> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Inside Kentucky Basketball season preview hub: What to know about the Wildcats - URL: https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/inside-kentucky-basketball-season-preview-hub-what-to-know-about-the-wildcats/ - Published: 2026-11-03T12:30:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-04T01:06:26.000Z - Description: Get ready for tonight's UK basketball season opener with a recap of our top stories from the past few weeks. - Author: Ben Roberts - Tags: Inside Kentucky Basketball The third season of the Mark Pope era of Kentucky basketball officially tips off tonight, with the Wildcats taking on Manhattan in the 2026-27 opener in Rupp Arena. The game is set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network+, with [the new *Countdown to Tipoff* pregame TV/radio show](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/watch-the-countdown-to-tipoff-show-before-every-kentucky-basketball-game/) streaming live on the ESPN app (and available through all of the UK Sports Network radio affiliates) starting at 5:30 p.m. *Inside Kentucky Basketball* is still in its first month of existence, but the site is already packed with stories and analysis on this season’s team, and we have much more in store for the coming weeks, including 1-on-1 interviews with UK players and others in and around the program. If you haven’t signed up yet, click on the button below to subscribe. And please consider a premium subscription as we continue to build this site as an independent, objective source for Kentucky basketball coverage. [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/2026/10/IKB--wide--1.PNG)](#/portal/signup) Help us get started. Support independent coverage with a subscription to Inside Kentucky Basketball. [Subscribe to Inside Kentucky Basketball ](#/portal/signup) ## Welcome to Inside Kentucky Basketball If you’re new to *Inside Kentucky Basketball*, here’s an explanation of why I left the Herald-Leader after more than 20 years, as well as an introductory column from John Clay on why he decided to put retirement on hold to join the endeavor. [Inside Kentucky Basketball: A new site for Wildcats coverageIntroducing a new website dedicated to independent coverage of the UK men's basketball team from former Herald-Leader beat writer Ben Roberts.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--f30095fa-b05d-46ba-99d8-8e4830bd8e9e.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_7174-649f259b-e5d6-4041-9386-eed91aa8d38f.png)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/welcome-to-inside-kentucky-basketball-heres-what-you-can-expect/) [John Clay: Why I'm joining Inside Kentucky BasketballThe longtime Herald-Leader columnist and USBWA Hall of Famer is looking forward to following what should be an intriguing season for Mark Pope and the Wildcats.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--98a4b7b1-0240-4fb6-9050-c92d6cc87b74.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballJohn Clay![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/RuppJustice-1-5013c7fb-43da-43d9-b914-90beb969860a.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/john-clay-why-im-putting-retirement-on-hold-to-write-about-the-wildcats/) ## UK basketball season preview A few stories to get you ready for the upcoming season, including a roundtable discussion on the Cats, a look inside UK’s practices with Jack “Goose” Givens, and a three-part series previewing each of the team’s position groups. [Kentucky basketball roundtable: What to expect from the CatsThe Inside Kentucky Basketball staff discusses players to watch, keys to a successful season, potential areas of concern and much more before tonight's opener.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--42bdd086-60ca-4f4a-af75-c331a6e3935b.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/Untitled-Design--5--a4e8f5a5-7f39-4568-a0c2-10a886455c1d.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/roundtable-what-were-expecting-from-the-wildcats-in-year-3-of-the-pope-era/) [What to expect from Kentucky basketball guards this seasonMark Pope wanted "creators" when putting together his 2026-27 UK basketball roster, and he found them. So what will the Wildcats' backcourt look like this season?![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--adcbae44-25a3-4389-803d-350e75570b69.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/DialloWilkinsChet--1--326a233a-7042-40c1-bc0c-d57754f3c6e1.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/kentucky-basketball-position-preview-part-1-what-to-expect-from-the-guards/) [What to expect from the Kentucky basketball wings in 2026-27Milan Momcilovic and Kam Williams are likely to lead a position group that should bring plenty of experience and intrigue to the Kentucky perimeter this season.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--7144f83f-0120-47b0-9ac8-2fc645ff755e.