Lexington, Kentucky, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program held its annual Pro Day at Memorial Coliseum, with NBA scouts from all 30 teams in attendance. Players participated in drills and scrimmages, showcasing their talents. Coach Mark Pope emphasized improved defense and the depth of the roster, which includes several key transfers. Injured players Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh were unable to fully participate, but the energy remained high as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program conducted its annual Pro Day on October 7, 2025, at Memorial Coliseum, with NBA scouts from all 30 teams in attendance. This year’s event provided the scouts with their first glimpse of head coach Mark Pope’s second team at the university.
The Pro Day, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, featured a mix of regular practice drills and 5-on-5 scrimmages, allowing players to showcase their skills. Sophomore Trent Noah noted that the atmosphere was similar to their usual practice sessions, with players treating the Pro Day like just another day in the gym. Freshman Jasper Johnson indicated that the culture at the University of Kentucky is such that “every day is a Pro Day,” due to the constant presence of scouts during practices.
Several players stood out during the Pro Day, including Andrija Jelavic, Jasper Johnson, Trent Noah, Mo Dioubate, Jaland Lowe, and Braydon Hawthorne. However, injured players Jayden Quaintance, who is recovering from ACL surgery, and Otega Oweh, who is dealing with turf toe, were unable to fully participate. While Oweh was present at the event, Quaintance was undergoing rehabilitation without a defined timeline for his return.
Coach Mark Pope utilized the Pro Day to emphasize the importance of an improved defensive strategy, highlighting weaknesses observed in the team’s performance from the previous season. The players exhibited competitive energy throughout the event, characterized by high levels of communication and encouragement among teammates.
The roster for the upcoming season is noted for its remarkable depth, featuring 14 scholarship-level players. This abundance of talent presents challenges for the coaching staff in establishing the rotation. Among the team are several key incoming players, including transfers Denzel Aberdeen from Florida, Mouhamed Dioubate from Alabama, Jaland Lowe from Pitt, Reece Potter from Miami (OH), and Kam Williams from Tulane.
The Pro Day was also streamed live on SEC Network+, starting at 5:30 PM ET, with hosts Dick Gabriel and Jack “Goose” Givens covering the event. With the Wildcats gearing up for the 2025-26 season, expectations remain high as the team aims to build on a previous Sweet 16 finish.
The event served as a critical platform for players to display their NBA potential ahead of the collegiate season, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to excellence within the Kentucky basketball program.
Upcoming Season
The Wildcats are set to open their season on November 4, 2025, with fans eager to see how the new roster and coaching strategies translate into on-court performance.
Pro Day Key Details
- Date: October 7, 2025
- Location: Memorial Coliseum, Lexington, Kentucky
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
- Attendees: NBA scouts from all 30 teams
Injuries
- Jayden Quaintance: Recovering from ACL surgery, participated loosely
- Otega Oweh: Suffering from turf toe, did not play
Featured Players
- Andrija Jelavic
- Jasper Johnson
- Trent Noah
- Mo Dioubate
- Jaland Lowe
- Braydon Hawthorne
Coaching Emphasis
Coach Mark Pope focused on strengthening the team’s defensive presence during the Pro Day.
Player Roster Highlights
The upcoming season’s roster features key incoming transfers, which adds depth to the team structure.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 7, 2025 |
| Location | Memorial Coliseum, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Duration | Approximately 90 minutes |
| Attendees | NBA scouts from all 30 teams |
| Highlights | Outstanding performances from several players |
| Upcoming Season Start Date | November 4, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- UK Athletics: Kentucky Pro Day Slated for Oct 7
- Sports Illustrated: One Kentucky Player Proved at Pro Day
- Kentucky.com: UK Basketball Pro Day Recap
- A Sea of Blue: UK Pro Day Recap – 5 Takeaways
- Sporting News: Watch Kentucky Basketball Pro Day
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
- Google Search: Kentucky Wildcats Pro Day 2025
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Wildcats
- Google News: Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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