By Sunday 
Mark Pope responds swiftly to decommitmenta, identifying five high-impact point guards who could reshape Kentucky’s backcourt.
No Time Wasted in Lexington
In college basketball, surprises are part of the game. But when Acaden Lewis—a top-25 guard in the 2024 class—pulled his commitment from Kentucky, it shook the fanbase. For a brief moment, the silence was deafening.
Then came the response. And Mark Pope didn’t blink.
Less than 24 hours after the unexpected decommitment, Kentucky shifted gears, combing the transfer portal for backcourt reinforcements. While young talent like Jaland Lowe, Travis Perry, and Jasper Johnson remains, the message is clear: experience matters. And Pope is hunting for it.
1. Xaivian Lee: The Smartest Playmaker Available
From Princeton to potentially the SEC, Xaivian Lee is a name that keeps coming up. At 6’3″, with sharp court vision and an Ivy League brain to match, Lee is built for big moments.
He averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, all while shooting nearly 37% from beyond the arc. Defensively, he’s clean—rarely fouling, always alert.
If Kentucky wants someone who can command an offense with poise and purpose, Lee checks every box. “He’s arguably the most complete passer in the portal,” one scout said. That’s not a casual compliment.
2. Malachi Smith: The Steady Veteran
Some guards make noise. Others make wins. Malachi Smith does the latter.
With four solid years at Dayton, Smith brings consistency and maturity. He posted 10.4 points and 5.3 assists per game last season and improved his three-point shooting to 38.3%. Not flashy, but dependable.
He’s the kind of guard who doesn’t flinch under pressure and can lead without demanding headlines. Kentucky could use a dose of that kind of composure.
3. Barrington Hargress: Instant Offense
Want fireworks off the bench? Meet Barrington Hargress.
He averaged 20.2 points per game at UC Riverside, showing the kind of scoring ability that can flip a game. Not a classic pass-first point guard, but his 4.0 assists per game show growth as a facilitator.
If Pope is looking to inject scoring punch and tempo, Hargress is ready. Think Lou Williams vibes, but with fresher legs.
4. Dylan Darling: The Underrated Gem
Sometimes talent hides in plain sight. Idaho State’s Dylan Darling might be the best example in this year’s portal.
At 19.8 points and 5.7 assists per game, Darling’s numbers are loud, but his name hasn’t echoed loudly—yet. His shooting splits and passing instincts suggest a perfect fit in Kentucky’s motion-heavy, share-the-ball system.
Watch this one closely. Quiet moves often make the biggest impact.
5. Jacari Lane: Smooth and Clutch
Jacari Lane doesn’t just play basketball—he reads it like a script. Every cut, every shot feels intentional.
Shooting over 40% from three while averaging 17.3 points and 4 assists for North Alabama, Lane’s efficient, clutch, and cool under pressure. He’s not a household name, but his game speaks SEC fluently.
The only knock? No high-major experience. The upside? He’s SEC-ready anyway.
What the Wildcats Really Need
Even if Pope chooses to stand pat and trust his current trio of young guards, this much is clear: if they do bring in another name, it’ll be someone who can do three things well—protect the ball, shoot from deep, and defend smartly.
No panic in Lexington. Just a plan.
Mark Pope doesn’t make noise for the sake of it. He makes moves. And if history tells us anything about his offseason approach—it’s this:
He never waits long.