Updated Kentucky basketball roster after Andrija Jelavoic and Brandon Garrison announce commitments
The Wildcats were busy over the weekend, hosting recruits after the dead period and getting commitments to fill out their roster. Let’s find out what the full roster looks like.
Kentucky Basketball’s Updated 2025 Roster: Brandon Garrison Returns, Andrija Jelavić Joins
Mark Pope’s first Kentucky basketball roster is officially starting to take shape — and it’s looking like a deep, versatile group with real SEC title potential.
With center Brandon Garrison recommitting to the program and 6’11 European standout Andrija Jelavić announcing his commitment, the Wildcats now boast a 12-man scholarship roster filled with a strong mix of returning talent, high-upside freshmen, seasoned transfers, and international experience.
🏀 Returning Players
Trent Noah (PF)
Otega Oweh (SF)
Travis Perry (PG)
Collin Chandler (SG)
Brandon Garrison (C)
This group provides a solid foundation. Oweh is a two-way wing with defensive toughness, while Chandler and Perry both bring backcourt depth. Noah could be one of the team’s biggest surprises as a stretch four who fits Pope’s system beautifully. Garrison, who averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds last season, will anchor the frontcourt off the bench.
📚 High School Commits
Jasper Johnson (SG)
Malachi Moreno (PF)
Johnson is an elite shot-maker and one of the best shooters in the class. Moreno, a 7-footer, is a long-term project with big upside, likely to spend this year developing strength and adjusting to the speed of the college game.
🔁 Transfer Portal Additions
Mouhamed Dioubate (PF, Alabama)
Kam Williams (SF, Tulane)
Jaland Lowe (PG, Pittsburgh)
Jayden Quaintance (PF/C, Arizona State)
Dioubate adds energy and physicality to the four spot. Williams is an elite athlete and projected sixth man who could win SEC Sixth Man of the Year. Lowe is a steady floor general expected to lead the offense, and Quaintance is a potential one-and-done with top-tier shot-blocking and rebounding skills.
🌍 International Commit
Andrija Jelavić (C, Mega Basket – Serbia)
Jelavić brings a unique blend of size, skill, and pro experience from Europe. While he may need time to adjust to the American game, his ceiling is high as a stretch big who can eventually play either the four or five.
Projected starting lineup
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Otega Oweh
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance
This lineup offers balance, defense, shooting, and playmaking. Johnson’s scoring and Lowe’s poise at point guard should steady the backcourt. Dioubate and Quaintance will bring physicality and rebounding to the frontcourt, with Oweh acting as the glue guy on the wing.
Bench depth & breakout candidates
Kam Williams – Expect him to star as Kentucky’s sixth man. His experience and scoring punch make him one of the most important players on the team.
Brandon Garrison – He’ll likely be the 7th man and get major minutes, especially early if Quaintance needs time.
Collin Chandler – Versatile guard who can play the one or two and is primed for a breakout sophomore year.
Trent Noah – A perfect system fit. With improved quickness and confidence, Noah could become a floor-spacing force off the bench.
Travis Perry – Kentucky Mr. Basketball will be a valuable backup PG when Lowe or Johnson are in foul trouble.
Andrija Jelavić – Expect a learning curve early in the year, but he has the tools to be a high-impact big by SEC play.
Malachi Moreno – He’ll use this year to bulk up and prepare for a bigger role in 2026.
Could there be more additions?
With 12 scholarship players currently on board, Pope still has room to add up to three more players. NCAA rules allow teams to carry 15 full scholarships, but schools can also offer partial scholarships or stash long-term projects. Don’t be surprised if Kentucky adds another sharpshooter.
