Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope has expressed high praise for Jaland Lowe, the team’s newest addition to the roster. Lowe, a 6-foot-3 point guard from Texas, transferred from Pittsburgh and is set to play a pivotal role for the Wildcats in the 2025-26 season. Pope’s comments highlight Lowe’s explosive playmaking abilities, veteran experience, and strong work ethic, qualities that make him a valuable asset to the team [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-coach-mark-pope-shares-his-thoughts-on-pg-jaland-lowe?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL2tlbnR1Y2t5LWNvYWNoLW1hcmstcG9wZS1zaGFyZXMtaGlzLXRob3VnaHRzLW9uLXBnLWphbGFuZC1sb3dlIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-talks-first-time-163258321.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLXRhbGtzLWZpcnN0LXRpbWUtMTYzMjU4MzIxLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Lowe’s performance at Pittsburgh showcased his potential as a dynamic player. During the previous season, he averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. His ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game earned him third-team All-ACC honors. Additionally, Lowe demonstrated his versatility by achieving a triple-double in a game against Virginia Military Institute, a rare feat in Pittsburgh’s basketball history [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-coach-mark-pope-shares-his-thoughts-on-pg-jaland-lowe?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL2tlbnR1Y2t5LWNvYWNoLW1hcmstcG9wZS1zaGFyZXMtaGlzLXRob3VnaHRzLW9uLXBnLWphbGFuZC1sb3dlIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-talks-first-time-163258321.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLXRhbGtzLWZpcnN0LXRpbWUtMTYzMjU4MzIxLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Despite his impressive stats, Lowe faced challenges with his shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. He shot 26.6% on three-pointers last season, a decline from his freshman year percentage of 35.2%. However, Pope is optimistic about Lowe’s ability to improve his shooting percentages under Kentucky’s system. The coach believes that Lowe will benefit from better shot selection and a reduced shooting workload, which could lead to more consistent performances [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-coach-mark-pope-shares-his-thoughts-on-pg-jaland-lowe?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL2tlbnR1Y2t5LWNvYWNoLW1hcmstcG9wZS1zaGFyZXMtaGlzLXRob3VnaHRzLW9uLXBnLWphbGFuZC1sb3dlIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-talks-first-time-163258321.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLXRhbGtzLWZpcnN0LXRpbWUtMTYzMjU4MzIxLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Pope’s remarks also emphasize Lowe’s leadership qualities and passion for the game. He described Lowe as a “great kid” with a tremendous work ethic and a strong desire to win. These attributes align with Pope’s vision for the team, which focuses on building a roster of versatile, athletic, and competitive players. Lowe’s court vision and passing skills are expected to create opportunities for Kentucky’s knockdown shooters, enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-coach-mark-pope-shares-his-thoughts-on-pg-jaland-lowe?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL2tlbnR1Y2t5LWNvYWNoLW1hcmstcG9wZS1zaGFyZXMtaGlzLXRob3VnaHRzLW9uLXBnLWphbGFuZC1sb3dlIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-talks-first-time-163258321.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLXRhbGtzLWZpcnN0LXRpbWUtMTYzMjU4MzIxLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Lowe’s arrival at Kentucky comes at a crucial time, as the team looks to retool its roster with key additions from the transfer portal. Alongside Lowe, Kentucky has brought in other talented players, including Mouhamed Dioubate, Jayden Quaintance, and Kam Williams. Pope’s strategic approach to recruitment aims to assemble a group of players who can adapt to various roles and contribute to the team’s success [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-talks-first-time-163258321.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLXRhbGtzLWZpcnN0LXRpbWUtMTYzMjU4MzIxLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [C](https://wildcatbluenation.com/what-mark-pope-said-about-each-of-kentucky-s-transfer-portal-signees?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd2lsZGNhdGJsdWVuYXRpb24uY29tXC93aGF0LW1hcmstcG9wZS1zYWlkLWFib3V0LWVhY2gtb2Yta2VudHVja3ktcy10cmFuc2Zlci1wb3J0YWwtc2lnbmVlcyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
As Lowe prepares to don the blue and white jersey, expectations are high for his performance. His experience, skill set, and dedication make him a promising candidate to lead Kentucky’s backcourt and set the tone for the team’s play. With Pope’s guidance and the support of his teammates, Lowe has the potential to have a standout season and make a significant impact on the Wildcats’ journey to success [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-coach-mark-pope-shares-his-thoughts-on-pg-jaland-lowe?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL2tlbnR1Y2t5LWNvYWNoLW1hcmstcG9wZS1zaGFyZXMtaGlzLXRob3VnaHRzLW9uLXBnLWphbGFuZC1sb3dlIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-talks-first-time-163258321.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLXRhbGtzLWZpcnN0LXRpbWUtMTYzMjU4MzIxLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [C](https://wildcatbluenation.com/what-mark-pope-said-about-each-of-kentucky-s-transfer-portal-signees?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxZ2I2MndjeXV3aldyRFNFN1hrSFUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidGFQa0NQbWlyeVRWV0ZyOFBrdUd5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd2lsZGNhdGJsdWVuYXRpb24uY29tXC93aGF0LW1hcmstcG9wZS1zYWlkLWFib3V0LWVhY2gtb2Yta2VudHVja3ktcy10cmFuc2Zlci1wb3J0YWwtc2lnbmVlcyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
