Kentucky basketball has announced the addition of Alvin Brooks III to head coach Mark Pope’s coaching staff. Brooks III joins from Baylor University, where he served as an assistant under national championship-winning coach Scott Drew for the past eight years.
His hiring is aimed at bolstering Kentucky’s quest to reclaim success in the SEC and pursue a national championship. The announcement coincides with Pope’s acquisition of a significant transfer portal player, although it comes with the departure of former five-star recruit DJ Wagner from the program, whose destination remains uncertain.
Journalist Matt Norlander broke the news on Twitter, emphasizing the significance of Brooks III’s addition to Pope’s coaching team.
Last season, the Bears posted a commendable 24-11 overall record, placing them third in the men’s Division-I NCAA basketball standings within the competitive Big 12 Conference.
The primary objective for Coach Pope and Associate Head Coach Brooks III will be to rejuvenate and energize the Kentucky basketball program, which suffered a setback in the first round of March Madness against the impressive Oakland University Golden Grizzlies, led by standout player Jack Gohlke. Brooks III will assume a significant role in assisting Coach Brooks with the Wildcats’ team.
Kentucky basketball encountered another challenge when guard Reed Shepherd declared for the NBA Draft last Thursday, opting to pursue professional opportunities.
Despite averaging 12.5 points per game last season, Shepherd’s departure will leave a notable void due to his sharp three-point shooting and versatile skills.
As the Wildcats navigate through the transition following former Coach John Calipari’s departure and the current uncertainties surrounding the team, fans are curious about the composition of the roster for the upcoming season.
Brooks III is expected to play a crucial role in recruiting both from the transfer portal and high school prospects, indicating that Coach Pope and his coaching staff are poised to employ innovative strategies to build a championship-contending team, despite the absence of Reed Shepherd.
