Kentucky Wildcats Target Zoom Diallo in Transfer Portal

The University of Kentucky is actively pursuing Washington point guard Zoom Diallo as part of a broader effort to secure new talent through the transfer portal. Head coach Mark Pope and his staff have initiated contact with Diallo, with reports indicating the program is strongly in the mix to recruit the standout guard.

According to reporting from Kentucky Sports Radio and UK Wildcats Wire, Kentucky is scheduled to host a Zoom meeting with Diallo on April 7 or April 8, 2026. The recruitment comes as Pope prioritizes finding a point guard for the roster following the previous season.

Player Profile and Performance

Zoom Diallo is a 6’4″, 180-pound point guard who entered the collegiate level as a four-star member of the 2024 recruiting class. He originally committed to the Washington Huskies over other programs, including Gonzaga and Arizona.

During the 2025-26 season, Diallo appeared in all 33 of Washington’s games, starting 29 of them. His statistical output as a sophomore showed significant growth compared to his true freshman year, where he averaged 11.1 points per contest.

In his most recent campaign, Diallo averaged the following statistics over 29.6 minutes per game:

• 15.7 points per game
• 4.5 assists per game
• 3.9 rebounds per game
• 48.9 percent field goal shooting
• 31.5 percent three-point shooting

Diallo demonstrated a strong finish to his sophomore season, scoring more than 21 points in four of his final five games and recording 18 assists across his final two contests.

Transfer Portal Standing and Eligibility

Diallo is considered a highly coveted target due to having two years of eligibility remaining. His standing among transfer portal prospects is reflected in several industry rankings:

• On3 Transfer Portal Industry Ranking: No. 25 overall and No. 10 point guard
• On3: 26th overall
• 247 Sports: 27th overall
• USA Today Sports: 28th overall

While his three-point shooting was 31% last season, reports note that this represents a drastic improvement from his freshman year, when he shot 18.2% from beyond the arc, suggesting further potential for growth in his perimeter game.

Kentucky’s Recruitment Strategy

The pursuit of Diallo is part of a larger strategy by Mark Pope to address the point guard position. In addition to Diallo, Kentucky is reportedly recruiting other point guards, including LSU transfer Dedan Thomas Jr.

Kentucky had a prior connection to Diallo during his high school recruitment in the 2024 class under former coach John Calipari, though the program did not offer him a scholarship at that time. In April 2024, Diallo spoke positively about the program’s history of developing NBA talent and Coach Calipari’s willingness to trust freshmen players.