach Tow’s Return & Fresh Faces Headline Kentucky’s Early Practices

The Mark Pope era is already buzzing with early summer energy as the 2025-26 Kentucky Wildcats took the floor this week for their first official offseason practices and Big Blue Nation has plenty to talk about.

With the NCAA’s summer practice guidelines limiting teams to just eight hours per week (including only four on-court), every drill, shot, and sideline interaction holds weight as Pope begins shaping a roster full of new pieces, promising potential, and emerging stories. And if these first few days are any indication, this team is ready to turn heads long before November.

Jayden Quaintance is on the Floor—and That’s Big

One of the biggest (and perhaps most reassuring) sights of Tuesday’s practice came courtesy of Jayden Quaintance, the 6-foot-9 forward and Arizona State transfer who is fresh off an ACL surgery in March.

Though he wasn’t participating fully in practice, Quaintance was spotted moving around the floor, getting up shots, and staying close to associate head coach Mark Fox. His right knee was heavily wrapped, and full-contact drills remain a ways off, but just seeing him active is a strong sign.

Quaintance is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and his health could be a game-changer for this year’s team. If all goes well, Kentucky could see him back to game form by early fall a timeline that aligns with Pope’s goal of integrating him by September.

Zach Tow is Back (And Still Rocking #20)

Another quiet but meaningful return is walk-on guard Zach Tow, who fans will remember from last season’s roster. The Madisonville native was a standout in 2024’s open tryouts and ended up appearing in two games, including Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament win over Troy.

Thanks to the recently passed House settlement, which expands roster allowances, Tow can rejoin the squad despite the 15-player cap. His “grandfathered” status gives Pope an extra, experienced body one who’s proven he belongs in the locker room.

Tow was seen in multiple practice photos, suited up and wearing his familiar No. 20 jersey. His return, while under the radar, strengthens team chemistry and adds depth behind the scenes.

Jelavić Watch: Arrival “Soon”

Notably absent from early practice photos is Andrija Jelavić, the international 6’11” Croatian forward and recent Kentucky commit. But don’t worry he’s on the way.

Jelavić recently wrapped up his season with KK Mega Superbet overseas and is tying up final arrangements before heading to Lexington. He even dropped a subtle comment (“soon” emoji) under Kentucky’s latest Instagram post, hinting that his arrival is just around the corner.

When he does touch down, Jelavić will bring a stretch-forward skill set that’s rare in players his size a perfect complement to Pope’s spacing and ball-movement philosophy.

What’s Next?

With eight weeks of summer practice to build chemistry, install schemes, and evaluate rotations, this early activity marks just the beginning of what could be a transformative offseason. The Wildcats are a mix of hungry veterans, high-upside newcomers, and players like Quaintance and Jelavić who could shift the program’s trajectory.

Kentucky fans have every reason to be dialed in.

Because even in mid-June, the grind doesn’t stop and neither does the excitement in Lexington.