Mark Pope Commends Brandon Garrison’s Growth as a Leader for Kentucky Wildcats
Brandon Garrison made a notable impact in his first season with the Kentucky Wildcats, providing valuable depth in the frontcourt. While he has always been a respected figure on the court, leadership was not the first trait often associated with him — until now.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope recently praised Garrison for taking on a larger leadership role this offseason, crediting teammate Amari Williams for mentoring him and playing a pivotal role in his personal growth. Pope noted that Garrison has embraced the responsibility of helping new transfers adjust to the program, sharing insights about the coaching staff and what’s expected within the system.
In today’s transfer-heavy college basketball landscape, this kind of peer guidance is extremely valuable. Pope expressed excitement about Garrison’s development during an interview with Kentucky Sports Radio, saying the sophomore forward has started to focus on who he wants to become, rather than just what he currently is.
Garrison, a 6-foot-10 forward from Oklahoma City, averaged 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season. With higher expectations heading into the 2025–26 season, he’s preparing for a larger role both on and off the court. Coach Pope’s remarks suggest Garrison is maturing rapidly, becoming a key part of Kentucky’s team culture and future success.
