In a bid to bolster their perimeter shooting, the Kentucky Wildcats are set to host Kansas transfer guard Rylan Griffen for an official visit on Tuesday, according to On3 insider Joe Tipton . Griffen, a 6‑foot‑6, 190‑pound wing who began his collegiate career at Alabama, brings proven deep‑ball ability—he shot 33.6 percent from three at Kansas last season and 39.2 percent during Alabama’s 2023‑24 Final Four run . At Alabama, he averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists, while his Kansas campaign yielded 6.3 points per game on 37.2 percent overall shooting . Advanced metrics underscore his shooting pedigree: 66.1 percent of his 676 career field‑goal attempts have come from beyond the arc, and he ranked in the 84th percentile nationally on catch‑and‑shoot opportunities last season . Kentucky, still finalizing its 2025‑26 roster under Mark Pope, views Griffen as a potential “final piece” to address its need for reliable shooters after missing out on Lamar Wilkerson .
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Kentucky’s Roster Needs and Transfer Strategy
Mark Pope and his staff have been active in the transfer portal, adding versatile pieces on both ends of the floor, yet a consistent perimeter threat remains a priority . The Wildcats have already brought in several impact transfers, but with open scholarships still available, Kentucky has identified deep shooting as a critical need — a gap that Griffen could fill immediately . As the portal window (March 24–April 22) nears its close, Pope’s staff is zeroing in on players who can step in and boost the Wildcats’ spacing and scoring balance .
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Rylan Griffen’s Collegiate Journey
Griffen launched his NCAA career at Alabama in the 2022‑23 season, joining a Crimson Tide squad that would reach the Final Four . As a sophomore in 2023‑24, he averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from three-point range . His success under coach Nate Oats showcased his off-ball movement, catch‑and‑shoot prowess, and quick release .
Following the 2023‑24 campaign, Griffen transferred to Kansas, where his role shifted on a loaded Jayhawks roster . In 2024‑25, he averaged 6.3 points per game, connecting on 37.2 percent of his field-goal attempts and 33.6 percent from deep, figures that dipped from his Alabama peak but still reflect his shooting capability . Over three collegiate seasons, Griffen has maintained a career three‑point mark of roughly 35 percent, a blend of high‑volume shooting and off-screen efficiency .
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Advanced Analytics and Shooting Profile
Beyond raw percentages, Griffen’s shot‑location data and situational splits paint the picture of a high‑end perimeter threat. According to On3’s advanced stat profile, 66.1 percent of his collegiate field‑goal attempts have come from beyond the arc, leveraging his quick release and off‑ball movement to generate open looks . His 2023‑24 season at Alabama produced an effective field‑goal percentage in the 84th percentile nationally on catch‑and‑shoot attempts, complemented by 1.19 points per possession on spot‑up looks (87th percentile) and 1.29 PPP on dribble‑handoffs (91st percentile) . These metrics underscore his ability to convert in a variety of modern spacing schemes.
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Details of the Kentucky Visit
Per Joe Tipton’s report, Griffen will be in Lexington this Tuesday to meet with the coaching staff, tour facilities, and engage with potential teammates . Official visits in the transfer portal can last up to 48 hours, allowing prospects to fully immerse themselves in a program’s culture, play style, and NIL landscape . Kentucky’s handling of NIL partnerships and spring‑camp integration will be key selling points as Griffen evaluates his options.
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System Fit Under Mark Pope
Mark Pope’s offensive schemes at Kentucky emphasize pace, spacing and three‑level scoring, traits that align with Griffen’s strengths . Kentucky’s transition‑driven sets and relocation screens could maximize his off‑ball cutting and catch‑and‑shoot potential, while his size (6‑6) offers defensive versatility on the wing. With the Wildcats aiming to surround their core of ball‑handlers and finishers with reliable shooters, Griffen represents a low‑risk, high‑ceiling addition .
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Suitor Landscape and Next Steps
While Kentucky now hosts Griffen, he reportedly garnered interest from multiple Power Five and high‑end Group of Five programs during his portal cycle . With the transfer window closing on April 22, his visit this week is likely one of his final evaluation stops . Should Kentucky and Griffen reach an agreement on role expectations, NIL considerations, and developmental fit, a commitment could arrive swiftly, enabling him to enroll for summer workouts and spring practice immersion .
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Potential Impact and Outlook
If Griffen commits, Kentucky’s backcourt depth chart would gain a proven shooter capable of spacing the floor, thus enhancing driving lanes and play‑action opportunities. His ability to perform in catch‑and‑shoot scenarios and off‑screen actions would relieve defensive pressure on primary creators, boosting offensive efficiency. Defensively, his 6‑6 frame and experience in SEC and Big 12 environments suggest he can handle switch‑on‑ball duties in Pope’s versatile schemes. Ultimately, Griffen’s addition could propel Kentucky’s 2025‑26 squad into serious national contention by addressing one of its final roster needs .
