Updated Kentucky Basketball starting 5 after landing standout transfer Mark Mitchell

Since John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas, the Wildcats have made the NCAA Tournament in both seasons under Mark Pope, but there has been meat left on the bone.

However, Pope is looking for a breakout season entering Year 3 with the Wildcats and he has signed the top-ranked transfer portal class. The ‘Cats received great news on Saturday night when former Duke and Missouri big man, Mark Mitchell pledged to Kentucky.

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Kentucky has now signed two five-star transfers: Mitchell and Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic, both being top-10 transfers, per 247Sports.

Mitchell is a fifth-year player, which would’ve made him ineligible. But on Friday, he received a temporary restraining order — via a Jefferson Circuit Court ruling in Kentucky. That gave him clearance to play in 2026-27 and he will now play under Pope.

MORE: Dan Hurley bashes CBB coaches as NCAA eligibility rules spiral out of control

Projected Kentucky starting lineup with Mark Mitchell

NCAA Basketball: Missouri at Arkansas

Feb 21, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mark Mitchell (25) shoots a free-throw during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

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Mitchell comes to Kentucky after he spent two seasons at Duke before playing two more years at Missouri. He is listed at 6-foot-9, 239-pounds and will give the Wildcats another scorer in their lineup.

He is a new-age floor spacer and will allow Kentucky’s big man to have space on the court and rebound the ball. Last season, Mitchell averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while shooting 38.8% from three.

Out of the 134 career games Mitchell has played in, he has started 133 of them. He will likely slot into the ‘4’ for Kentucky this season.

Point guard: Zoom Diallo

Shooting guard: Alex Wilkins

Wing: Milan Momcilovic

Forward: Mark Mitchell

Center: Malachi Moreno

Out of the starting five,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/updated-kentucky-basketball-starting-5-142410901.html

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Publish date : 2026-08-23 14:24:00

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