Kentucky Basketball vs. UCF Knights preview, viewing info, what to watch for, and more

No. 23 Kentucky Basketball returns to Rupp Arena on Wednesday night for its third and final exhibition game of the season, welcoming the UCF Knights to Lexington.

The Wildcats enter the matchup coming off an impressive 76-65 victory over No. 19 Texas Tech on Friday night. Kentucky showed significant offensive potential, with five players reaching double figures, while several young players continued to make their case for important roles in Mark Pope’s rotation.

The victory was an encouraging sight for a fan base entering Pope’s third season with plenty of questions. After expectations were high last season, Kentucky ultimately fell to Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Injuries played a major role in the Wildcats’ struggles, but the disappointing finish left fans eager to see what this year’s team could accomplish.

Although Friday’s victory was only an exhibition, it offered reasons for optimism. At the same time, Kentucky fans know better than to get too carried away with preseason results. The Wildcats previously demolished No. 1 Purdue in an exhibition game before that season failed to meet expectations, serving as a reminder that the real test begins when the regular season arrives.

Against Texas Tech, Malachi Moreno, Milan Momcilovic, Mason Williams, Alex Wilkins and Ousmane N’Diaye all scored in double figures. Williams, a true freshman, continued to show that he could contribute immediately, while Wilkins demonstrated his ability to score and facilitate the offense, finishing with seven assists.

Kentucky now has an opportunity to finish exhibition play with a perfect 3-0 record before opening the regular season against Manhattan on Tuesday, November 3, at 7 PM ET inside Rupp Arena.

The Wildcats have faced UCF just once in program history. That meeting came on January 3, 2006, when Kentucky earned a narrow 59-57 victory at Rupp Arena. Ramel Bradley led the Wildcats with 16 points, while Rajon Rondo added 13.

The Knights have undergone significant roster changes heading into this season, bringing in eight transfers alongside three freshmen while retaining five players from last year’s team. Head coach Johnny Dawkins, entering his 11th season at UCF, will have plenty of new pieces to work into his rotation.

UCF has already played two exhibition games, falling to LSU 85-81 on the road before bouncing back with an 80-74 victory over Rollins. While those results offer an early look at the Knights, Wednesday’s matchup against Kentucky will provide another opportunity to evaluate how their new roster handles a high-major opponent.

Here’s what you need to watch for as the Wildcats prepare for their final exhibition game.

Kentucky needs to rebound better

One of Kentucky’s biggest concerns coming out of Friday’s win was its performance on the glass.

Although the overall rebounding margin against Texas Tech was relatively close, with the Red Raiders holding a 33-29 advantage, the difference in offensive rebounds proved important. Texas Tech collected 16 offensive rebounds compared with Kentucky’s nine, helping the Red Raiders generate 15 second-chance points while the Wildcats managed only nine.

Giving an opponent that many additional opportunities can become a major problem once the regular season begins, particularly against teams with experienced frontcourts and strong offensive rebounders.

Kentucky has players capable of competing physically inside, including Moreno and N’Diaye, but the Wildcats must do a better job of boxing out, securing defensive rebounds and limiting second-chance opportunities.

UCF also has size in the frontcourt, led by 7-foot-2 center John Bol and 6-foot-9 forward Isaiah Malone. If Kentucky allows the Knights to repeatedly extend possessions, it could make Wednesday’s game more competitive than necessary.

The Wildcats do not need to dominate every rebounding battle, but they must become more consistent in finishing defensive possessions. Doing so will help Kentucky get out in transition and give its offense more opportunities to find a rhythm.

Zoom Diallo needs a complete performance

Kentucky’s backcourt has shown encouraging signs through the first two exhibition games, but Zoom Diallo still has an opportunity to take another step forward.

The Washington transfer arrived with high expectations after Kentucky brought him in to help replace Jaland Lowe. Diallo is expected to play a major role as the Wildcats’ point guard, making his development one of the biggest storylines heading into the regular season.

Through the first two exhibitions, Diallo has totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists while committing six turnovers. Those numbers show that he has contributed as a playmaker, but the turnovers and limited scoring production are areas to monitor.

Meanwhile, Williams and Wilkins have made strong impressions. Williams scored 14 points against Texas Tech, while Wilkins added 13 points and seven assists. Both Williams and Wilkins have shown the ability to make plays and provide valuable offensive production.

That competition should give Diallo extra motivation to put together a more complete performance against UCF. He does not necessarily need to lead Kentucky in scoring, but he must take care of the basketball, make smart decisions, and consistently get his teammates involved.

Pope will need reliable point guard play throughout the season, especially against teams that can pressure the ball and force turnovers. Wednesday presents another opportunity for Diallo to build confidence and establish himself as the player Kentucky needs him to be.

Can Kentucky improve its 3-point shooting?

