Kentucky’s roster overhaul under new head coach Mark Pope took a minor setback this week, as two of the Wildcats’ top transfer portal targets committed to SEC rivals. One of the most notable names to come off the board is Maryland guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who pledged to Tennessee on Friday, as reported on X. Gillespie had been a key target for Kentucky, with Kentucky Sports Radio’s Jacob Polacheck reporting that Pope personally contacted Gillespie’s father. The 6-foot-1 guard had a standout season with the Terrapins, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 45.3% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range.
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Prior to his time at Maryland, Gillespie made a name for himself at Belmont, where he earned Missouri Valley Conference All-Defense honors. His well-rounded game, including his scoring, playmaking, and defense, made him one of the top guards in the portal. Gillespie’s decision to play for Rick Barnes and the Volunteers is a big win for Tennessee and a missed opportunity for Kentucky, who is still working to rebuild its backcourt.
Meanwhile, Florida State transfer forward Taylor Bol Bowen also chose another SEC contender over Kentucky. The 6-foot-10 sophomore committed to Alabama on Friday, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. Bowen had recently visited Kentucky, touring the facilities and meeting with the coaching staff, but ultimately decided to join Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.
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Bowen, a former Top-100 recruit, had an impressive season at Florida State, averaging 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. His size, versatility, and shooting ability made him a strong fit for the modern, fast-paced style of play that Pope wanted to incorporate into his frontcourt rotation.
While these two commitments don’t pose an immediate problem for Kentucky, they highlight the fierce competition in the transfer portal, particularly within the SEC. With both Gillespie and Bowen joining teams Kentucky will face in conference play, Pope and his staff must quickly regroup and continue to work the portal. Kentucky has already secured Tulane transfer Kam Williams and will likely remain aggressive in pursuing more players as they continue to shape the roster.
