3 underdogs who committed to Mark Pope's Kentucky in 2024 ft. Koby Brea
Mark Pope’s inaugural roster lineup marks not just a new coaching era for the program but a new set of players too. The first-year coach meddled heavily in the transfer portal to form the 2024-25 Wildcats. Since then, the former BYU coach has worked closely with his talents to forge on and off-court chemistry in light of building a new culture.
The crew has practiced together, been part of team outings and even competed against La Familia, Wildcats' TBT team featuring former program stars. Moreover, Pope wants to implement a completely new run-and-gun 3-point heavy playbook for his veteran-heavy lineup.
So, as the new season nears, let’s look at three underrated players who have the potential to surprise the college hoops world the most.
Three underdogs at Mark Pope's Kentucky in 2024
#3 Koby Brea
Brea averaged just 11.1 points last season but was one of Division I basketball’s most efficient 3-point scorers. He made a hundred long-rangers on 49.8% shooting for the Dayton Flyers.
Brea’s shooting alone could make him one of the most essential pieces for Mark Pope. However, the Wildcats will also aim to generate layers in his game, enabling him to impact the game from more spots on the floor.
#2 Ansley Almonor
Almonor averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds on 43.6% shooting last season for Fairleigh Dickinson Knights.
However, his most desired aspect on the Wildcats will be his 235 3-point attempts with nearly 40% efficiency. Almonor made 93 threes last season, tying the Knights’ season record.
While Kentucky will help him touch the 40% efficiency mark early in the coming season, Almonor will first have to translate his game to a bigger league.
#1 Jaxson Robinson
Robinson has the history to make him the most utilized piece in Kentucky basketball due to his pre-existing history with Mark Pope. The guard comes to KU after spending two years at BYU under Pope, averaging 14.2 points and 2.5 rebounds on 42.6% shooting last season over 33 games.
While he has the potential to be a great starting scorer, Robinson could be equally efficient by coming off the bench.