"BBN is going to show them nothing but love": Brandon Garrison sends clear message to Kentucky transfers ahead of debut for Mark Pope's squad
The Kentucky Wildcats have seen an upward trend after appointing head coach Mark Pope, as he guided them to the Sweet 16 in the March Madness tournament. He has brought that positivity back into the team as they reached the stage for the first time since 2019.
However, the upcoming season could be more challenging for Pope and the Wildcats. Four contributing players from the last season are returning to the team, which includes the likes of Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler and Trent Noah.
Garrison, who was the backup forward last season, averaged 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists with 57% shooting. However, he is expected to have a bigger role next season.
The junior forward recently spoke about the Wildcats' roster and Pope. He shared an assuring message for the Kentucky transfers about playing for the Big Blue Nation.
“I’m telling them that BBN is going to show them nothing but love,” Garrison said via On3.com. “Even when we’re not playing as good, they’re still going to love you.
"When you’re playing great, they’re going to love you of course. I was just telling them about playing in Rupp [Arena], it’s something that you’re never gonna forget. They’re just gonna have to see it for themselves like I did," he added.
Brandon Garrison is expected to get a much bigger role for Wildcats next season
The Oklahoma native could see a big shift in his role for the Kentucky Wildcats in the upcoming season. He could be in a leadership role for Pope's men, as multiple players are joining the program. However, Garrison is embracing the challenge of a new leadership role.
“It’s just something me and coach Pope talked about right after the season,” Garrison said during Tuesday’s media opportunity. “It’s something that I want to do, and it’s about doing the small things like that to help move that direction. I’d say it’s [Pope] and me, but really just me.”
Garrison moved to the Wildcats last season after transferring from the Oklahoma City Cowboys, where he averaged 7.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg. While his role was significantly less for the Wildcats, he couldn't pass up the opportunity of playing under Pope.