GOODNEWS: Jaland Lowe Withdraws from NBA Draft, Set to Electrify Kentucky Backcourt
LEXINGTON, KY – In a significant boost for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program, transfer guard Jaland Lowe has officially withdrawn his name from the 2025 NBA Draft and will play for the Wildcats next season. The dynamic point guard, who previously committed to Kentucky from Pittsburgh, shared his decision with a clear message: “Can’t miss this opportunity.”
Lowe’s withdrawal confirms his highly anticipated arrival in Lexington, providing head coach Mark Pope with an experienced and explosive playmaker to lead his new-look Wildcats. His decision follows a strong showing at the NBA G League Elite Camp, where he demonstrated his abilities against other professional hopefuls, yet ultimately opted for another year of collegiate development.
As a sophomore at Pittsburgh, Lowe had a standout 2024-25 season, averaging a team-high 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. He started all 31 games for the Panthers, earning Third Team All-ACC honors for his impressive contributions. His ability to create for himself and others, coupled with his quickness and athleticism, made him one of the ACC’s most exciting guards.
While his statistical output was elite, Coach Pope has expressed excitement about helping Lowe improve his efficiency within Kentucky’s system. “I love his ability as a playmaker,” Pope stated recently. “He’s going to be surprised, and he knows it, by having a chance to actually get an open catch-and-shoot once in a while, and have guys that demand space on the floor. I expect he’s going to take a massive jump also in his efficiency and his leadership.”
Lowe’s presence is expected to be immediate and impactful for the Wildcats. He brings a proven track record of high-level production and the experience of being a go-to player. His fit within Pope’s up-tempo, ball-sharing offensive scheme, which aims to maximize shot quality, could unlock even greater potential in his game.
With Lowe now officially in the fold, Kentucky’s roster for the upcoming season continues to take shape, blending talented transfers with promising freshmen. For the Big Blue Nation, the news is a welcome confirmation, signaling that a pivotal piece of their future backcourt is ready to don the Kentucky jersey and embark on a journey that Lowe himself believes is an opportunity too good to pass up.
