Breaking Down Kentucky’s 2026-27 Roster
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Now that Kentucky’s roster is fully, or at least mostly, set for the 2026-27 season, it’s time to take a look at how the roster was constructed. From a group that could realistically feature six starter-caliber players with a deep and versatile bench, here’s an early look at Kentucky’s projected rotation and roster outlook heading into the season.
Zoom Diallo (6’4″, 180 lbs) (Junior) (Transfer from Washington, last season: 15.7 PPG, 4.5 AST, 3.9 REB, 0.7 STL, 48.7 FG%, 31.5 3PT%)
Embed from Getty ImagesZoom Diallo is an ultra-athletic, big, physical guard who likes to get downhill, get paint touches, and score at the rim. With what he can do as more than likely the primary ball handler, he can force help in the driving lanes, create lobs or dump-offs to the bigs, or spray it out to shooters. Per On3 transfer portal rankings, he was listed as the No. 33 best available.
Alex Wilkins (6’5″, 175 lbs) (Sophomore) (Transfer from Furman, last season: 17.8 PPG, 4.7 AST, 2.0 REB, 0.8 STL, 46.0 FG%, 32.8 3PT%)
Embed from Getty ImagesAlex Wilkins will have to go through a bit of a transition from the SoCon to the SEC, but man is he effective offensively. He can score the basketball and make things happen. I believe he is a better shooter than what the numbers show. It’s hard to shoot it well when the ball is always in your hands and you’re having to create, as well as get shots up, like he did last year to help Furman be at its best. Being more off the ball should help. He just needs to clean up some shot selection and turnovers, which have been knocks on him at times. Per On3 transfer portal rankings, he was listed as the No. 29 best available.
Kam Williams (6’8″, 205 lbs) (Junior) (Kentucky Returnee, last season: 6.0 PPG, 1.0 AST, 2.1 REB, 0.6 STL, 44.9 FG%, 35.9 3PT%)
Embed from Getty ImagesI believe Kam Williams will take a massive leap next season. Speaking to his dad, Greg, on Heavy Pour Sports, he felt Kam last year wasn’t quite suited to playing the four, but believes he will be better there this upcoming season if needed. He had a transition from the American Athletic Conference at Tulane during his freshman season to the SEC last year as a sophomore and struggled some early, but he is capable of being an elite shooter. We saw some incredible defense from him last season, versatility, and solid rebounding at times. I think he was well on his way to a great season before the foot injury that caused him to have surgery and miss 12 games.
Milan Momcilovic (6’8″, 225 lbs) (Senior) (Transfer from Iowa State, last season: 16.9 PPG, 1.0 AST, 3.1 REB, 0.8 STL, 50.6 FG%, 48.7 3PT%)
Milan Momcilovic, as we know, is an absolute sniper from the outside. He shot 48.7 percent from three last season on 7.5 attempts per game. Get your feet set, get your hands ready, and let that thing fly. Be the superstar you are, and can be, as clearly one of the best shooters in college basketball. Per On3 transfer portal rankings, he was listed as the No. 3 best available.
Ousmane N’Diaye (6’11”, 210 lbs) (First year from Vanoli Cremona, Italy, last season: 9.8 PPG, 0.8 AST, 6.8 REB, 0.9 STL, 0.6 BLK)
N’Diaye, who recently turned 22 years old, was one of five finalists for Liga Basket Serie A’s “Best Under 22” Player of the Year Award this season, finishing as the runner-up behind Saliou Niang. N’Diaye is a big, versatile piece in the frontcourt. He can rebound, protect the rim, and step out to knock down shots from the outside. His experience playing professionally overseas for more than five seasons should hopefully help him adjust quickly. Although I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, international prospects can sometimes be hit or miss, and we never know exactly what to expect until the season starts.
Jacob Polacheck of KSR reported on April 24, 2026, that N’Diaye’s eligibility remains up in the air. One source believes N’Diaye could receive two years of eligibility, with the possibility of a third through a waiver. If the five-to-play-five proposal passes, that could change things regarding a waiver, but the expectation is that he’ll have two to three years of eligibility.
Malachi Moreno (7’0″, 250 lbs) (Sophomore) (Kentucky Returnee, last season: 7.8 PPG, 1.8 AST, 6.3 REB, 0.5 STL, 1.5 BLK, 58.2 FG%)
Embed from Getty ImagesWe know what Malachi Moreno is. A big, long, smart center in the middle. Mark Pope believes he can be the best center in the country next season. That might be a stretch, but he should be near the top. Malachi struggled late last year, sort of hitting a freshman wall, but I don’t see that happening again. Malachi pulled his name out near the draft deadline, as he was mocked anywhere from a late first-round pick to an early-to-mid second-round selection. Get stronger, work on post moves, and improve in every area possible. Having a point guard, or even two, in Diallo and Wilkins will help Malachi tremendously.
