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After an in-home visit with Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr., there was optimism that Kentucky could secure the talented guard. However, that hope has faded, as 247Sports insider Travis Branham and others have logged Crystal Ball predictions favoring UConn and Danny Hurley instead.
Meanwhile, another Kentucky target, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, appears to be leaning toward Tennessee, where he would fill the role left by Zakai Zeigler.
So, where does Kentucky look next in the transfer portal? While more players are expected to enter the portal in the coming weeks, here’s a look at some of the top available guards that could be viable options for the Wildcats.
Top Guard Targets in the Transfer Portal
Naithan George – Georgia Tech
Stats: 12.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.5 APG
A 6-foot-3 sophomore with elite court vision, George is a high-level playmaker who could provide Kentucky’s backcourt with much-needed passing and tempo control. His 6.5 assists per game would be a major asset in Mark Pope’s system.
Barrington Hargress – UC Riverside
Stats: 20.2 PPG, 4.0 APG, 2.3 RPG
The Big West Freshman of the Year and one of the nation’s top scorers, Hargress is a dynamic offensive weapon. His ability to create his own shot and score at all three levels makes him an intriguing option for Kentucky’s backcourt.
Potential Guard Targets for Kentucky in the Transfer Portal
Quimari Peterson – East Tennessee State
Stats: 19.5 PPG, 46.8% FG, 42.2% 3PT
A prolific shooter who knocked down over 42% from beyond the arc last season, Peterson offers elite scoring efficiency and deep-range accuracy—an ideal fit for Pope’s spacing-heavy offensive system.
Nate Calmese – Washington State
Stats: 15.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.4 APG
Calmese is a rising sophomore with a balanced offensive skill set. His ability to both score and facilitate makes him a valuable backcourt option.
Amaree Abram – Louisiana Tech
Stats (2023-24 at La. Tech): 12.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 42.2% FG, 37.3% 3PT
A former Ole Miss and Georgia Tech guard, Abram brings high-major experience along with reliable three-point shooting, making him a solid addition to any lineup.
What’s Next for Kentucky?
The Wildcats still have quality options available in the transfer portal, but the competition for top guards is heating up. Mark Pope and his staff must act quickly to secure commitments before more targets come off the board—unless they have inside knowledge of a player yet to enter the portal.
Losing out on Demary Jr. and Gillespie is a setback, but there’s no reason to panic yet. Kentucky still has opportunities to land a key backcourt piece—it’s just a matter of moving fast.
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