All Star Player opened up to Kinsey Lee on BBN Tonight about why he chose to come back for another season at Kentucky.
“I had to bet on him and myself,” Garrison said, reflecting on his decision to transfer from Oklahoma State and join Kentucky under first-year head coach Mark Pope.
He spoke highly of last season’s team, Pope’s first group of players. “We had a special group,” Garrison said. “From the start, we really clicked. Once we began winning, people started noticing how talented we were.”
That gamble clearly paid off—and now, Garrison is choosing to stay put.
His comfort with the coaching staff played a big role in his decision to return. “After a year in the system and getting to know the coaches, how they treated me, it just made sense to stay,” he explained.
On April 12, Garrison officially announced he would be back for his junior year. In his interview, he also shared his favorite moments from the past season, thoughts on the new roster, and his relationship with Coach Pope.
“I trust Coach Pope to help me get where I want to go,” Garrison said. “He played my position, and in summer workouts last year, he was hands-on—showing me and Amari Williams some of the tricks he used against big guys. That kind of coaching is huge.”
Garrison also talked about his bond with Big Blue Nation and his excitement for another season in Lexington.
“I know how the Pope offense works now. I’m ready to get back out there,” he said. “It’s exciting to see the new guys Coach has brought in. He goes after players with strong character. I trust him to build a team that fits.”
