The Kentucky Wildcats are continuing to explore options to strengthen their backcourt and have reportedly expressed interest in a familiar face. They’re now in contact with former North Carolina Tar Heels guard Cade Tyson as they look to make another roster move.
Jamie Shaw of On3 reported that Kentucky has reached out to Tyson, who is currently in the transfer portal. Other major programs, including BYU, Ohio State, Purdue, Clemson, and Iowa, have also shown interest in adding the versatile guard to their lineups.
This isn’t Kentucky’s first time recruiting Tyson. The Wildcats pursued him during the 2024 transfer cycle after he impressed with a strong two-year run at Belmont, establishing himself as one of the top talents outside of the Power Five conferences.
Though he originally came out of high school as an unranked recruit in the class of 2022, Tyson quickly made a name for himself at the college level. His performance turned heads across the nation and earned him plenty of attention from top-tier programs.
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Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 200 pounds, Tyson brings size, shooting, and rebounding to the guard position. His ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches makes him a valuable asset for any team looking for perimeter scoring and versatility.
In his freshman year at Belmont, Tyson was named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year. He averaged an impressive 13.6 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field and an elite 41.7% from three-point range.
Tyson also contributed 4.6 rebounds per game, adding a physical edge to his offensive skillset. His combination of scoring efficiency and rebounding at the guard spot makes him an intriguing prospect for Kentucky, especially under new head coach Mark Pope’s system.
As the transfer portal continues to shape rosters across college basketball, Cade Tyson could prove to be a major addition if Kentucky lands him this time around. With multiple top programs in pursuit, his next decision will be one to watch closely.