Kerr Kriisa Enters Transfer Portal After One Season with Kentucky

“To Coach Pope and the UK coaching staff — it has been an absolute dream to play for the University of Kentucky. Thank you for your continued support,” Kriisa wrote on social media. “I will always cherish my time in the Blue Grass State, and I wish Kentucky Basketball all the best in the future.”

A Well-Traveled Career

Kriisa’s college career has taken him across multiple programs. He began at Arizona, spending three seasons with the Wildcats from 2020-23. During his final year there, he led the Pac-12 in assists with 5.1 per game, averaging 9.9 points. Seeking a new opportunity, he transferred to West Virginia for the 2023-24 season, where he posted career-highs in scoring (11 PPG) and three-point shooting (42.4 percent).

After entering the transfer portal again last offseason, Kriisa was heavily recruited by new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who had long admired the flashy playmaker. Pope even joked that he had attempted to recruit Kriisa multiple times before securing him for the Wildcats. However, Kriisa struggled to find his shooting rhythm in his limited time at Kentucky, though he did record an impressive 12-assist game against Bucknell.

Injury and the Decision to Transfer

Kriisa’s season-ending injury in December derailed his opportunity to make an impact at Kentucky. He fractured his foot in the second half of the Wildcats’ overtime win against Gonzaga but still fought to get back on defense before exiting the game. Throughout the season, there was some optimism that he might return, but he ultimately remained sidelined.

With the Wildcats bringing in top-rated guards like Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis for the 2025-26 season, Kriisa likely saw limited playing time ahead. As a result, the fifth-year senior opted to enter the transfer portal once again.

What’s Next for Kriisa?

Despite already playing five seasons of college basketball, Kriisa is expected to receive a medical redshirt waiver, granting him a sixth and final year of eligibility. His next destination remains unknown, but he will be seeking a program where he can contribute significantly in his final collegiate season.

As Kriisa moves on, Kentucky will continue to rebuild under Pope, ushering in a new era of Wildcat basketball with fresh talent leading the way.