Kentucky basketballs HC Mark Pope loses sharpshooter to transfer portal

Published: Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 5:17 am

Kentucky Wildcats Sharpshooter Collin Chandler Enters Transfer Portal

Lexington, KY - Kentucky Wildcats basketball coach Mark Pope faces a setback as guard Collin Chandler has entered the NCAA transfer portal. This move comes as Chandler, a key player for the Wildcats, seeks a new program for his upcoming season.

Chandler, who was recruited by Pope from BYU, is entering his third year of eligibility. He is expected to have a preferred destination in mind, as he has designated his transfer as "do-not-contact."

The 6-foot-5 guard from Farmington, Utah, had a breakout sophomore season. He played in all 36 games, starting 31, and averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Chandler was a significant offensive threat, leading the team with 73 made three-pointers, boasting a 41.0% success rate from beyond the arc. His performance improved in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, where he averaged 10.5 points per game, shooting 45.7% from three-point range.

Chandler's development was notable, especially considering his freshman year performance. He averaged only 2.7 points across 30 games without a start. However, he finished the season strongly, scoring a majority of his points in the final games and hitting a three-pointer in each of the last seven contests. This momentum carried into his sophomore year, where he became a full-time starter and a crucial offensive asset.

Prior to his college career, Chandler was a highly-regarded recruit, ranked among the top prospects nationally. He was named Utah's top prospect and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in high school, averaging 21.7 points per game.

Chandler's departure adds to a series of roster changes for Coach Pope, who is now tasked with making significant decisions following a 22-14 season that ended with a second-round loss in the NCAA Tournament.

BNN's Perspective: The transfer portal has become an increasingly significant factor in college basketball, and this situation highlights the challenges coaches face in building and maintaining a roster. While Chandler's departure is a blow, Coach Pope now has the opportunity to reshape the team and bring in new talent. The ability to adapt and recruit effectively will be crucial for Kentucky's continued success.

Keywords: Kentucky basketball, Mark Pope, Collin Chandler, transfer portal, Wildcats, NCAA, SEC, three-pointers, recruiting, college basketball, roster, departures, Utah, guard

Full Story