LEXINGTON — Kentucky Basketball Prepares for 2023-24 Season with New Roster

Next week, Kentucky basketball will kick off its highly anticipated 2023-24 season with a game against New Mexico State at Rupp Arena. While fans have already caught glimpses of the Wildcats in various tournaments and exhibition matches, there is still much to learn about this season’s roster. The Courier Journal provides valuable insights into the team by answering important questions leading up to the upcoming campaign.

What’s New with Kentucky’s 2023-24 Roster?

This season, the Wildcats’ roster features an impressive nine newcomers, accounting for seventy-five percent of the team’s primary scholarship players. With four players leaving for the NBA draft and four others entering the transfer portal, coach John Calipari had to rebuild the team. He brought in a highly regarded eight-man recruiting class, which was ranked as the best in the nation for the 2023 cycle, and also added Tre Mitchell as a transfer.

Who’s Back with the Wildcats from Last Season?

There are only three players remaining from last season’s squad: senior Antonio Reeves and sophomores Ugonna Onyenso and Adou Thiero. Reeves, in particular, had a significant impact last season, leading the team in scoring with an average of 14.4 points per game.

Which Kentucky Player is Most Likely to Have a Breakout Season?

While it may be irrational to expect a breakout season from a newcomer, there are two players who stand out. With Onyenso out due to a foot fracture, Adou Thiero has an opportunity to prove himself and make a bigger impact this season. Thiero has worked hard during the offseason and should see improvements in his performance, particularly in scoring and rebounding.

Which Wildcat Has the Most to Prove?

Ugonna Onyenso is the player with the most to prove this season. After a challenging offseason that included rumors of transferring, Onyenso is determined to showcase his skill set in 2023-24. Despite limited playing time last season, he displayed exceptional shot-blocking abilities.

Which UK Newcomer Will Have the Best Season?

While there are several talented newcomers on Kentucky’s roster, freshman guard D.J. Wagner is expected to stand out. With his aggressive offensive style, Wagner will likely have the most shots attempted and could lead the team in scoring. However, he may also have the highest number of turnovers.

Number to Know About the 2023-24 Wildcats

This season, the Wildcats boast a unique feature with three 7-footers on their roster: Onyenso, Aaron Bradshaw, and Zvonimir Ivicic. This is only the third time in Coach Calipari’s tenure that he has had multiple 7-footers on his team. Ivicic, a 7-foot-2 center from Croatia, would become the tallest player to ever suit up for Calipari at UK if granted clearance by the NCAA.

Who is Kentucky’s Most Important Player in 2023-24?

Justin Edwards, a highly talented freshman, is considered the most important player for the Wildcats this season. With his exceptional all-around skills, he has the potential to be the number one pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If Edwards lives up to his promise, Kentucky basketball could replicate the success they had when previous number one picks led the team, such as John Wall, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball: Scouting report of John Calipari’s 2023-24 roster

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