The transfer portal window has officially swung open, and college basketball programs across the country are already moving with urgency behind the scenes. Phones are buzzing, schedules are tightening, and virtual meeting rooms are filling up as coaching staffs race to identify and secure top talent. For programs looking to reload quickly, this period has become just as critical as the regular season itself.
Inside Kentucky’s war room, the pace has been relentless. Conversations began almost immediately after the portal opened on Tuesday, with the staff prioritizing early contact and laying the groundwork for potential additions. Multiple Zoom calls were arranged throughout the day as the coaching staff wasted no time engaging with some of the most sought-after backcourt talent available.
Now, momentum is set to build even further. According to Kentucky Insider, the Wildcats have taken another significant step, with three new signings already lined up. The confirmed targets include two guards and a forward, signaling a clear early focus on strengthening both the perimeter and wing depth. And with the portal process only just beginning, this is likely just the start of a much busier stretch of activity in the days ahead. The players include:
Note: 247Sports rankings.
Neoklis Avdalas (Guard, Virginia Tech), 4 , No. 20 Ranked Transfer
Class: Sophomore Physicals: 6-9, 215 lbs Last Season Averages: 12.1 PPG, 4.6 APG, 38.6% FG, 31.4% 3P
The top-rated prospect on this list is Neoklis Avdalas. Standing 6-foot-9 with prior professional experience in Greece and clear NBA potential, he has entered the transfer portal following one season at Virginia Tech.
With his size, Avdalas offers the ability to see over defenses, adds flexibility across multiple positions, and presents matchup problems for smaller guards—traits that programs across the country highly value. There were moments this season where he showcased first-round NBA talent, including a standout 33-point, six-assist outing against Providence.
Like many players in the portal, there are areas of concern, particularly his efficiency. Avdalas shot just 38.6 percent from the field last season and often relied on tough, contested attempts. Despite his size advantage, he still needs to build strength, lacks elite athleticism, and his ball-handling remains a work in progress.
Still, his potential is undeniable, and Kentucky has shown interest.
DeSean Goode (Forward, Robert Morris), 4 , No. 51 Ranked Transfer
Class: Junior Physicals: 6-8, 230 lbs Last Season Averages: 15.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 62.9% FG, 57.1% 3P (1.9 3PA)
After aggressively pursuing a Robert Morris forward last year, Kentucky is once again targeting talent from the same program—this time showing interest in DeSean Goode.
The Horizon League Player of the Year, Goode nearly averaged a double-double this past season, putting up 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
A strong, attacking forward, he projects well in the SEC. His ability to shoot 57 percent from beyond the arc on close to two attempts per game adds valuable floor spacing, giving Kentucky a perimeter threat at the four position that was missing last season.
Anthony Robinson II (Guard, Missouri), 4 , No. 85 Ranked Transfer
Class: Senior Physicals: 6-3, 185 lbs Last Season Averages: 8.9 PPG, 3.0 APG, 41% FG, 31.4% 3P
Robinson, who Kentucky has faced three times over the past two seasons, entered the transfer portal after spending three years at Missouri under Dennis Gates.
Following a significant leap from his freshman to sophomore year—more than doubling both his scoring and assist numbers—he was expected to take another step forward as a junior. While his playing time increased, his production declined across multiple statistical categories.
Now exploring a new opportunity, Robinson brings solid shooting ability but is best known for his defense. A 2025 SEC All-Defensive Team selection, he has totaled 156 steals over the past three seasons, establishing himself as one of the conference’s top perimeter defenders.
