The Kentucky Wildcats and head coach Mark Pope have been highly active in the college basketball transfer portal during the offseason. In just his second year leading the program, Pope is already reshaping the roster, having secured several key transfer commitments and welcoming a talented incoming freshman class. However, one position remains uncertain: the shooting guard spot. As the team continues to assess its backcourt options, uncertainty surrounds the future of current guard Otega Oweh.
Among the new names emerging on Kentucky’s radar is Kimani Hamilton, a transfer from High Point University. Hamilton is a versatile forward with significant upside and a unique journey through college basketball. Originally a top-100 high school recruit from Clinton, Mississippi, Hamilton began his college career at Mississippi State. After limited playing time in his freshman year, he transferred to High Point, where he flourished.
Over the past two seasons, Hamilton became a consistent offensive contributor for High Point and earned All-Big South honors twice. In the 2023–24 season, he started all 35 games, helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 52% from the field. Although his three-point shooting (32.2%) still needs work, Hamilton demonstrated the ability to attack the basket, finish through contact, and generate offense off the dribble. Standing 6-foot-7, his size and versatile playing style could be a strong addition to Kentucky’s guard-heavy lineup.
Kentucky has already secured several high-profile transfers, including Mo Dioubate, Kam Williams, Jaland Lowe, Jayden Quaintance, and Andrija Jelavic. These acquisitions, along with a strong freshman class that includes five-star guard Jasper Johnson and four-star forward Malachi Moreno, have laid a solid foundation for the upcoming season. Still, the potential departure of Oweh would leave a gap in the backcourt—one that Hamilton might be well-suited to fill, even though he’s not a traditional shooting guard.
Coach Pope’s system prioritizes spacing, tempo, and positional versatility—qualities that Hamilton brings to the table. His length, athleticism, and scoring instincts make him a valuable asset, especially given his ability to adapt to multiple roles. Adding an experienced player like Hamilton would increase Kentucky’s depth and flexibility as the team prepares for a competitive campaign.
As Kentucky looks to finalize its roster, Kimani Hamilton remains a target worth watching. If he commits to the Wildcats, it would be another strategic move for Pope in building a well-rounded, dynamic team with the tools to make a deep postseason run. With his proven college experience and adaptable playing style, Hamilton could be a key piece in Kentucky’s evolving puzzle.
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