The Kentucky Wildcats have continued to make strides in building a formidable roster for the upcoming college basketball season, with the latest addition being Cincinnati guard Dan Skillings Jr. The 6-foot-6 guard, who has spent all three of his collegiate seasons with the Bearcats, brings valuable experience and versatility to the Wildcats’ backcourt. Skillings’ commitment to Kentucky adds another layer of depth to an already stacked roster, as head coach Mark Pope works to assemble one of the most competitive teams in college basketball.
Skillings, a top-100 recruit in the Class of 2022, has steadily improved throughout his time at Cincinnati. In his junior season, he averaged 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and shot 44% from the field. While his three-point shooting was a bit inconsistent at 29.9%, his overall growth on the court, particularly his ability to impact games on both ends, makes him an intriguing prospect for the Wildcats. His size and athleticism on the wing will be a great asset as Kentucky looks to improve its perimeter play.
Coach Mark Pope has already made a splash in the transfer portal this offseason, securing high-level commitments from players like Kam Williams from Tulane, Jaland Lowe from Pitt, Mouhamed Dioubate from Alabama, and Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State. With Skillings now in the fold, Kentucky’s roster is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most talented in the nation. His ability to contribute both as a scorer and a defender will help the Wildcats in their quest for a national championship.
While Kentucky is also pursuing other big names, such as Jaron Pierre and Wesley Yates, Skillings’ commitment gives Pope additional flexibility in filling out the roster. His experience playing in the Big 12, as well as his steady progression throughout his college career, ensures that he will be ready to step into a significant role for the Wildcats next season. Skillings’ potential to thrive in a bigger role will be key as Kentucky seeks to make a deeper run in March Madness.
With the addition of Dan Skillings Jr., the Kentucky Wildcats are poised for another highly successful season, as they continue to dominate the transfer portal and assemble a powerhouse team. As Pope’s vision for the program takes shape, the Wildcats will be a team to watch, and Skillings’ presence in the backcourt could be the missing piece that propels them to a national title.
