Kentucky Basketball’s 2025 Roster Reloaded: Brandon Garrison Returns, Andrija Jelavić Commits
Mark Pope’s debut roster at Kentucky is starting to take clear shape—and it’s an impressive blend of talent, experience, and potential that could make the Wildcats serious SEC title contenders.
Following the return of center Brandon Garrison and the commitment of 6’11 Serbian standout Andrija Jelavić, Kentucky now holds a 12-man scholarship roster. The team features a balanced mix of returning players, promising freshmen, seasoned transfers, and international talent.
🔁 Returning Wildcats
- Trent Noah (PF)
- Otega Oweh (SF)
- Travis Perry (PG)
- Collin Chandler (SG)
- Brandon Garrison (C)
This core offers a solid base. Oweh is a lockdown defender and athletic wing, while Chandler and Perry bring depth and versatility to the backcourt. Noah is a stretch-four with a game built for Pope’s offensive system. Garrison, who averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds last season, provides stability and rim protection in the frontcourt.
🏀 Incoming Freshmen
- Jasper Johnson (SG)
- Malachi Moreno (PF)
Johnson is one of the elite shooters in the 2025 class, capable of making an instant impact. Moreno, a 7-footer with raw talent, will likely use his freshman year to develop physically and adjust to the college pace.
🔁 Transfers In
- Mouhamed Dioubate (PF, Alabama)
- Kam Williams (SF, Tulane)
- Jaland Lowe (PG, Pittsburgh)
- Jayden Quaintance (PF/C, Arizona State)
Dioubate brings toughness and energy to the forward spot. Williams is an explosive athlete and expected to be a key contributor off the bench. Lowe is a poised floor general set to lead the offense, and Quaintance offers elite rim protection and athleticism—potentially a one-and-done candidate.
🌍 International Addition
- Andrija Jelavić (C, Mega Basket – Serbia)
Jelavić adds international experience and versatility in the post. While he may need some time to get used to the American game, his size and shooting touch give him the upside to develop into a stretch big who can play both the four and five.
🔮 Projected Starting Five
- PG: Jaland Lowe
- SG: Jasper Johnson
- SF: Otega Oweh
- PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
- C: Jayden Quaintance
This projected lineup offers a balance of athleticism, shooting, and defensive grit. Johnson’s scoring ability and Lowe’s command at the point should anchor the backcourt, while the frontcourt tandem of Dioubate and Quaintance provides rebounding, rim protection, and physicality.
📈 Bench Depth & Breakout Potential
- Kam Williams: Instant offense and sixth-man potential, could be a key spark plug.
- Brandon Garrison: Reliable veteran presence and first big off the bench.
- Collin Chandler: Combo guard with breakout potential in Year 2.
- Trent Noah: Ideal fit for Pope’s system—could thrive as a floor-spacing forward.
- Travis Perry: Mr. Basketball in Kentucky, dependable backup at point guard.
- Andrija Jelavić: Expect early growing pains, but high ceiling long-term.
- Malachi Moreno: Development year to gain strength and experience.
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