Mark Pope Targets Two High-Level Point Guards as Kentucky Reloads Backcourt
Mark Pope is aiming to completely reshape Kentucky’s point guard room this offseason. With roster needs already clear entering the transfer portal cycle, the situation became even more urgent when Jaland Lowe entered the portal, turning a simple addition into a full-scale rebuild at the position.
Point guard depth has been a recurring challenge during Pope’s tenure in Lexington due to injuries and limited stability, and the staff is determined to fix that moving forward.
BYU transfer Rob Wright III is currently on a visit to Kentucky, where the coaching staff hopes to secure him as the team’s primary starting point guard. Landing Wright would be a major win, but Kentucky still plans to add another guard to solidify the rotation.
That second target appears to be Colgate transfer Jalen Cox, who was recently announced by Jon Rothstein as scheduling a visit to Lexington on Wednesday. Cox brings an impressive all-around resume, averaging 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game last season while shooting efficiently from both the field (52.1%) and three-point range (36.5%).
Beyond his scoring and playmaking, Cox is especially valued for his defense, earning All-Defensive Team honors in back-to-back seasons. His two-way ability makes him an ideal fit as a potential backup guard, though it remains to be seen whether he would accept that role.
If Kentucky can secure commitments from both Wright and Cox, the Wildcats would instantly reshape their backcourt into one of the strongest in the SEC—and arguably one of the best in the country. Given the instability at point guard in recent years, such a pairing would bring much-needed balance and depth.
Cox is scheduled to take multiple visits before arriving in Lexington, so Kentucky will be hoping he doesn’t commit elsewhere beforehand. For Big Blue Nation, his upcoming visit represents another important step in rebuilding a crucial position for the program’s future.
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