Lowe is going to make a quick impact.
Mark Pope blew this past transfer portal out of the water. He got many big names and even a projected lottery pick, but one name in particular will make a day-one impact.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello believes Kentucky Wildcats transfer guard Jaland Lowe will be the team’s impact newcomer this season, getting the nod over Jayden Quaintance.
Jayden Quaintance is the highest-ranked transfer arriving in Lexington, but there are questions about his availability after he suffered a torn ACL in late February. So, we’re going with Lowe, a third-team All-ACC selection at Pitt last season who will have to adjust his game in coach Mark Pope’s offense. Surrounded by a slew of shooters, however, he’s likely to be more efficient.
Lowe, who transferred from Pitt after playing two seasons there, has shown his raw ability as a ball handler and a terrific passer.
There have been some questions raised due to Lowe’s past shooting splits at Pitt. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 16.8 points per game as a sophomore. He ended the season shooting 37.6% from the field and 26.6% from 3-point range.
Lowe, who was All-ACC Third Team this past season, was asked to do a lot as the starting point guard for Jeff Capel and the Panthers while also playing through a broken finger suffered in the exhibition season.
With how deep this Wildcats roster is this season, Lowe should be able to find himself and play his game.
Lowe is a playmaker on the offensive side of the floor. The speedy guard averaged 5.5 assists during his sophomore campaign. Due to the talent the Wildcats acquired on the offensive side of the ball, we should see Lowe be able to settle down and flourish in Pope’s high-octane offense.
Borzello also gave BBN a preview of who thinks will get the nod to start for the Wildcats:
- Jaland Lowe
- Denzel Aberdeen
- Otega Oweh
- Mo Dioubate
- Jayden Quaintance