Mark Pope emphasizes Kentucky's backcourt depth: 'We have so many capable options.'

Mark Pope doesn’t seem the slightest bit concerned about his backcourt situation going into the 2025-26 season.

“I think we have a chance to have a really dynamic backcourt,” Pope told reporters Monday. “Guys that are really capable of making multiple moves to make plays in the backcourt. And I think this team has a chance to really pass the ball at an elite level.”

The injury bug took multiple bites at Kentucky’s backcourt last season. Kerr Kriisa sat out for most of the season, Jaxson Robinson missed a dozen games, and Lamont Butler was in and out of the lineup during SEC play. Pope found ways to make the offense work anyway. This time around, he should even more guard options to help ease any potential injury issues.

Jaland Lowe was brought in from Pitt to take over as the Wildcats’ starting point guard, and the early chatter is he’s excelled during summer practices. He brings a different flavor to Kentucky’s offense compared to Butler that should trickle down to his teammates. But Pope believes he’s not the only one who can step in as the lead guard and direct the offense.

“I have a really talented backcourt. I have so many options,” Pope explained. “Otega (Oweh)‘s played some minutes at the one, Collin Chandler has played a lot of minutes at the one. Jasper Johnson‘s completely capable of playing the one. I think DA (Denzel Aberdeen) is very comfortable playing the one. We’re in a little bit of a different scenario than we felt like we were in most of the season last year. We have so many capable options.”

Adding to that, last season’s Kentucky team lacked having multiple players who could create their own shots and consistently make plays. Pope doesn’t see that being the case in the 2025-26 campaign.

“I also think at the two and the three, we’re built a little bit different,” he added. “We probably are going to have more get where you want to go ball handling on the floor besides just our point guard. I think our two-guard, for the most part, in the game, and a lot of times our three, is going to be really aggressive off the bounce, being able to make plays off the bounce. I think we’ll live in that space a lot this year.”

Oweh and Chandler, in particular, should make leaps in that area after playing in Pope’s system for a full season. Lowe and Aberdeen were proven products at their previous stops, while expectations remain high for Johnson despite him being a freshman. Even the likes of Trent Noah and Kam Williams, listed as forwards, can slide up to handle some guard responsibilities in a pinch.

“Otega Oweh is making real strides with his intentionality on being a cutter and pushing the ball in transition,” Pope said. “Collin Chandler is gonna be an elite-level pace guy. We had possessions where Jaland Lowe ran by everybody on the court in transition to get to the rim. He’s got unbelievable jets. DA can run.”

Over halfway through summer practices, Pope sure seems to like what he’s seen from his guard play thus far.

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