Collin Chandler is motivated to make a deeper March Madness run with UK next year
Kentucky guard Collin Chandler says he’s hungry to get back on the court and make noise in next year’s NCAA Tournament.
Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Collin Chandler (5) reacts against the Santa Clara Broncos during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Kentucky Basketball sophomore guard Collin Chandler may be disappointed after the Wildcats’ Round of 32 exit, but he’s already focused on the future.
During postgame interviews, Chandler emphasized his motivation to return to March Madness and make a deeper run come this time next year. “I’m hungry to come back. To be back in March Madness, to win more.
Right now, the loss stings. I’m motivated to get back to a game like this,” Chandler said. The sophomore also expressed gratitude for the experience he gained this season, noting that it helped him grow both on and off the court.
“I think it helped me grow a lot as a basketball player, as a person, and so I’m very grateful for that,” he said when asked about a potentially bigger role next year. Regarding his future beyond Kentucky, Chandler kept his focus on the present and his teammates. “That’s not what I’m thinking about right now, but I’m grateful for this season, for this team, and I hope we can celebrate together the memories that we made, relationships we made,” Chandler said.