In a shocking turn of events, freshman point guard D.J. Wagner and 7-foot-2 center Zvonimir Ivišić have both decided to enter the transfer portal following the departure of John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas. Wagner, a highly touted recruit and McDonald’s All American, had a less than stellar freshman season and is expected to continue his college career elsewhere.
Adding to the roster shakeup, five-star recruit Aaron Bradshaw and several other freshmen have also announced their decision to enter the transfer portal. Bradshaw has already committed to Ohio State, while Ivišić revealed his transfer to Arkansas on Instagram after a meeting with new head coach Mark Pope.
With Calipari’s departure, the top-ranked 2023 recruiting class at Kentucky is facing more setbacks, as two players are projected to enter the NBA draft and others are reevaluating their college choices. Pope, who was introduced as Kentucky’s new head coach on Sunday, will now be tasked with rebuilding the roster amidst these significant departures.
It remains to be seen how Pope will navigate these challenging circumstances and whether he can attract new talent to the program. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how Kentucky’s basketball team transforms under Pope’s leadership in the coming seasons. Stay tuned to Jala News for further updates on this developing story.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”