Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has made it clear that he expects sophomore forward Brandon Garrison to step into a significantly larger leadership role heading into the upcoming college basketball season. After a freshman year filled with steady development and flashes of high-level potential, Garrison is poised to become one of the foundational figures in Pope’s first full year at the helm of the Wildcats program.
Garrison, a 6-foot-11 former McDonald’s All-American, transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma State following the coaching change in Stillwater. While his freshman numbers — averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game — didn’t jump off the page, his impact on the court often extended beyond the box score. His defensive versatility, physical presence in the paint, and growing confidence as an offensive player all suggest he is ready for a more prominent role.
In recent interviews, Pope has praised Garrison’s maturity and work ethic, noting that the young big man has embraced the responsibility that comes with being a leader in one of college basketball’s most scrutinized environments.
“Brandon is the kind of player who leads by example,” Pope said. “He shows up every day ready to work. He communicates, he competes, and he cares about his teammates. That’s the type of leadership that’s going to be essential for us this season.”
Pope’s expectations for Garrison go beyond production on the stat sheet. With a roster that will feature several new faces — including transfers and incoming freshmen — Garrison will be relied upon to help set the tone in practice, guide younger players through the program’s demands, and anchor the defense from the interior.
The Kentucky coaching staff has already begun tailoring parts of the offense and defense to better utilize Garrison’s strengths. He is expected to have an expanded role in pick-and-roll sets, serve as a primary rim protector, and continue developing as a passer from the high post, something Pope values in his offensive schemes.
Teammates have echoed Pope’s sentiments, pointing to Garrison as someone they already look to in tense or high-pressure moments.
“He doesn’t talk a lot, but when he does, everybody listens,” said a fellow teammate during a recent team workout. “He just gets it. He understands the game and what Coach Pope wants from us. You can feel his presence when he’s on the floor.”
Off the court, Garrison has reportedly become more vocal in team meetings and film sessions. He’s taken younger players under his wing, offering advice about how to adjust to the college game, how to handle adversity, and how to stay locked in mentally through the ups and downs of a long season.
For Pope, building a strong internal leadership structure is crucial, especially as the program transitions into a new era following the departure of John Calipari. Garrison, with a full season of Power Five basketball under his belt and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level, fits the mold of the type of player Pope wants leading the charge.
“He’s earned the respect of the locker room,” Pope said. “Now it’s about him owning that responsibility and growing into it even more. We believe in Brandon and what he can become — not just as a player, but as a leader of this team.”
As the Wildcats prepare for summer workouts and the lead-up to the season, all eyes will be on Garrison to see how he handles the increased responsibility. If his trajectory continues upward, he could not only be a difference-maker for Kentucky but also a breakout star in the SEC.
