Mark Pope’s first season as head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats ended on a promising note, as he led the team to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Despite their strong run, the Wildcats fell to SEC rival Tennessee in a 78-65 loss in Indianapolis, closing out the season with a 24-12 record.
This marked Kentucky’s fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, but the first time since the 2018-2019 season that the team advanced past the Sweet 16 before falling short in the Elite Eight. The result showed progress under Pope’s leadership and gave fans optimism for the program’s future.
Since their March 28 exit, Kentucky has been actively working the transfer portal to retool the roster for next season. One of the first major pieces of news came with the announcement that forward Brandon Garrison would be returning to the Wildcats.
Joe Tipton of On3 reported that Garrison, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, confirmed his return for the 2025-2026 season. Garrison contributed as a key reserve off the bench, averaging 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds over 35 games, playing an average of 17.3 minutes per contest.
This past season marked Garrison’s first in Lexington, after transferring from Oklahoma State following the departure of head coach Mike Boynton. The move proved beneficial for both parties, as Garrison found a solid role in Pope’s system.
Originally a four-star recruit out of high school, Garrison was ranked the No. 5 center and the No. 36 overall player in the class of 2023 by 247Sports. His blend of size, athleticism, and defensive ability made him a valuable asset in Kentucky’s rotation.
His decision to stay gives the Wildcats a boost in the frontcourt, providing experience and continuity as Pope continues to build the team through recruiting and transfers. With Garrison back in the fold, Kentucky’s outlook for next season continues to look brighter.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how Coach Pope rounds out the roster and capitalizes on the foundation built during his successful first year at the helm.
