Brandon Garrison Sends Warm Message to New Kentucky Transfers as He Prepares for Bigger Role Under Mark Pope
As the Kentucky Wildcats gear up for a fresh college basketball season, junior forward Brandon Garrison has taken a leadership stance by offering encouragement to the incoming transfers who are set to make their debut under head coach Mark Pope. After a promising season that saw the Wildcats reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019, optimism surrounds the program again—and Garrison is doing his part to keep the momentum alive.
Speaking confidently about the support that newcomers can expect from Kentucky’s devoted fanbase, Garrison assured that the “Big Blue Nation” (BBN) is unlike any other. “I’m telling them that BBN is going to show them nothing but love,” Garrison said in a recent interview with On3.com. “Even when we’re not playing as good, they’re still going to love you. When you’re playing great, they’re going to love you of course.”
He went on to describe the electric atmosphere of playing inside Rupp Arena, Kentucky’s legendary home court. “I was just telling them about playing in Rupp [Arena], it’s something that you’re never gonna forget. They’re just gonna have to see it for themselves like I did,” he said.
Garrison, who transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma State (not Oklahoma City Cowboys as previously misstated), had a quieter role last season, serving primarily as a backup forward. Despite the more limited minutes, he still managed to post solid stats—averaging 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting an efficient 57% from the field. Yet as the new season approaches, expectations for Garrison are significantly higher. With only four mainstays from last year’s roster returning—Otega Oweh, Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, and Garrison himself—there’s plenty of room for players like him to step up.
Now entering his junior year, Garrison has emerged as one of the more experienced players on the roster, and he seems eager to take on a leadership role for the Wildcats. In recent comments to the media, Garrison revealed that discussions with Coach Pope began immediately after the season ended, focused on how he could evolve into a team leader. “It’s just something me and Coach Pope talked about right after the season,” Garrison said during a media availability session on Tuesday. “It’s something that I want to do, and it’s about doing the small things like that to help move that direction.”
While Garrison gave credit to Pope for his guidance, he also emphasized that stepping into a leadership role is ultimately a personal responsibility. “I’d say it’s [Pope] and me, but really just me,” he added, signaling his commitment to being a strong internal force for the Wildcats.
Garrison’s journey to Kentucky started when he transferred from Oklahoma State, where he averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Though his minutes were reduced after joining Kentucky, the move allowed him to work under the guidance of Mark Pope, whose coaching and vision for the program have reignited a sense of belief within the fanbase and the locker room. Garrison has made it clear that the chance to play under Pope was too good to pass up, and now, with a year of experience in Lexington behind him, he’s preparing to be a difference-maker both on and off the court.
Kentucky’s transformation under Pope has been noteworthy. In his first year at the helm, Pope helped guide the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 appearance—an achievement the program hadn’t reached in six years. That run in the NCAA Tournament not only revitalized the team’s national reputation but also helped Pope gain the confidence of both his players and the Big Blue Nation.
But looking ahead, the challenge only intensifies. With a new wave of transfers joining the squad, Pope must integrate fresh talent into his system, and Garrison’s voice in the locker room will be crucial. That’s why his message of reassurance to the newcomers carries weight—not just as a teammate, but as someone who’s already experienced what it’s like to join Kentucky mid-journey.
Garrison’s words are more than just talk—they represent a bridge between the old and the new, a way of preserving Kentucky’s traditions while also welcoming change. His confidence in the fanbase and his belief in Pope’s system point to a player who understands the deeper culture of Kentucky basketball. And for the new transfers who may feel pressure stepping into one of the most storied programs in the sport, Garrison is setting the tone: relax, trust the process, and let the love from BBN do the rest.
The upcoming season will be a telling one for Kentucky. With roster turnover and high expectations, the team must gel quickly to make another postseason push. But if Garrison’s mindset and leadership are any indication, the Wildcats are heading into the new season with strong internal chemistry and belief. His dual commitment to leading by example and supporting his new teammates shows the kind of culture Pope is fostering—one that values unity, trust, and relentless effort.
For now, the Wildcats’ focus remains on preparation. Practices, conditioning, and building camaraderie are all top priorities. But when the lights shine brightest and the games begin at Rupp Arena, players like Brandon Garrison will be key to holding it all together. And as he said, once those new transfers experience it for themselves, they’ll understand: BBN’s love is real, and it runs deep.
In a time of uncertainty and transition, Garrison’s voice offers clarity and comfort. Kentucky may have new faces, but the foundation remains firm—and Garrison is one of the pillars.
