The new transfer portal rules allow college athletes to seek new opportunities when they feel the need to. Kentucky Wildcats freshman forward Bryce Hopkins will use that and has announced he has entered the transfer portal. The former top-50 recruit played limited action this year and with Kentucky bringing in more talent as usual this was probably the right move for the forward. While several teams will be interested the team to watch will be the Louisville Cardinals and their new Head Coach Kenny Payne.
Kentucky freshman Bryce Hopkins has entered the transfer portal, source told ESPN. Was ranked No. 33 in the 2021 class, played sparingly as a freshman for the Wildcats.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 7, 2022
Bryce Hopkins played somewhat inconsistent and limited minutes this season and it became clear that he would not become a rotation player this year. Next year could have been different, but Hopkins is going to use this opportunity to transfer to a different program. In just 6.4 minutes per game this season, he averaged 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game. He shot 42.9 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from the three-point line. In 16 minutes against LSU this season, he posted 13 points and four rebounds. It was his one game of note.
Lexington you will always have a special place in my heart?? pic.twitter.com/YCfZhhr1oy
— Bryce Hopkins (@BryceHopkins) April 7, 2022
While Kenny Payne was with Kentucky he helped recruit Bryce Hopkins to the program, but then he left for a job with the New York Knicks. Now he is the new Head Coach of the Louisville Cardinals. It seems likely that the Louisville program will offer Hopkins once again and they will be at the top or near the top of his list. Teams will reach out and he will have a major decision to make about his future.
