The Kentucky Wildcats appear to be joining the Miami Hurricanes in moving Uga Poplar.
When Poplar College first entered the transfer portal, Kentucky was one of the many schools that contacted the soon-to-be senior guard who had one year of eligibility remaining.
Poplar plans to visit Kentucky, his father said in an interview with Adam Zagoria.
“They want him,” Poplar's father told Zagoria.
Poplar, originally a four-star recruit in the 2021 class, spent the past three seasons in Miami and appeared in the Hurricanes' Final Four in 2023. That season, the 6-foot-5, 197-pound Poplar averaged 8.4 points. He played 23.6 minutes per game (47% shooting, 37.5% 3S), 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Expectations for Poplar entering the 2023-24 season were so high that he could potentially be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, things didn't go as planned, and although the Canes opened the preseason as a top-15 team, they had a very disappointing showing after losing 10 straight to end the season.
Poplar averaged a respectable 13.1 points, 42.6 percent from the field (38.5 percent from 3-point land), 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 turnovers in 31.2 minutes per game. KenPom said Poplar primarily played second and third in the backcourt, with occasional work as a small-ball No. 4, so he offers potential lineup versatility.
One of Poplar's best games last season came against the Canes at Kentucky, where he recorded 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting (0-of-2 from deep), eight boards, two steals and one assist.
Since Poplar is a wing-type player, you have to wonder if he's an insurance policy in case either Coby Blair or Jackson Robinson falls to Kentucky. Blair is on commitment watch, while Robinson will test the NBA draft process for a few more weeks.
We just saw Kentucky accept a commitment from Brandon Garrison rather than wait for full cooperation with the Great Osobor. Could this be a situation where Kentucky buys Poplar now instead of waiting for Robinson?
Poplar is also considering the NBA Draft, but is expected to return to college for his senior season.
Follow our Twitter page and go Like our Facebook page Get the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. And Go Cats!!