Wildcat’s roster construction is still very much a work in progress, and one of the most pressing areas that clearly needs attention is the power forward position. As things stand, the Wildcats don’t yet have enough proven depth or versatility at the four spot, and that reality has pushed the coaching staff to stay aggressive in the transfer portal. There is some optimism surrounding the recruitment of James Madison forward Justin McBride, as Kentucky appears to be in a strong position to secure his commitment. However, even if McBride does end up in Lexington, it would not completely solve the issue. Head coach Mark Pope and his staff would still need to bring in at least one more capable and reliable power forward to round out the rotation.
Interestingly, a new opportunity has just emerged—one that carries a bit of familiarity for Kentucky fans. Former Wildcat forward Jordan Burks has officially entered the transfer portal after a highly productive season at UCF. His name is already generating buzz among the Kentucky fanbase, and for good reason. Burks’ development over the past year has been significant, and his skill set now aligns much more closely with what Kentucky is currently looking for in a modern power forward.
During his most recent season with UCF in the Big 12, Burks put together an impressive statistical campaign. He averaged 13.3 points per game while also contributing 4.8 rebounds and about one steal per contest. Efficiency was another strong point in his performance. He shot 45.5% from the field overall and connected on 37.3% of his three-point attempts. What makes that three-point percentage particularly notable is the volume—he was taking nearly five shots from beyond the arc per game (4.9 attempts), which indicates both confidence and a clearly defined role within the offense.
At 6’9”, Burks possesses the physical profile necessary to compete in a conference as demanding as the SEC. Size alone isn’t enough, though, and what makes him especially intriguing is his ability to stretch the floor. In today’s game, having a power forward who can reliably knock down perimeter shots is extremely valuable. It opens up driving lanes, creates spacing for guards, and forces opposing defenses to adjust. Burks checks that box convincingly, and that’s a big reason why he could be such a natural fit in Mark Pope’s system, which emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and offensive versatility.
If Kentucky were able to land both Burks and McBride, the Wildcats would suddenly find themselves with a much more balanced and dynamic frontcourt. The combination of the two players could provide a strong one-two punch at the power forward position. McBride would bring his own strengths and presence, while Burks would add experience, shooting, and proven production at a high level of competition. Together, they could give Kentucky flexibility in lineup construction and allow Pope to adapt to different matchups throughout the season.
Looking back at Burks’ journey adds even more context to his current value. His first stint at Kentucky during the 2023–24 season was relatively quiet in terms of production. As a freshman, he averaged just 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds per game across 20 appearances. At that stage, he was still developing, adjusting to the college level, and trying to find his role within a talented roster. Opportunities were limited, and it was clear that he needed more playing time to fully showcase his abilities.
Following that season, Burks made the decision to transfer to Georgetown. There, he began to carve out a slightly larger role, averaging 5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds in about 18.6 minutes per game. While those numbers were still modest, they represented a step forward. He was gaining experience, becoming more comfortable, and gradually expanding his game. It was a transitional phase that helped set the stage for his breakout year.
That breakout finally came during his time at UCF. In Orlando, Burks was given a significantly larger role, and he made the most of it. With increased minutes and responsibility, his production surged, and he became an important piece for the Knights. His scoring, efficiency, and overall impact all improved, and he played a key role in helping UCF reach the NCAA Tournament. Although their postseason run ended in the Round of 64 with a loss to UCLA, the season as a whole was a success, and Burks emerged as a player who could contribute at a high level against strong competition.
From Kentucky’s perspective, the appeal is pretty straightforward. Mark Pope is clearly looking for players who combine size with shooting ability—especially at the power forward position. The modern game places a premium on versatility, and having a forward who can step out and consistently hit three-pointers changes the entire dynamic of an offense. Burks fits that mold almost perfectly. His willingness to take nearly five three-point shots per game, combined with his solid 37.3% shooting percentage, shows that he is not only capable but also comfortable operating in that role.
Another factor working in Burks’ favor is his familiarity with Kentucky. Having already spent time in Lexington earlier in his career, he understands the expectations, the culture, and the intensity that comes with playing for the Wildcats. While the coaching staff has changed since his previous stint, that prior experience could still make a potential return feel more natural for both sides. There’s already a level of connection there, which isn’t always the case with transfer portal targets.
As of now, Burks has just entered the portal, so the situation is still developing. It remains unclear whether Mark Pope and his staff have reached out or will ultimately pursue him aggressively. However, from a basketball standpoint, the fit makes a lot of sense. Kentucky needs frontcourt help, particularly at power forward, and Burks offers a combination of size, shooting, and recent high-level production that is hard to ignore.
In the coming days, it will be worth watching closely to see how this recruitment unfolds. Kentucky is expected to remain active in the portal, and Burks is exactly the type of player who could help address one of the team’s most pressing needs. If the Wildcats do decide to get involved and are able to bring him back into the program, he could play a significant role in strengthening the roster and providing the frontcourt depth that is currently lacking.
Ultimately, Kentucky’s offseason strategy will hinge on finding the right pieces to complement each other, and adding players who can contribute immediately. Burks has already shown that he can produce at a high level when given the opportunity, and his skill set aligns well with the direction the program is heading under Mark Pope. Whether or not a reunion happens remains to be seen, but the possibility alone is enough to generate excitement—and for good reason.
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