Kentucky Cracks Rothstein’s Top 15 — And His Projected Lineup Has Big Blue Nation Buzzing
When Jon Rothstein speaks, college basketball listens. And this time, he’s got the Kentucky Wildcats squarely in his sights.
The ever-energetic insider just released his latest Rothstein 45, and he’s got Kentucky pegged at No. 11 heading into the 2025–26 season. But it’s not just the ranking that’s stirring the pot in Lexington — it’s Rothstein’s bold projected starting five that has fans hitting group chats and lighting up message boards.
With a roster bursting with fresh talent, gritty transfers, and athletic returnees, everyone wants to know: Who’s starting for Mark Pope?
💥 Rothstein’s Projected Starting Lineup
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G – Jaland Lowe (So.)
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G – Denzel Aberdeen (Jr.)
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G – Otega Oweh (Jr.)
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F – Mouhamed Dioubate (So.)
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C – Jayden Quaintance (Fr.)
🧱 The Building Blocks: Lowe, Oweh & Quaintance
Three names are already in Sharpie, according to Rothstein.
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Jaland Lowe, the electric Pitt transfer, will likely quarterback the offense with tempo and control.
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Otega Oweh, a returning starter, is a defensive menace who can get buckets and guard multiple positions.
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And Jayden Quaintance—the teenage prodigy—will anchor the paint with jaw-dropping shot-blocking and freakish athleticism.
That core trio screams defense, transition play, and high-octane energy. Big Blue Nation, buckle up.
🔥 Position Battles Heating Up
Shooting Guard Showdown:
Rothstein gives the early edge to Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen, a calm, confident guard with experience. But don’t count out:
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Jasper Johnson – 5-star freshman, pure Kentucky blood, ready to make noise.
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Collin Chandler – Back and better after a year away, with bounce and scoring instincts.
It’s anyone’s spot right now — and it might come down to who shines brightest in fall camp.
Power Forward Duel:
For now, Rothstein rolls with Mouhamed Dioubate, a rugged, no-nonsense rebounder with a defensive mindset. But waiting in the wings?
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Andrija Jelavic – The smooth-shooting Croatian stretch-four who adds instant offense and spacing.
Coach Pope’s choice here could signal his vision for the team: defense-first grit or offensive versatility?
🛋️ Bench Mob & Flex Appeal
This roster has depth for days. Versatile weapons like Kam Williams, Trent Noah, Jasper Johnson, and Chandler give Pope the power to switch styles on the fly—big, small, or defensive lockdown mode.
Don’t expect a static five all season. Think fluid rotations, matchup-specific tweaks, and a seven- to eight-man core that can adapt and attack.
🎯 Rothstein’s Message? Kentucky Is Back
Mark Pope’s Wildcats are reloaded, refocused, and ranked. Sitting at No. 11 on Rothstein’s board, this is a team with fire, structure, and something to prove. If the pieces come together—and early signs say they might—Kentucky could be dancing deep into March.
This isn’t just a rebuild. It’s a relaunch.
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