As the Kentucky Wildcats continue to reshape their roster in the second week of the offseason, they’re staying aggressive in the transfer portal in search of veteran talent and added scoring punch. One of the top names on their radar is Jaron Pierre Jr., the current Conference USA Player of the Year and a high-impact transfer from Jacksonville State. The 6-foot-5, 188-pound guard has drawn significant interest from top programs, including Kentucky, Ole Miss, and SMU.
Jacksonville state’s 6’5 Jaron Pierre has entered the transfer portal while declaring for the NBA draft
This past season Jaron averaged:
21.6 PPG
5.6 RPG
3.7 APG
43.3% FG
38.2% 3PT(7.6 attempts)
81% FTImmediately one of the top players in the portal and has a do not contact… pic.twitter.com/6doZxv6JRn
— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) March 31, 2025
A Versatile and Experienced Guard
Pierre’s collegiate career has been defined by adaptability and growth. He began at Southern Miss, transferred to Wichita State, and ultimately found his rhythm at Jacksonville State. Now, with one final year of eligibility, he’s looking for a program where he can fully maximize his impact. His success at seamlessly transitioning between teams while maintaining top-level performance highlights his experience and adaptability—qualities that make him a valuable asset.
Proven Scoring Ability in Conference USA
During the 2024-25 season at Jacksonville State, Pierre demonstrated his scoring prowess by leading Conference USA with an average of 21.6 points per game. His shooting efficiency was impressive, as he posted a 42.4% field goal percentage and hit 38% of his three-point attempts. In addition to his scoring, he contributed 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. His stellar performance earned him the title of Conference USA Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the top mid-major talents in the transfer portal. With programs eager for players who can deliver immediate impact, Pierre has emerged as a highly sought-after target for several high-profile teams.
Jacksonville St. guard Jaron Pierre Jr. plans to take a vist to Kentucky in the ‘near future’ 👀🔥 (via @JonRothstein)
Jaron is a 6-5 guard who averaged 21.6 PPG and 3.8 APG last season 😳💰
Should Pierre Jr. commit to Kentucky? 💙😼 pic.twitter.com/wa4AgXtwiJ
— Kentucky Hoops (@kentuckyhoopsig) April 3, 2025
Kentucky’s Interest
According to CBS Sports Insider Jon Rothstein, Pierre recently visited SMU and is scheduled to meet with Ole Miss and Kentucky in the near future. Kentucky officially expressed interest earlier this week as they look to bolster their scoring depth under new head coach Mark Pope. With Kam Williams already secured via the portal, the Wildcats are on the hunt for additional offensive firepower, and Pierre seems to fit that profile perfectly.
However, Kentucky faces stiff competition. Ole Miss, under Chris Beard, is actively working to strengthen its roster, while SMU is aggressively recruiting ahead of its ACC transition. Pierre’s visit to Lexington will be crucial in influencing his final decision.
Looking Ahead
With a recruiting dead period in effect from April 3 to April 10, teams will have to wait before making in-person pitches. Once the dead period ends, Pierre is expected to finalize his decision. The Wildcats, along with other suitors, remain in contention as they await the next move from one of the nation’s top available scoring guards.
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