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/KamWilliamsChet-ad0be413-e4f2-4af9-8a24-13de1e661f64.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/kentucky-basketball-position-preview-part-2-what-to-expect-from-the-wings/) [What to expect from the Kentucky basketball bigs this seasonRebounding and physicality could be issues for the Cats this season, so the frontcourt will have to do its part. It's an interesting group that features a potential NBA draft pick and a newcomer with major upside.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--2cf51e5b-f7dd-417c-99d7-de085ecab5df.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/MorenoChet2026-7e12dfae-00d6-4f80-9cf6-21236dfe2f2c.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/kentucky-basketball-position-preview-part-3-what-to-expect-from-the-bigs/) [A closer look at early expectations for Kentucky basketballThe preseason expectations vary, but the stakes are high as Mark Pope enters Year 3 with the Wildcats amid a college basketball world that's getting tougher to figure out.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--c4ebbd50-a9df-4cad-b50b-f2ff46b6299d.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/PopeCrisp-1-5bf82e93-e6cd-44f0-845b-7ac85ea41a0a.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/dont-like-where-kentucky-is-ranked-in-the-preseason-top-25-it-doesnt-matter/) [Goose Givens talks Kentucky basketball practice observationsThe UK legend has been a fixture in Mark Pope's practices this summer and fall, and he talks to Inside Kentucky Basketball about his thoughts on these Wildcats.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--23e49e9f-e004-401a-aef7-ede232108b94.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/GooseChet-e7b8c7ed-10da-4125-b653-7b2909e0ad6d.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/a-conversation-with-goose-givens-on-what-hes-seen-in-kentucky-practice-sessions/) ## Meet the Kentucky players We’ve already taken a closer look at several players on the 2026-27 roster, with a few of those Wildcats going 1-on-1 with *Inside Kentucky Basketball* over the past couple of weeks. [Q&A: Milan Momcilovic discusses his Kentucky basketball goalsMomcilovic talks to Inside Kentucky Basketball about the differences between UK and Iowa State, improving as a defender and living up to Mark Pope's expectations.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--b8ff385f-b69d-4edc-9917-6591c33da5b2.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/MilanTTCrisp3-5968bbfc-df60-431b-a911-7aed1f21cbf0.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/a-conversation-with-milan-momcilovic-on-becoming-a-better-player-at-kentucky/) [Mason Williams is making the most of his chance with KentuckyThe freshman guard was a standout in Kentucky's exhibition victory over No. 19 Texas Tech on Friday night. And he's shaping up as a key player for the Cats.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--30e725c5-5179-4a80-891d-5c843f71ece8.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/MasonTT-1-2bb44885-a376-4b87-b99a-737c8b73c217.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/the-season-hasnt-started-but-mason-williams-is-looking-like-something-special/) [What Zoom Diallo's uneven preseason means for KentuckyKentucky's PG1 had another uneven showing, while freshman Mason Williams helped lead the Cats to another exhibition victory. What does it mean for the future?![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--e8547321-362d-4ead-ad3b-acf684594238.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/ZoomUCF-1-74794c03-f352-49bd-9641-25116ea70155.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/no-ones-going-to-be-who-they-are-in-october-thats-good-news-for-zoom-diallo/) [Why Franck Kepnang is so important to Kentucky basketballThe 7-foot transfer center's college basketball career has been riddled with injuries. For the Wildcats to reach their ceiling, he'll need to stay on the court.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--05bf149a-2a68-4d36-a454-853e9c478740.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/KepnangCrispLR-1c55c258-bc98-4740-971f-6573c5a198b9.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/why-franck-kepnang-will-be-one-of-kentuckys-most-important-players-this-season/) [Braydon Hawthorne is ready for his Kentucky basketball debutAfter a year spent on the sidelines, one of the most intriguing players on the 2026-27 roster is ready to make his college basketball debut.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--fc073195-5974-431e-b7f2-f0ad750d583a.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/BHawthorneChet2-48161cc2-8929-4967-8aa2-8ee2a4e4bd3e.