As Mark Pope continues to retool the Kentucky Wildcats in his first year at the helm, a new transfer target has entered the picture. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, a transfer guard from Kansas, is scheduled to sign on Tuesday—a move that could significantly impact the final makeup of Kentucky’s 2025–26 roster.
He is a 6-foot-6, 190-pound wing from Dallas, Texas, who brings valuable experience from both the SEC and Big 12, along with a solid shooting resume—an area Kentucky is still looking to strengthen this offseason. Originally a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, he started his college career at Alabama, where he emerged as a dependable three-point shooter in Nate Oats’ uptempo offense.
During the 2023–24 season, Griffen broke out with the Crimson Tide, averaging 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, while knocking down nearly 40% of his shots from deep. His contributions helped Alabama reach the Final Four, establishing him as a vital piece of their success. He later transferred to Kansas, but struggled to find consistent playing time, averaging only 4.3 points per game during a turbulent season for the Jayhawks.
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Despite a quieter year at Kansas, Griffen’s sophomore performance at Alabama stands as a clear example of what he can deliver in the right environment—something Kentucky believes it can provide. In Pope’s system, which emphasizes spacing, shooting, and movement, Griffen’s shooting ability and length make him a seamless fit. Defensively, his athleticism and size would also boost Kentucky’s perimeter presence.
With 12 scholarship players currently on the roster, Kentucky has room for one more addition. Pope has constructed a balanced team featuring talented freshmen, seasoned returners, and experienced transfers. Key pieces like Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Otega Oweh offer depth, but a proven scorer like Griffen could elevate the team’s overall ceiling.
Griffen’s upcoming visit could be a turning point. With his combination of shooting, high-level experience, and versatility, he fills several needs for a Wildcats squad aiming to make serious noise in Year Two of the Mark Pope era. While there’s no guarantee of a commitment, this is certainly a recruitment to keep a close eye on as Kentucky nears completion of its offseason roster rebuild.
