Kentucky men’s basketball has secured a significant addition for the 2025–26 season by signing 6-foot-9 forward Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State.
A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Quaintance was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive Teams after averaging 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game during his freshman year.
Despite missing part of the season due to a torn ACL, he set ASU freshman records in rebounds and blocks. Quaintance originally committed to Kentucky before decommitting following coach John Calipari’s departure and subsequently joining Arizona State.
The Wildcats’ coaching staff, under head coach Mark Pope, has been proactive in the transfer portal, targeting players who can contribute immediately. This strategy aligns with their goal of maintaining competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference.
In recent developments, Kentucky’s pursuit of former Stanford player Andrej Stojakovic has been reported. Stojakovic, a 6-foot-7 wing and son of NBA legend Peja Stojakovic, entered the transfer portal after a season at California. His skills as a shooter and scorer make him a valuable prospect for the Wildcats.
Additionally, Kentucky is scheduled to host Kansas transfer Rylan Griffen for a visit. Griffen, a 6-foot-6 guard previously with Alabama, is known for his three-point shooting ability, which could address the Wildcats’ perimeter scoring needs.
As Kentucky continues to navigate the transfer portal, the addition of experienced players like Stojakovic and Griffen could significantly impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these developments as the Wildcats finalize their roster.
