Kentucky Eyes Backup Point Guard Options After Acaden Lewis Decommitment

Mark Pope isn’t wasting any time.

Just a day after top-25 recruit Acaden Lewis backed out of his commitment, Kentucky is already evaluating its next move at point guard. With Jaland Lowe, Travis Perry, and Jasper Johnson still in the mix, the Wildcats could stand pat—but adding a veteran to steady the backcourt remains a real possibility.

Here are five transfer portal point guards Kentucky fans should keep tabs on:

Xaivian Lee
2024-25 Stats: 16.9 PPG | 6.1 REB | 5.5 AST | 36.6% 3PT
At 6’3”, the Toronto native from Princeton is an all-around floor general with elite vision and rebounding for his position. Lee is smart, crafty, and defends with discipline. He could be the high-IQ playmaker Pope is looking for.

Veteran Leader: Jordan Smith
2024-25 Stats: 10.4 PPG | 5.3 AST | 38.3% 3PT
A tough, experienced guard with a steady hand. Smith brings years of college experience and could bring balance and maturity to Kentucky’s young core.

Scoring Spark: DJ Hargress

2024-25 Stats: 20.2 PPG | 4.0 AST | 32.9% 3PT
Hargress is a dynamic scorer with West Coast quickness. While more of a scorer than a distributor, his offensive punch could be a game-changer off the bench.

Underrated Talent: Zion Darling
2024-25 Stats: 19.8 PPG | 5.7 AST | 35.6% 3PT
A rising name in the portal, Darling combines feel, shooting, and playmaking. He fits well in Pope’s ball-movement offense and could be a strong under-the-radar addition.

Sharpshooter: CJ Lane
2024-25 Stats: 17.3 PPG | 4.0 AST | 40.6% 3PT
Lane’s shooting and efficiency stand out. While he hasn’t played at the high-major level, his three-level scoring and low turnover rate make him SEC-ready.

What’s Next for Kentucky?
Pope could rely on internal growth from Lowe or Perry, but if he makes another move, expect him to prioritize:

• Ball security

• Perimeter shooting (35%+ from deep)

• Defensive discipline

There’s no panic in Lexington—just a calculated next step. And if Pope’s track record holds, that move could be coming soon.

Mark Pope’s 1-Year Anniversary as Kentucky Head Coach: A Wild Ride, A New Era, and Unfinished Business

Mark Pope’s 1-Year Anniversary as Kentucky Head Coach: A Wild Ride, A New Era, and Unfinished Business 

Exactly one year ago, on April 11, 2024, Mark Pope signed on to become the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, setting in motion a new chapter for one of college basketball’s most iconic programs. Today marks the one-year anniversary of that monumental hire — and what a year it’s been for Big Blue Nation.

A Return to His Roots

Mark Pope wasn’t just any hire — he was family. A 1996 national champion and team captain, Pope returned to Lexington not just as a coach, but as a Wildcat legend with deep love and loyalty for the program. After successful coaching stints at Utah Valley and BYU, where he built a reputation for high-energy offense and strong player development, Pope answered the call to return to his alma mater — and he’s wasted no time making his presence felt.

Year One: A Statement Season

From day one, Pope brought a jolt of energy to the program. He rebranded Kentucky with an up-tempo style of play and a team-first mentality. In his first season:

• Defeated #6 Duke in the Champions Classic — a signature win early in the season.
• Led the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 appearance, reigniting postseason hopes.
• Earned himself an automatic one-year extension and $250K raise, showing the administration’s faith in his leadership.
• Built strong recruiting momentum for the 2025 and 2026 classes, securing top talent across positions.

A Coach Who Gets It

Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart called Pope “a true Wildcat at heart,” and Pope has proven that statement over and over. Whether it’s his connection to fans, his passion on the sidelines, or his transparency in building a culture of toughness and unity, Pope has given Kentucky what it needed: a leader who gets what this job means.

Even legendary coach Rick Pitino praised Pope’s system, applauding his ability to create chemistry and bring purpose back to the Wildcats’ locker room.

What’s Next?

Pope enters Year Two with one mission: bring Kentucky back to national dominance. With a solid core of returning players, an exciting recruiting class, and a fanbase reignited with belief, the foundation is set.

The message from Coach Pope to #BBN?

“We’re just getting started.”

Happy Anniversary, Coach. Here’s to the road ahead.

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