Kerr Kriisa, a fifth-year senior guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, has officially announced his departure from the team and entered the NCAA transfer portal. This move comes after Kentucky’s season concluded with a 78-65 loss to Tennessee in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. ​

In his announcement, Kriisa expressed deep gratitude toward Coach Mark Pope, his teammates, and the Big Blue Nation (BBN). He reflected fondly on his time in Kentucky, stating, “​I will always cherish my time in the Blue Grass State, and I wish Kentucky Basketball all the best in the future.“

Kriisa’s tenure at Kentucky was marred by injury; he played in only nine games, averaging 4.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game, before a season-ending foot injury in December.

This decision marks Kriisa’s fourth transfer in his collegiate career. He began at Arizona in 2020, transferred to West Virginia for the 2023-24 season, and then moved to Kentucky in 2024. Throughout his career, he has averaged 9.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.3 rebounds over 108 games. ​

As Kriisa seeks a medical redshirt to play one final season, he is expected to attract interest from programs in need of an experienced point guard. His leadership and playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their backcourt. ​

Kriisa’s departure adds to the Wildcats’ roster changes, as they also pursue other transfer targets to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season. The team is actively engaging with players in the transfer portal and high school recruits to build a competitive roster under Coach Pope. ​

The transfer portal has become a pivotal aspect of roster construction in college basketball, with players like Kriisa seeking new opportunities and programs aiming to enhance their teams. As the portal continues to influence team dynamics, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching the developments in the coming weeks. ​

In summary, Kerr Kriisa’s departure from Kentucky and entry into the transfer portal signify a new chapter in his basketball journey. His experience and skills are likely to make him a sought-after commodity as teams look to finalize their rosters for the next season.