Likely Bench Rotational Pieces
Braydon Hawthorne (6’8″, 190 lbs) (Freshman) (Redshirted at Kentucky last season)
Embed from Getty ImagesTalking to his dad, Walter, on Heavy Pour Sports, he believes Braydon is ready to go and have a big-time season. Versatility, length, athleticism, shooting. Obviously, it remains to be seen since he redshirted last season, but he was a Top 35 recruit in the 2025 class, which some people argue may have been one of the greatest freshman classes we’ve ever seen from both a college basketball and NBA Draft perspective. Whether he was at the very top of that class or not, Braydon was part of an elite group of players.
Jerone Morton (6’4″, 180 lbs) (Senior) (Transfer from Washington State, last season: 7.8 PPG, 2.6 AST, 43.8 FG%, 38.7 3PT%)
Embed from Getty ImagesMorton will bring an experienced and versatile guard off the bench, more than likely. Morton played high school basketball at George Rogers Clark, where he won a KHSAA State Championship in 2022. Per On3 transfer portal rankings, he was listed as the No. 457 best available.
Trent Noah (6’5″, 220 lbs) (Junior) (Kentucky Returnee, last season: 3.0 PPG, 0.5 AST, 2.5 REB, 35.5 FG%, 33.3 3PT%)
Embed from Getty ImagesPope has been quoted numerous times saying Trent Noah has the chance to be one of the best shooters in the country. We haven’t seen it yet, but if Pope believes that, whether it’s coach speak or not, hopefully we see it, because it could help this Kentucky team a ton. Noah also provides extremely hard play and good rebounding for his size. He could be a factor in the rotation this season if he improves.
Justin McBride (6’7″, 240 lbs) (Senior) (Transfer from James Madison, last season: 15.3 PPG, 1.5 AST, 5.6 REB, 0.4 STL, 0.6 BLK, 49.4 FG%, 40.0 3PT%)
An undersized but extremely skilled backup three or four who can play downhill and step out and knock down shots. Per On3 transfer portal rankings, he was listed as the No. 223 best available. He’s very unique and skilled with the ball in his hands.
Franck Kepnang (6’11”, 253 lbs) (Senior) (Transfer from Washington, last season: 6.2 PPG, 6.3 REB, 0.6 STL, 2.1 BLK, 51.5 FG%)
Embed from Getty ImagesAn experienced, big, physical, strong backup center for Kentucky this season. This is Kepnang’s seventh year of college basketball. He has had a brutal and unfortunate list of injuries throughout his career. Prayers that he can stay healthy all season. Per On3 transfer portal rankings, he was listed as the No. 207 best available.
Reece Potter (7’1″, 230 lbs) (Junior) (Kentucky Returnee, last season at Miami (OH): 6.5 PPG, 1.2 AST, 3.7 REB, 0.4 STL, 0.7 BLK, 46.6 FG%, 36.7 3PT%)
Embed from Getty ImagesUnpopular, but I’ll even throw Reece Potter in the bench mix. Potter redshirted this past season at Kentucky, which was his first in Lexington. Previously at Miami (OH), he appeared in 30 games during the 2024-25 season and showed the ability to stretch the floor while providing size at 7-foot-1.
All unique bench options with experience and versatility. They can all play and should be great in their roles. I’m super excited about what they bring and think they can become stars in what they do best to help this team.
Developmental
Mason Williams (6’2″, 185 lbs) (Freshman)
Mason Williams is a guy who shouldn’t be slept on. We’ll see what the young Top 125 recruit and son of assistant coach Mo Williams can do this season if he is needed as a backup guard option.
Zyon Hawthorne (6’2″) (Freshman)
Mr. Hawthorne said on Heavy Pour Sports that Zyon is better than advertised, an elite competitor, and is ready every day to grow, get better, and develop for the future. He wants to be the best practice player he can be this season and see what he can turn into as the years progress. He’s excited to be in Lexington, teammates with his brother Braydon, and have the opportunity to be at Kentucky.
Finally, Kentucky has one roster spot left to fill. I lean towards this being a practice player or a developmental upside type of player, but we will see what Pope and staff have up their sleeves.
To find the list of the ON3 transfer rankings, click here.
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