Predicting Mark Pope's starting five after Kentucky landed Mark Mitchell

Which five players will start for Mark Pope this season?

Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope yells to his team against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Now that Mark Mitchell is officially a Kentucky Wildcat, Mark Pope has his full roster for the 2026-27 season. The Wildcats are looking like one of the best teams in college basketball as Pope tries to take the Wildcats on a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Now that there has been some shakeup to the roster, things in the starting five are going to look a lot different for Pope.

Let's predict who the starting five is going to be for Pope and the Wildcats.

Predicting Kentucky's starting five after the addition of Mark Mitchell

Point Guard: Zoom Diallo

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Huskies guard Zoom Diallo (5) brings the ball up court against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Zoom Diallo came over to Kentucky from Washington, where he put up some very impressive stats last season. He is an elite driver and should improve his three-point shooting in the Pope system. Diallo is going to have a great year at the one for Kentucky.

Shooting Guard: Alex Wilkins

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Furman Paladins guard Alex Wilkins (10) dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As a freshman last season at Furman, Wilkins put up video game-like numbers, averaging nearly 18 points per game. He will go back to playing off the ball, which I believe best suits his game. Wilkins is going to be a breakout star in college hoops this season.

Small Forward: Milan Momcilovic

Mar 27, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) drives the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Jaylen Carey (23) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kentucky's three will be Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic, who was the best shooter in college basketball last season. Momcilovic was made in a lab to play in the Pope system and could break the record for most made threes in a college basketball season this year. He will be one of the best players in college hoops this year.

Power Forward: Mark Mitchell

Mar 19, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) looks on during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Mitchell, the most recent addition for Pope and the Wildcats, is going to be an elite scorer around the rim and will continue to elevate his game from deep this year in Lexington. It would be a big help for Pope and the Wildcats if Mitchell improved his rebounding numbers this season in Lexington.

Center: Malachi Moreno

Feb 28, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) celebrates from the bench during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Heading into his sophomore season, Big Blue Nation is expecting Moreno to improve a ton, and NBA scouts believe he will become a first-round pick. I believe that Moreno has a chance to average 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks per game. These numbers would, without question, have the Wildcats' starting center in the first round of the 2027 NBA Draft.

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