Mark Pope must prioritize keeping Mo Dioubate out of the NCAA Transfer Portal

While Big Blue Nation is still rightfully celebrating Otega Oweh’s miraculous shot and Brandon Garrison’s sterling defensive effort, the reality of modern college basketball is that recruiting never sleeps. The NCAA Transfer Portal window is knocking on the door. After refshuffling, the window matches football’s singular window.

It opens on April 7, 2026, the day after the national championship game, and snaps shut just as rapidly on April 21st. Players do not have to commit during that 2-week window, but they do have to be in the portal before it closes. You can guarantee that Mark Pope and his coaching staff already have a concrete plan detailing exactly what they want to do, who they are targeting, and who they desperately want to bring back.

We know that seniors Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen are out of eligibility, but nearly every other major contributor on this roster has the option to return. However, after a highly turbulent season featuring unconfirmed rumors of off-court issues, some players may simply decide that running it back in Lexington is not in the cards. And some players, people would be happy if they left.

One potential returner who is currently splitting the fanbase right down the middle is Mo Dioubate. The Mo Dioubate debate A vocal segment of the fanbase wants Dioubate back in the blue and white next season, while others are not entirely convinced his skill set fits into what Mark Pope’s offensive system does best. Let’s settle the debate right now: There is absolutely no reason Mo Dioubate shouldn’t be back in Lexington next year, unless he hits the portal demanding a Brinks truck of NIL money that the program simply can’t justify.