When Kentucky basketball changed head coaches this offseason from John Calipari to Mark Pope, the entire roster had to be rebuilt. One of the defections was center Ugonna Onyenso, who surprised many by declaring for the NBA draft, rather than transferring.
However, eventually, Onyenso did enter the transfer portal, and if he decides to pull out of the draft, will have to pick a new team for the 2024-25 season. USA TODAY Sports writer Andy Patton recently listed five schools where the former Wildcats center could land.
At the top of the list is in-state rival Louisville. The Cardinals are rebuilding their roster as well, and need talented players at every position.
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The North Carolina Tarheels need frontcourt help after losing Armando Bacot, and could be a contender for Onyenso as well.
The list is rounded out by three SEC teams. The Oklahoma Sooners, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Mississippi State Bulldogs are all options for Onyenso as well.
A decision is probably still a little ways off, as players still have time before having to decide whether or not to stay in the draft. If he returns to college, he’ll have options for sure. It’ll be an interesting story to monitor for Kentucky fans.