Kentucky is up one spot to No. 8 in ESPN’s updated Way-Too-Early Top 25.
Gonzaga tops the updated rankings followed by Kansas and UCLA. Villanova and Texas round out the top 5.
Here’s an excerpt about the Wildcats:
8. Kentucky Wildcats
Previous: 9
Given the Wildcats’ aggressiveness in rebuilding their roster this offseason, it shouldn’t come as a surprise they were involved in some key decisions during the month of July. On the plus side, Davion Mintz opted to return to Lexington for his extra year of eligibility. Mintz started 21 games last season and shot nearly 38% from 3-point range; his combination of experience and ability to play either backcourt spot will earn him plenty of minutes even despite the additions at guard. He was terrific down the stretch of the season, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 assists and shooting 47.1% from 3 in the final six games. Up front, Kentucky didn’t land Kofi Cockburn, who entered the transfer portal before opting to return to Champaign. The Wildcats were heavily linked early in his transfer recruitment, although the two sides went separate ways a few days before a decision. They’re also still in the hunt for elite 2022 prospect Jalen Duren, who is expected to reclassify into the 2021 class. Much of the buzz of late is centered around Memphis and Miami, however.
Projected starting lineup:
Sahvir Wheeler (14.0 PPG, 7.4 APG at Georgia)
TyTy Washington (No. 12 in ESPN 100)
Kellan Grady (17.1 PPG at Davidson)
Keion Brooks Jr., (10.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG)
Oscar Tshiebwe (8.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG at West Virginia)
