Top three options for Mark Pope and Kentucky in the transfer portal

Mark Pope needs to make a run at these three players in the portal.

Jan 24, 2026; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) drives the ball to the basket against Georgetown Hoyas guard KJ Lewis (5) during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

This offseason is going to be very important for Mark Pope as he needs to put together an elite roster so that Kentucky can have an excellent 2026-27 season. Knowing the Wildcats have only one player committed in the 2026 class, a lot of the rebuilding of this roster will have to be done in the transfer portal.

The transfer portal isn’t open yet, as the first day for players to officially enter is April 7th, but players are already declaring they will enter the portal when it opens. Knowing the Wildcats are no longer playing, this means Pope can scout some of the players to decide who he will reach out to when the portal officially opens.

Let’s take a look at the top three players in the transfer portal that Coach Pope needs to reach out to.

Top three players in the portal that would be a good fit for Kentucky

Stefan Vaaks, G - Providence

Mar 12, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) chases after a loose ball against St. John's Red Storm guard Oziyah Sellers (4) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

One of the players who has announced his plans to enter the portal that Big Blue Nation really wants is Stefan Vaaks. The guard was a true freshman this season at Providence, and he is a sharpshooter. As a freshman, Vaaks averaged 15.8 points per game while also dishing 3.2 assists. He shot over eight three-pointers a game and was shooting 35% from deep. Vaaks will only get better, so Pope needs to do everything he can to land this 6’7 European guard.

Jackson Shelstad, PG - Oregon

Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad pulls in a rebound as the Oregon Ducks host the UC Davis Aggies on Dec. 13, 2025, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad has spent three years playing for the Ducks, but he has announced that he will be hitting the transfer portal. A hand injury cut his season short, but in 12 games, he averaged 15.6 points per game to go with 4.9 assists. Shelstad’s hand injury shouldn’t be a concern for next season, and he is a proven scorer and passer. Some fans might not like Shelstad, but he is a proven power conference guard who could replace Jaland Lowe well.

DeSean Goode, PF - Robert Morris

Nov 4, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) goes to the basket as Robert Morris Colonials forward Desean Goode (0) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

DeSean Goode is a forward who averaged 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last year for Robert Morris. He was incredibly efficient, shooting 62.9% from the field and 57.1% from three. Goode can score from all over the floor, and he just has a knack for being efficient. He can pop out and make a three, which would help him fit into Pope’s system. He has two years of eligibility left, which would make him a good get for Pope. Goode will be a high-level star in college hoops next season, and I'm hoping it's at Kentucky.