Rising star Gabriel McKay joins Kentucky Basketball as a graduate assistant, bringing fresh energy, leadership, and championship pedigree to Lexington.
The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program continues to build out its coaching and support staff, this time by welcoming Gabriel McKay as a graduate assistant for the upcoming 2024–25 season. The news was shared via McKay’s personal Instagram account and marks a new chapter for both the young coach and the Wildcats under head coach Mark Pope.
McKay becomes the third graduate assistant to join Pope’s coaching staff, which also includes Jaylan Green and Willis Mackey Jr. The addition of McKay further solidifies the depth and experience of the program’s support team, especially as Kentucky looks to reestablish its dominance in college basketball under Pope’s leadership.
Before taking this new role on the Kentucky bench, McKay spent the 2024–25 season as a player at Liberty University. Though his on-court time was limited, he participated in 32 games during the season. In his senior year with the Flames, McKay averaged 7.8 minutes of playing time per game, contributing 0.9 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per contest. While his statistical impact might not leap off the page, McKay was praised for his effort, team-first mentality, and ability to lead from the sidelines. His presence brought intangible value in the locker room and on the bench, especially during moments when veteran leadership was needed.
Looking back at the 2023–24 season, McKay made steady improvements in his game. That year, he put up averages of 2.1 points and 0.5 rebounds per game, while also connecting on 33.3% of his three-point shots. His performances included two career-high games where he scored 10 points. Some of his most memorable outings were against Mississippi Valley State, Mid-Atlantic Christian, and Florida Atlantic, where he made key contributions in limited minutes. These games showcased his shooting ability and provided glimpses of his basketball instincts.
During the 2022–23 season, McKay appeared in 22 contests for the Flames. He mainly served as a reserve, helping provide depth to the team while excelling in the classroom. That year, he was recognized for his academic accomplishments, underlining his commitment both on and off the court. The season before that, in 2021–22, McKay redshirted, giving him time to adjust, develop, and learn from the sidelines without exhausting a year of eligibility.
McKay’s college basketball journey began at Trevecca Nazarene University, a Division II school located in Nashville, Tennessee. There, he played for two seasons, appearing in 45 games. His time at Trevecca provided the foundation for his collegiate basketball career, helping him develop the skills and mindset needed to compete at the Division I level once he transferred to Liberty.
Off the court, McKay has always been surrounded by the game. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, he attended Liberty Christian Academy. There, he stood out as a leader, serving as team captain for three years and earning a varsity letter all four seasons. His strong work ethic and leadership qualities were evident early in his basketball journey.
Basketball runs deep in McKay’s family. His father, Ritchie McKay, is the head coach of the Liberty University men’s basketball team, where he has built a reputation for developing disciplined, competitive teams. His brother, Luke McKay, is also closely tied to the program, currently serving as the video coordinator for the Flames. Growing up in a family so deeply embedded in the sport helped shape Gabriel’s understanding of the game and has likely played a significant role in his transition from player to coach.
Gabriel McKay brings more than just experience to Kentucky—he brings a deep knowledge of the game, an analytical mind, and a strong leadership presence. His background, both as a player and as someone who has grown up around the strategic side of the sport, will be an asset to Coach Mark Pope’s staff.
His addition also reflects a growing trend in college basketball: teams are investing in young, passionate individuals who have recently completed their playing careers and are eager to bring a modern, relatable perspective to today’s players. McKay’s ability to connect with student-athletes, having recently been one himself, will likely prove valuable in his role as a mentor and liaison between players and the coaching staff.
In his role as a graduate assistant, McKay will be responsible for helping with day-to-day operations, scouting, player development, and practice preparation. While the position is largely behind the scenes, it serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring coaches. For McKay, it offers a chance to learn under the guidance of Mark Pope and his staff, while contributing to one of the most storied programs in college basketball history.
As Kentucky prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Gabriel McKay symbolizes the team’s dedication to excellence not only on the court but within its coaching infrastructure. With McKay on board, the Wildcats are gaining a young coach with a mature understanding of the game and a drive to succeed—traits that align perfectly with the tradition and future aspiration
s of Kentucky basketball.
