Kentucky Wildcats Pursue High Point Transfer Kimani Hamilton to Bolster Backcourt Options
The Kentucky Wildcats, under the direction of head coach Mark Pope, have been actively working the college basketball transfer portal this offseason. In his second year leading the program, Pope is wasting no time shaping the roster into one that fits his system and addresses last season’s weaknesses. Despite a series of key additions already in place, one lingering concern remains for the Wildcats: the shooting guard position. With uncertainty surrounding the future of returning guard Otega Oweh, Kentucky is exploring additional options—and one recent name on their radar is Kimani Hamilton, a talented transfer from High Point University.
Hamilton, a 6-foot-7 forward originally from Clinton, Mississippi, is no stranger to high expectations. Once ranked among the top 100 high school recruits in the country, he began his college journey at Mississippi State. However, limited playing time during his freshman year led him to seek a fresh start elsewhere. That decision landed him at High Point, where he thrived in a starring role and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Big South Conference.
Hamilton’s two seasons at High Point showcased the skill set that made him a coveted prospect out of high school. His growth was evident, especially during the 2023–24 season, where he started all 35 games and played a pivotal role in leading High Point to an NCAA Tournament berth. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting a career-best 52% from the field. Although his three-point shooting still needs improvement—he made just 32.2% of his attempts from deep—Hamilton proved himself as a dynamic scorer capable of slashing to the rim, finishing through contact, and creating his own offense.
Hamilton’s versatility is what makes him an intriguing target for Kentucky. While he’s not a traditional shooting guard, his size, athleticism, and offensive instincts allow him to slot into multiple roles on the floor. He offers a unique blend of inside-out scoring ability that could pair well with the Wildcats’ current group of guards and wings. His experience and ability to fill various roles make him especially valuable for a Kentucky team that is still piecing together its rotation for the upcoming season.
Mark Pope’s Wildcats have already made a splash in the transfer portal this spring, adding several impact players. Transfers such as Mo Dioubate, Kam Williams, Jaland Lowe, Jayden Quaintance, and Andrija Jelavic are all set to join the roster. On the recruiting front, Pope has also landed five-star guard Jasper Johnson and high four-star forward Malachi Moreno—two prospects who bring elite talent and long-term upside.
Even with these additions, Pope’s system requires depth and adaptability, particularly in the backcourt. Should Otega Oweh decide not to return, it would create a gap in Kentucky’s guard rotation. That’s where Hamilton could fit in. Although he doesn’t fit the mold of a prototypical two-guard, his ability to defend multiple positions, push the pace, and contribute offensively from the wing could help stabilize Kentucky’s backcourt.
Hamilton’s size allows him to switch defensively and take on matchups across different positions, something Pope values highly in his system. On offense, Pope’s philosophy emphasizes floor spacing, tempo, and player movement—qualities that could bring out the best in Hamilton’s game. In particular, his comfort operating with the ball in his hands and attacking off the dribble could complement Kentucky’s guards and stretch defenses in ways they struggled to do consistently last season.
Beyond the tactical fit, Hamilton also brings the kind of maturity and hunger that comes with having taken the long road to success. His journey from a high-profile recruit to a standout mid-major player has shaped him into someone who understands the grind of college basketball. That experience could prove critical for a Kentucky team looking to compete in the rugged SEC and make a deep postseason run.
There’s also something to be said about Hamilton’s leadership potential. At High Point, he wasn’t just a statistical leader—he was the engine of the team’s offense and a steady presence on the court. That kind of leadership, paired with his adaptability, would give Pope a valuable piece to plug into a lineup that continues to evolve with each new addition.
As Kentucky continues to assess its final roster moves, Kimani Hamilton is certainly a name worth watching. The Wildcats have made clear they are not done building and that they intend to construct a roster capable of competing at the highest level. If they manage to land Hamilton, it would be another calculated addition that blends experience, athleticism, and upside—three traits Pope has consistently prioritized during this offseason rebuild.
For now, Hamilton’s recruitment remains ongoing, with Kentucky among the programs expressing serious interest. Whether he ultimately chooses to join the Wildcats or explores other opportunities, one thing is clear: Kimani Hamilton has proven he can be a difference-maker, and whichever team lands him will be gaining a player ready to contribute right away.
As for the Wildcats, Pope continues to build a team with the tools to not just survive the SEC gauntlet, but to thrive in it. With a mix of seasoned transfers, talented freshmen, and possibly one more key addition in Hamilton, the pieces are coming together for a program eager to reclaim its place among college basketball’s elite.
