What does Adou Thiero hitting the transfer portal mean for Kentucky?

The Wildcats are losing a valuable piece of their roster.

Mar 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Adou Thiero (3) speaks to the media / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The Kentucky basketball program received some terrible news on Thursday as sophomore guard/forward Adou Thiero entered the transfer portal.

During the 2023-24 season, Thiero averaged 7.2 points, five rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. He was Kentucky's most physical player and best rebounder. At times during this season, it seemed like Thiero was the only player willing to work hard to grab boards and play physical defense.

Many Kentucky fans believe Thiero would have been a massive part of the 2024-25 roster, helping the Wildcats defend better than they did last season, put the ball on the ground, and drive.

Thiero proved to be an elite driver this season, and at times, he was a reliable shooter from beyond the three-point line. If Thiero can get better shooting the ball, he will become a legit first-round NBA prospect whatever he ends up next season.

What this means for Kentucky is they will need to find some physiciality. On his radio show, Coach John Calipari said he will try to have next season's team be more physical, and that will likely take a few transfer portal additions with Thiero announcing he is leaving.

Kentucky has already reached out to a few players in the transfer portal, but if last year's players keep hitting the portal and announcing they are leaving for the NBA Draft, Coach Calipari will have a lot of work to do in the portal.

Coach Calipari has a vision for the 2024-25 Kentucky basketball roster, and now it will be about adding players via the portal to make it a reality.