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The first member of Kentucky’s 2024-25 men’s basketball team to enter the NCAA transfer portal has officially found a new home. On Sunday evening, former UK guard Kerr Kriisa revealed via social media that he’s committed to Cincinnati. “I think this is really my last year of eligibility (for real this time). Pumped to be a Bearcat!!” he wrote on Instagram.

Kriisa began the season as the backup point guard behind Lamont Butler but appeared in only nine games for the Wildcats. His year was cut short by a foot injury suffered during Kentucky’s Dec. 7 win over Gonzaga in Seattle, and he didn’t return to action. Near the end of the regular season, head coach Mark Pope confirmed that Kriisa would not be cleared to play again.

Having already played five seasons of college basketball — with stops at Arizona, West Virginia, and Kentucky — Kriisa is expected to qualify for a medical redshirt due to the timing of his injury. In his nine games at UK, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.8 assists in 17.3 minutes per game.

After entering the portal on March 31, Kriisa posted a farewell message on social media, reflecting on his experience in Lexington.

“To Coach Pope and the UK staff — it’s been a dream to represent Kentucky basketball. Thank you for your support,” he wrote. “To my teammates — I’m grateful for the bonds we’ve formed, and I’ll treasure those friendships forever. And to Big Blue Nation — your unwavering support has meant everything. Playing at Rupp Arena has been unforgettable. I’ll always hold my time in Kentucky close to my heart and wish the program nothing but success.”

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Interestingly, Kriisa becomes the second recent Wildcat to transfer to Cincinnati, following CJ Fredrick, who made a similar move in 2023 after just one season at UK.

Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Kentucky Roster

While Kentucky isn’t expected to undergo a complete roster overhaul, changes are underway. Six players from the 2024-25 squad have exhausted their NCAA eligibility: Ansley Almonor, Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, Jaxson Robinson, and Amari Williams. Kriisa, of course, has opted to transfer.

Several players could return next season, including freshmen guards Collin Chandler and Travis Perry, freshman forward Trent Noah, sophomore center Brandon Garrison, and junior guard Otega Oweh.

The Wildcats have already added five new faces for 2025-26. That group includes transfers Kam Williams (a freshman wing from Tulane) and Jaland Lowe, a former All-ACC guard from Pittsburgh. They’ll be joined by three incoming freshmen: McDonald’s All-American and in-state center Malachi Moreno, plus guards Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis.

Kentucky is also still in the mix to land five-star forward Nate Ament, a standout high school senior from Virginia.