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/im-super-excited-braydon-hawthornes-long-basketball-wait-is-finally-over/) [Kentucky basketball players' outlook for Ousmane N'DiayeOusmane N'Diaye is coming to Kentucky with three years of professional experience at Europe's highest level, and those who have seen him play in Lexington have high hopes for his college career.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--9b829e4e-d6d5-4361-aaf3-aee094a80386.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/NDiayeMorenoMasonChet-022dd87c-af82-454b-bcdc-ed3fc6635541.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/impressions-of-ousmane-what-uk-players-think-of-their-intriguing-new-teammate/) [Malachi Moreno's new approach should benefit KentuckyAfter hitting a wall at the end of last season, UK's starting center vowed to work on his conditioning over the summer. The results could be big for the Wildcats.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--e1e36ac0-bbc0-45dd-8294-e15539cc3e85.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/MorenoTTCrisp-1-4af0719c-bae0-4a97-baf6-b406195f4d31.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/malachi-morenos-minutes-might-be-the-biggest-revelation-of-kentuckys-preseason/) ## Inside Kentucky basketball recruiting And *Inside Kentucky Basketball*'s Derek Terry has you covered on the biggest recruiting developments, including firsthand recaps of two major visits in recent weeks. We’ll have much more on the recruiting front in the coming days. [Introducing Inside Kentucky Basketball's recruiting hubA rundown of Inside Kentucky Basketball's recruiting pages, with a closer look at Mark Pope's top high school targets and a dedicated spot for the latest recruiting updates.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--8f940ed1-e737-43b3-af45-9096fd1c1f0f.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballDerek Terry![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/HamptonPope-1-c668f6f4-a4aa-47cd-8675-919d3b830ac6.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/introducing-inside-kentucky-basketballs-recruiting-hub/) [An inside look at Kentucky basketball's recruiting strategyWhat sources are saying about UK's approach to recruiting for the 2027-28 season amid a busy week of headlines and $5 million price tags on big-time recruitments.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--579c6546-3d6e-4a28-b65c-553d5384f480.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballBen Roberts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_7174-2-10479177-8092-4425-917b-e73ea6dacd55.png)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/an-inside-look-at-kentuckys-recruiting-strategy-for-the-high-school-class-of-2027/) [Benji Berrouet's Kentucky basketball visit set the standardRichard Berrouet, the father of the five-star power forward, talks to Inside Kentucky Basketball about the family's recent visit to Lexington and their thoughts on UK.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--0c06d3fe-1ece-4826-891e-d47a109a4902.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballDerek Terry![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/Benjamin-Berrouet2-1-bcbc08b2-1249-45e3-aaea-14fce4dec318.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/star-recruit-benjamin-berrouets-visit-to-kentucky-set-the-standard-for-whats-next/) [Top recruit Cherif Millogo blown away by UK basketball visitKentucky secured the first official visit for the class of 2027 center, who has ties to the most recent addition to Mark Pope's coaching staff.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--848da877-0799-4736-b9d3-b82185735165.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballDerek Terry![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/CherifVisit1-1-b65f1896-4d7f-4259-8aa7-0f16556c635e.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/cherif-millogo-a-7-foot-5-center-was-blown-away-on-uk-visit-says-coach/) [Ryan Hampton talks UK basketball at youth camp in LexingtonOn Saturday morning, Kentucky's lone commitment in the 2027 recruiting class hosted his first youth camp in the city he'll soon call home.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/icon/IKB-logo--final--6e6d6f88-0b35-4416-8b5b-9662d24ea135.png)Inside Kentucky BasketballDerek Terry![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/thumbnail/20261010Hampton0241-725a4cf2-62a3-4f99-8329-0e066de0c533.jpg)](https://www.insidekentuckybasketball.com/being-here-is-special-to-me-ryan-hampton-travels-to-lexington-for-youth-camp/) Thanks again to everyone who has signed up. We greatly appreciate the early support and encouragement, and we're all looking forward to what should be an interesting season of Kentucky basketball. [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/42/4b424756-e11a-4365-9300-59cc68bfbdc1/content/images/2026/10/IKB--wide--1.PNG)](#/portal/signup) Support independent coverage with a subscription to Inside Kentucky Basketball. [Subscribe to Inside Kentucky Basketball ](#/portal/signup)