Kentucky bolstered its roster significantly on Thursday with the addition of Ansley Almonor from Fairleigh Dickinson. Almonor, a 6-foot-7 forward, committed to the Wildcats following his official visit to the campus this week.
Last season, Almonor showcased impressive stats, averaging 16.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while starting 31 games. His standout skill lies in his shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, where he maintained a 39.4 percent three-point shooting accuracy, sinking a total of 93 shots from downtown, which tied the single-season record at FDU.
Throughout his career at FDU, Almonor has demonstrated consistency from long range, boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.5 and tallying 180 made threes over three seasons. As a full-time starter in the past two years, he has averaged 2.5 made threes per game, contributing significantly to his team’s offense.
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Kentucky’s recruitment of Almonor addresses their need for additional perimeter shooting, especially from the forward position, fulfilling Coach Mark Pope’s requirements perfectly. Beyond his shooting prowess, Almonor’s versatility allows him to play as a wing or a small-ball 4, presenting matchup challenges for opposing teams.
With Almonor’s commitment, Kentucky’s front court is solidified alongside Amari Williams, Brandon Garrison, and Andrew Carr, each offering distinct skill sets. Almonor, having one year of eligibility remaining, becomes the eighth addition from the transfer portal under Coach Pope’s tenure.
While two scholarships remain open for Kentucky, Coach Pope has outlined his strategy for their utilization, ensuring the team’s continued growth and competitiveness.
