Jan 14, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope talks with guard Otega Oweh (00) during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

CBS Sports predicts who will start for Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats

Originally posted on Kentucky Wildcats on SI
By Andrew Stefaniak | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 9:29 PM ET

In year one at Kentucky, Mark Pope had to throw together a starting five that consisted of a bunch of super senior starters from the transfer portal. Now that just about every player from last season's team is gone, the starting lineup is going to look a lot different for the Kentucky Wildcats.

The only player who is locked in as a starter for the Wildcats from last year's team is Otega Oweh, who led Kentucky in scoring last season with 16.2 points per game. Oweh is likely going to be the Preseason SEC Player of the Year and has a shot to be an All-American.

After Coach Pope hopped on the Eye On College Basketball Podcast with Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, he took a shot at predicting who will start for the Wildcats.

Let's take a look at who Norlander predicts to start for the Kentucky Wildcats.

CBS Sports Predicted Kentucky Basketball Starting Lineup

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Point Guard: Jaland Lowe

At point guard, the predicted starter from Norlander is the Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe, and this is a guarantee, as he has been a star at summer camp for this basketball team. Lowe had some efficiency issues last season for the Pitt Panthers, but he is fitting in really well with the Wildcats, and many expect him to be a star in the SEC.

Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Guard: Denzel Aberdeen

Denzel Aberdeen was a role player for the Florida Gators who won the national title a year ago. Gator fans hated seeing Aberdeen leave, as he was expected to take a big step this season, and now he will take this step for Kentucky.

Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Guard: Otega Oweh

Otega Oweh is going to be a star for the Kentucky Wildcats and very well could win National Player of the Year. Oweh is the best player in college basketball when it comes to getting to the rim and will look to elevate his game this season in Lexington.

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Forward: Mo Dioubate

In limited minutes last season at Alabama, Dioubate was one of the best defenders and rebounders in the SEC. He should get the nod at power forward to start the season and help this team be elite on the glass.

Jovanny Hernandez-Imagn Images

Center: Brandon Garrison

Last season, Brandon Garrison showed a lot of promise, displaying the upside Kentucky fans had heard about. He should be the starting center while Jayden Quaintance rehabs his ACL surgery.

This is the starting lineup many are anticipating being out there in the exhibition vs. Purdue, but once Quaintance is back, he should crack the lineup. This is a stacked lineup for Pope in year two at Kentucky.

This article first appeared on Kentucky Wildcats on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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