Three Kentucky players BBN should buy the hype on this season

The Kentucky basketball season is quickly approaching, and fans are getting really excited about the roster Mark Pope has for his third year in Lexington. Coach Pope has a good mix of veteran players who have already proven their value in college hoops and young players with a ton of upside.

The players on the roster who have a ton of upside are the ones who have Big Blue Nation the most excited because fans know these players will elevate the ceiling of this team.

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Let’s take a look at three Wildcats getting a ton of hype that Big Blue Nation should believe in.

BBN needs to buy the hype around these three Wildcats

Alex Wilkins

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Furman Paladins guard Alex Wilkins (10) dribbles the ball past UConn Huskies guard Alec Millender (9) in the second half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season, as a true freshman at Furman, Alex Wilkins put up some video game-like numbers. Some have wondered if he is ready to make the jump to the SEC and play at an elite level, but I have an immense amount of confidence that he is ready. Wilkins showed a ton of flashes this summer and is ready to be the starting two guard for Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats. Don’t be shocked if Wilkins is an NBA Draft pick in 2027.

Braydon Hawthorne

Oct 11, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Braydon Hawthorne (22) shoots the ball during Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One player that Kentucky fans have a ton of excitement about is Braydon Hawthorne. He didn’t see the floor last season, but he’s put on some muscle and is ready for a much larger role this season. The 6’9 wing can shoot the ball at an elite level, and this is a big reason why BBN knows he is such a good fit for the Pope system. We haven’t seen much of Hawthorne…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/three-kentucky-players-bbn-buy-171129550.html

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Publish date : 2026-08-17 17:11:00

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