A national champion, UK Athletics Hall of Famer, and longtime radio analyst, Goose Givens has remained close to the program, frequently attending practices and calling games alongside Tom Leach.
Now, he’s sounding the alarm on what comes next.
“They have to immediately start recruiting. You’re going to have to get some players in here,” Givens said. “There are some guys on this team you have to have coming back, so you start recruiting those guys.”
His comments come after Kentucky finished 22-14 with
a Round of 32 loss to Iowa State, despite reports of a $22 million roster. According to Givens, that level of financial backing won’t continue.
“I know for a fact that the money Kentucky spent over the summer this past summer is not going to be there,” Givens said. “It’s definitely not going to be there next year. So, you’re going to have to really become now a coaching staff that convinces players to come be a part of this without the big dollars that you’ve had in the past, because that’s not going to be there.”
Head coach Mark Pope acknowledged the changing landscape but expressed confidence in the program’s support system.
“I mean, you could not ask for a more supportive administration. The President is supportive, BBN is incredibly supportive,” Mark Pope said on Monday. “And, so, we will. We will have everything that we need to go put together the roster.”
With only Mason Williams committed for next year and top target Tyran Stokes still undecided, Kentucky’s roster rebuild is already underway.
And, as Givens emphasized, urgency is key.
