Who Claims Kentucky’s Final Starting Spot? Breaking Down the Options for Mark Pope’s 2025-26 Wildcats
The countdown to Kentucky basketball’s season opener is on, and while Big Blue Nation waits for the official return of hoops in Rupp Arena, there’s one big question hanging over Mark Pope’s second team in Lexington: Who grabs the final spot in the starting lineup?
Three weeks out from full fall practice, four positions look set in stone. Jaland Lowe, the highly touted transfer point guard, has quickly emerged as the floor general of this team, the clear “PG1.” Otega Oweh, the Wildcats’ leading scorer and likely SEC Player of the Year candidate, is locked in on the wing. Mouhamed Dioubate, the versatile Alabama transfer drawing rave reviews all summer, seems like a perfect fit as a do-it-all forward. And in the middle, Pope has two bigs capable of starting — NBA lottery prospect Jayden Quaintance, still rehabbing a knee, and steady veteran Brandon Garrison, who could hold down the job early.
That leaves one spot open. It might not sound like a huge deal on such a deep roster, but starters set the tone. And with early tests against Louisville, Michigan State, and possibly Purdue, Pope can’t afford to experiment too long. Last season, he kept his opening-night starting five intact until injuries forced change, so whoever wins this job could hold onto it all year.
So, who’s the frontrunner?
Denzel Aberdeen – The Veteran Choice
The safe bet is Denzel Aberdeen, the Florida transfer and reigning national champion. A 6’5” senior, Aberdeen has the experience and versatility Pope loves. He can handle the ball, guard multiple positions, and score efficiently. When given a starting role in Gainesville last year, he thrived, averaging over 14 points and shooting 41% from deep in those games.
The concern? Depth at point guard. If Lowe ever sits, Aberdeen may be the only reliable option to run the show. Starting both could complicate Pope’s rotation patterns. Still, his size and leadership make him the most logical answer.
Collin Chandler – The Breakout Candidate
Last year, Collin Chandler was a question mark after two years away from the game on a Mormon mission. Early struggles gave way to a late-season surge, where he played double-digit minutes in Kentucky’s final eight games and hit 50% of his threes during the NCAA Tournament.
Now older, sharper, and more confident, Chandler might be ready to make a leap. He’s athletic, experienced beyond his years, and one of the few Wildcats capable of being both a shooter and secondary playmaker. If his progression continues, he could force his way into the lineup.
Jasper Johnson – The Freshman Wildcard
Every Kentucky fan knows the name Jasper Johnson. The Lexington native and five-star recruit is one of the most explosive scorers in his class. He’s got “microwave” potential the ability to get hot quickly and swing games with his offense.
His defense and decision-making remain works in progress, but his scoring punch is undeniable. Starting him would be a bold move, but Pope might decide to unleash his homegrown star right away. Even if he doesn’t start, expect Johnson to be a key contributor, much like Rob Dillingham was off the bench two years ago.
Kam Williams – The 3-and-D Option
For fans hoping Pope goes bigger, Kam Williams is the name to watch. The Tulane transfer brings length, athleticism, and legit 3-and-D potential. At 6’8” with a 7-foot wingspan, he adds rebounding and defensive versatility that last year’s Wildcats often lacked.
Williams hit 41% from three last season and has claimed he’s the best shooter on the team. If Pope wants to balance defense with spacing, Williams could be the glue guy in the starting five.
Andrija Jelavic – The International Sleeper
The biggest wild card is Croatian forward Andrija Jelavic. At 6’11”, he plays more like a perimeter forward, capable of shooting from deep and stretching defenses. With two years of professional experience in Europe, he brings a mature game, but he’s behind after missing summer practices.
The Athletic even projected him as a starter this summer, but Pope may prefer to ease him in. Still, if Jelavic adapts quickly, his skill set could be too intriguing to leave out of the five.
The Verdict
Aberdeen has the edge thanks to his experience and championship pedigree, but Chandler and Johnson provide upside Pope can’t ignore. Williams offers size and defense, while Jelavic looms as a long-term X-factor.
The beauty for Kentucky? Pope has choices — lots of them. Unlike last season, when injuries forced constant reshuffling, this year’s team is built to withstand the grind. Whoever claims that final starting spot on Nov. 4 might just be setting the tone for another run toward March glory.
Big Blue Nation, who would you start?
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