Kentucky Is Interested In The Top-ranked Transfer Early On.

As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 4:39 PM PDT, the program is simultaneously focusing on strengthening its roster for the upcoming season. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky has been actively pursuing top talent in the transfer portal to address key positions and enhance team performance.

Dedan Thomas Jr.: A Prime Target for Point Guard

One of Kentucky’s primary targets is Dedan Thomas Jr., a standout point guard from UNLV. Following the departure of Lamont Butler and the uncertain future of Kerr Kriisa, the Wildcats are in need of a skilled floor general. Thomas, who recently entered the transfer portal after UNLV’s head coach Kevin Kruger left, averaged 15.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore, earning Third Team All-Mountain West honors. Kentucky joins other programs like Florida, UCLA, and Gonzaga in pursuing Thomas. The Wildcats aim to be aggressive in acquiring a new point guard post-tournament while monitoring if new UNLV coach Josh Pastner can persuade Thomas to stay.

Treysen Eaglestaff: A Prolific Scorer Drawing Interest

Another player on Kentucky’s radar is Treysen Eaglestaff, a 6-foot-6 guard from North Dakota. Eaglestaff has garnered significant attention after entering the transfer portal, with standout performances including a 40-point game against Alabama and a 51-point outing in the Summit League Conference Tournament against South Dakota State. He averaged 18.9 points per game, shooting 35.9% from three-point range, along with 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during the season. In addition to Kentucky, schools like Alabama, Michigan, St. John’s, Kansas, LSU, Gonzaga, UCLA, Ole Miss, Georgia, and Oklahoma have expressed interest. Eaglestaff is also considering testing the NBA Draft waters.

Josh Dix: A Versatile Guard in High Demand

Kentucky is also targeting Josh Dix, a versatile guard from Iowa. Dix, who averaged 14.4 points and shot 42.2% from deep as a junior, is regarded as a highly coveted transfer, ranked No. 2 overall. National recruiting analyst Travis Branham and former NBA player Evan Turner have indicated that Kentucky might secure Dix, which would be a significant gain. Dix seeks a new challenge after Iowa’s lackluster season, where he exhibited strong performance, notably scoring 21 points in their final game. His addition would blend well with incoming top prospect Jasper Johnson and the upcoming freshmen at Kentucky.

Elyjah Freeman: A Division II Standout with Potential

The Wildcats are also showing interest in Elyjah Freeman, a 6-foot-8 forward from Lincoln Memorial, Tennessee. Freeman had an impressive freshman season, averaging 19.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, with notable shooting percentages. Kentucky, under Coach Mark Pope, largely built its roster through the transfer portal last season. With Freeman being a lifelong fan and recognizing Kentucky as a top school, it will be compelling to observe Kentucky’s strategy in the upcoming offseason marketplace.

Obi Agbim: A Sharpshooter on Kentucky’s Radar

Former Kentucky guard Dontaie Allen, now playing for Wyoming, is working to recruit his standout teammate, Obi Agbim, to join the Wildcats. Agbim, who has entered the transfer portal, attracted attention after a strong season at Wyoming, where he averaged 17.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.9% overall and 43.7% from three-point range. Agbim’s skills as a sharpshooter, contributing 3.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, make him highly desirable for teams seeking an offensive boost. Allen’s recruitment efforts highlight his pride in the Kentucky program and belief that Agbim would be a great fit under Coach Pope’s system.

Nick Davidson: A Forward with Versatility

Kentucky is also pursuing Nick Davidson, a 6-foot-10, 238-pound junior forward from Nevada. Davidson had an impressive season, averaging 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, and is notable for his 37% three-point shooting. Other schools expressing interest in Davidson include North Carolina, Louisville, St. John’s, and Texas Tech. His decision on the transfer could significantly impact the recruiting landscape and the future success of the teams involved. Kentucky hopes to be a strong contender for securing Davidson’s talent.

Building for the Future: High School Commits and Prospects

In addition to targeting transfers, Kentucky is also focusing on high school talent to build a strong foundation for the future. The Wildcats have secured commitments from top-40 prospects such as Malachi Moreno, Jasper Johnson, and Acaden Lewis. These four-star talents bring a mix of size, skill, and versatility to the program. However, while this trio is loaded with potential, they are still untested at the college level. High school dominance doesn’t always translate to NCAA success, and Coach Pope is betting big on these players. If they pan out, Kentucky is looking at a stacked squad; if not, it could set the program back significantly.