Pope has consistently emphasized perimeter shooting as a major component of his offensive philosophy, with the goal of getting roughly 30-35 3-point attempts per game.

Kentucky’s performance against Texas Tech showed both the benefits and drawbacks of that approach.

The Wildcats went 7-for-24 from beyond the arc, shooting 29.2%. Although that was not an especially efficient night, Kentucky still knocked down some important shots. Momcilovic hit a key 3-pointer to help the Wildcats regain the lead, while Wilkins delivered a pair of difficult shots from deep, including a logo 3-pointer and a step-back jumper.

Those moments demonstrated the kind of shot-making Kentucky could use throughout the season. However, the Wildcats will need to find greater consistency if they want to make Pope’s high-volume perimeter approach work.

Momcilovic remains one of Kentucky’s most important shooting threats, while Williams and Wilkins have shown that they can contribute from the perimeter as well. Getting those players quality looks without forcing difficult attempts will be important.

Kentucky does not necessarily need to take fewer 3-pointers, but it must do a better job of balancing volume with shot selection. The Wildcats also need to create opportunities through ball movement and penetration rather than relying exclusively on contested perimeter shots.

Wednesday’s matchup should offer another indication of how effectively Kentucky can generate open looks and whether its shooting can become more consistent before the regular season begins.

UCF players to watch

Dior Johnson, Guard: The 6-foot-3 redshirt senior returns to UCF after spending last season at Tarleton State, where he earned WAC Sixth Man of the Year and Second Team All-WAC honors. Johnson averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 20 games, including a season-high 42 points against Baylor. His scoring production makes him one of the Knights’ most dangerous offensive threats, and Kentucky will need to keep him from getting comfortable.
Arturo Dean, Guard: The 5-foot-11 redshirt senior transferred to UCF after playing at Oklahoma State. Dean averaged 7.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 34 games in the 2024-2025 season. Before that, he had an outstanding season at FIU, averaging 13.4 points and 3.9 rebounds while leading the nation with 104 steals in 2023-24. His defensive instincts and playmaking ability make him a guard Kentucky must account for on both ends of the floor.
John Bol, Center: The 7-foot-2 junior Bol appeared in all 33 games last season, starting each one while averaging 5.9 points and 5.5 rebounds. He also recorded 35 blocks and shot an impressive percentage on two-point attempts. His length could challenge Kentucky’s frontcourt, particularly if the Wildcats struggle to secure rebounds.
Carmelo Pacheco, Guard: The 6-foot-5 senior is in his second season with UCF, where he averaged 4.6 points per game last season while shooting 39.4% from 3-point range, knocking down 43 shots from beyond the arc. He previously shot 46.4% from deep during the 2024-25 season at Mount St. Mary’s. Kentucky will need to locate him on the perimeter and avoid giving him open catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Isaiah Malone, Forward: The 6-foot-9 senior transferred from Florida Gulf Coast, where he averaged 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season. Malone earned ASUN Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 64 blocks, including a league-leading 60 during the regular season. His combination of size, rebounding and rim protection could make him an important matchup for Moreno and N’Diaye.
Jason Asemota, Forward: The 6-foot-8 junior joined UCF after spending last season at Boston College. A former highly regarded recruit, Asemota averaged 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in limited playing time with the Eagles. He also spent his freshman season at Baylor. Asemota gives Dawkins another versatile frontcourt option, and Wednesday could provide a useful look at the role he will play in UCF’s rotation.
Jahda Swann, Guard: The 6-foot-5 freshman from Brooklyn, New York, joins UCF after an impressive high school career. Swann was named New York Sportswriters Association AAA Player of the Year and helped lead Thomas Jefferson to a city championship. He averaged 16.5 points per game during his senior season at St. James Academy after posting 25.5 points, 12 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game as a junior. As a newcomer, Swann will be looking to establish himself against a talented Kentucky roster.
Riley Kugel, Guard: The 6-foot-5, 210-pound fifth-year guard returns to UCF, where Kugel led the Knights in scoring last season, averaging 14.35 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 41.5% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range. He reached double figures in 24 of his 31 appearances and recorded a career-high 26 points against Baylor on Feb. 28, 2026. As long as he is eligible, Kugel will be one of their key players this season.

Kentucky has an opportunity to close out exhibition play with a 3-0 record, but the Wildcats still have areas to improve before the games begin to count. Better rebounding, more consistent point guard play, and improved perimeter shooting will all be important as Pope’s team prepares for the regular season.

The Wildcats have shown encouraging signs through their first two exhibitions, particularly with the emergence of Williams and Wilkins. Now, they will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday’s matchup against UCF before turning their full attention to Manhattan.

What will you be watching for Wednesday night at Rupp Arena? Send us your thoughts in the comments section!

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