Kentucky’s Depth to Face Early Test
Joel Klatt analyzes the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff format on the Joel Klatt Show. Meanwhile, as Kentucky gears up to host top-ranked Purdue in Friday night’s exhibition, injuries to key contributors Jaland Lowe (shoulder) and Jayden Quaintance (undisclosed) have forced head coach Mark Pope to get creative with his lineups. The setback also opens the door for other Wildcats to prove themselves and fight for valuable minutes.
Here’s how Kentucky’s depth chart is shaping up ahead of their matchup with the Boilermakers:
With Lowe sidelined, Collin Chandler is expected to take the lead at point. Known for his athleticism and fearless drives, Chandler has been developing as a playmaker and will need to show improved consistency from deep and strong on-ball defense right away. Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen will also get key minutes — his experience and versatility make him a steady secondary option. Walker Horn may see brief action as well, especially given the exhibition setting.
Otega Oweh, a preseason SEC Player of the Year candidate, remains the clear centerpiece at shooting guard. His strength, attacking mindset, and defensive intensity make him the emotional core of this team. Freshman Jasper Johnson offers a dynamic scoring punch off the bench, and if his defense keeps improving, his role could grow quickly. Zach Tow could also slot in here or at small forward, depending on Pope’s rotations.
Trent Noah looks set for early minutes thanks to his familiarity with Pope’s system and his well-rounded game — shooting, rebounding, and smart decision-making. Scoring transfer Kam Williams should bring energy and offense off the bench as he finds his rhythm. Freshman Braydon Hawthorne, long and athletic, is a developmental talent who may see spot minutes with room to expand later in the season.
Mo Dioubate, the Alabama transfer known for his toughness, will likely anchor the defense and dominate the boards. His relentless motor sets the tone up front. Freshman Andrija Jelavic adds offensive skill and spacing but is still adapting to the pace and physicality of college basketball. As he adjusts, he could emerge as one of Kentucky’s surprise contributors.
With Quaintance out, Brandon Garrison has a prime opportunity to shine. The returning big man’s elite athleticism and defensive presence make him vital inside. Behind him, freshman Malachi Moreno has turned heads with his improved strength and rim protection, while Reece Potter continues to develop and could see time while JQ remains unavailable.
Coach Pope will likely use Friday’s exhibition to experiment heavily with combinations and rotations. It’s less about setting a starting five and more about identifying who can perform under real game pressure. This marks the first step toward ending Kentucky’s decade-long drought — and Big Blue Nation is more than ready for the journey to begin.
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