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

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.

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

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.

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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…

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Publish date : 2026-08-24 17:38:00

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