Kentucky Reaches Out to Former Miami Guard as Possible Travis Perry Replacement
The unexpected departure of Travis Perry from the University of Kentucky has left fans and coaches alike scrambling for answers—and now, potentially, a replacement.
Perry, a highly-touted in-state product and fan favorite from Kentucky’s Class of 2024, shocked the Big Blue Nation when he entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason. Many believed the sharpshooting guard would be a long-term piece for the Wildcats. Instead, Perry is seeking a new opportunity—presumably somewhere he’ll have a larger role right away.
In response, head coach Mark Pope and his staff have wasted no time exploring their options.
Divine Ugochukwu Emerges as a Target
One of the latest names to surface on Kentucky’s radar is Divine Ugochukwu, a freshman guard who just completed his first season with the Miami Hurricanes. According to Jacob Polacheck of Kentucky Sports Radio, Kentucky assistant coach Mikhail McLean has made contact with Ugochukwu to gauge his interest in joining the Wildcats.
Ugochukwu, a three-star recruit from the 2024 class, played about 20 minutes per game for Miami during his freshman season. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.3 assists per game, showing flashes of promise as a playmaker and facilitator, despite some early struggles shooting from deep (just 18% from three-point range).
While his shooting numbers weren’t eye-popping, his athleticism, defensive instincts, and potential to grow into a bigger role make him a name to watch as the offseason unfolds.
What This Means for Kentucky
With Perry gone, Kentucky now has a vacancy in the backcourt that Ugochukwu could potentially fill. Coach Pope has made it clear that he intends to build a balanced, veteran-heavy roster while still leaving space for young players to develop.
Ugochukwu would likely come in as a depth piece, someone with upside who can contribute now but also grow within Pope’s system. He brings size, speed, and energy—all valuable traits for a program looking to maintain its edge in the SEC and beyond.
And while Ugochukwu may not be the only target Kentucky is evaluating, his early contact with the coaching staff suggests he’s firmly on their radar.
What’s Next?
With the transfer portal still buzzing, expect the Wildcats to continue their search for a backcourt addition. Whether it’s Ugochukwu or another surprise name, it’s clear that Pope and his staff are being proactive, aggressive, and strategic in rebuilding this roster.
The post-Calipari era in Lexington is officially underway—and the moves being made now could shape the future of Kentucky basketball for seasons to come.
Stay tuned.
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