Kentucky misses out on Lamar Wilkerson, who is headed to Indiana instead.

The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program has missed out on a significant transfer target, as Lamar Wilkerson, a standout guard from Sam Houston State, has committed to Indiana University.

Wilkerson, a 6-foot-5 junior from Ashdown, Arkansas, had an impressive season with the Bearkats, averaging 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He demonstrated exceptional shooting efficiency, hitting 47.7% from the field and 44.5% from three-point range, ranking seventh nationally in three-point field goal percentage and 13th in made three-pointers with 109.

Initially, Wilkerson’s recruitment included visits to Kentucky and Indiana, with planned visits to Auburn and Ole Miss being canceled. Reports suggested that Kentucky was gaining momentum in securing his commitment. However, Indiana’s aggressive recruitment strategy, including potential Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, played a pivotal role in swaying Wilkerson’s decision.

Indiana’s new head coach, Darian DeVries, has been proactive in revitalizing the program, and Wilkerson’s commitment is a significant step in that direction. Wilkerson is expected to play a pivotal role both on and off the court for the Hoosiers during the 2024–25 season.

For Kentucky, missing out on Wilkerson is a setback in their efforts to strengthen the backcourt under new head coach Mark Pope. The Wildcats have experienced a series of roster changes following the departure of former head coach John Calipari, with several players entering the transfer portal.

Wilkerson’s decision to join Indiana underscores the competitive nature of the transfer market and the importance of NIL opportunities in modern college basketball recruiting.

As the Wildcats continue to rebuild and retool their roster, the focus will shift to identifying and securing other talented players to maintain their competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference. Meanwhile, Indiana’s acquisition of Wilkerson signals a strong commitment to returning to prominence in the Big Ten Conference.