Kentucky basketball took the court Wednesday night in a closed-door scrimmage against La Familia, a team comprised of former Wildcats and alumni players. While the final score wasn’t officially released, reports indicate that Kentucky came away with an eight-point victory in what proved to be a competitive and revealing exhibition matchup.
The scrimmage, which took place in Lexington, served as a valuable early test for head coach Mark Pope and his new-look squad as they continue preparations for the upcoming season. While it was technically an offseason contest, the level of intensity and effort on both sides was anything but casual, offering a meaningful glimpse into how this Kentucky team might shape up under Pope’s leadership.
According to Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), the Wildcats emerged with an eight-point win over a talented and experienced La Familia team that included several former Kentucky standouts. Though the scrimmage was closed to the public, details and reactions have trickled out through local media and insiders, giving fans plenty to chew on.
One of the biggest surprises of the night came in the form of the starting lineup. Mark Pope rolled out a first five of Jaland Lowe, Denzel Aberdeen, Otega Oweh, Trent Noah, and Brandon Garrison. That configuration raised some eyebrows, especially considering many had expected forward Mo Dioubate to be among the starters. Instead, freshman Trent Noah got the nod, perhaps signaling Pope’s early confidence in the young sharpshooter’s abilities and fit within the lineup.
Brandon Garrison, the 6-foot-11 transfer from Oklahoma State, anchored the frontcourt and continues to look like a potential defensive centerpiece for the Wildcats. Meanwhile, Oweh and Aberdeen provided energy and athleticism on the perimeter, and Jaland Lowe looked comfortable as a floor general, organizing the offense and making smart decisions with the ball.
The game concluded with an Elam Ending — a format in which the clock is turned off late in the game and teams play to a target score. It was Denzel Aberdeen who stepped up in the clutch, knocking down the game-winner and sealing the win for the Wildcats. Jack Pilgrim of KSR confirmed that it was Aberdeen who hit the final shot, capping off a solid performance and adding to the growing buzz around his development.
Overall, the scrimmage offered Kentucky fans a healthy dose of optimism. While it’s still early in the offseason, the Wildcats showed flashes of cohesion and competitiveness, especially against a group of veteran professionals who brought physicality and basketball IQ to the floor.
There’s still a long way to go before the season begins, and Pope will undoubtedly continue to experiment with lineups and rotations. Still, this initial showing suggests that the team is beginning to gel — and that some of the younger players, like Trent Noah, may be further along than anticipated.
Fans will also be encouraged by the way Pope’s system appears to be taking shape. The offense emphasized ball movement, spacing, and versatile guard play, while the defense looked active and engaged throughout. These are good signs for a team that’s trying to re-establish itself as a national contender.
With more practices, workouts, and exhibitions on the horizon, Kentucky will continue to refine its identity. But after a solid showing against La Familia, it’s clear that this group has talent, depth, and plenty of upside.