The 57% Shooter Mark Pope Must Secure to Revive Kentucky’s Offense
Kentucky basketball is facing a clear and pressing issue heading into the new season—its lack of reliable shooting. Head coach Mark Pope is under increasing pressure to address this weakness, especially after the Wildcats struggled offensively throughout last year. If there is one move that could significantly change the team’s trajectory, it is landing Robert Morris transfer DeSean Goode.
Last season exposed a major flaw in Kentucky’s offensive system. The Wildcats found it difficult to consistently score, particularly from beyond the arc. By the end of the year, the team had posted a disappointing 34 percent shooting rate from three-point range. Despite entering the transfer portal period with opportunities to strengthen the roster, many of the early targets on Kentucky’s list are players who have not proven themselves as efficient shooters. This raises concerns about whether the team is truly addressing its most urgent need.
However, one name stands out as a potential game-changer—DeSean Goode. Among a crowded schedule of transfer portal evaluations and virtual meetings, Goode represents a rare and valuable exception. If Kentucky is serious about improving its offensive efficiency, securing him should be a top priority.
Goode’s numbers from last season are nothing short of remarkable. The 6-foot-8 forward delivered an incredibly efficient offensive performance, shooting an outstanding 57.1 percent from three-point range. In addition, he converted nearly 63 percent of his overall field goal attempts. Such efficiency is extremely rare, especially for a player of his size and position.
While it is reasonable to expect some decline in those shooting percentages when facing tougher SEC competition, Goode’s baseline remains impressive. Even with natural regression, he projects to be a highly effective perimeter shooter, likely maintaining a three-point percentage above 40 percent. That level of consistency would immediately make him one of Kentucky’s most reliable offensive weapons.
To understand the importance of this, consider Kentucky’s roster last season. Only one player managed to shoot above 37 percent from beyond the arc, and his return for the upcoming season is still uncertain. This highlights just how badly the Wildcats need a player like Goode.
Adding a shooter of his caliber would do more than simply improve scoring—it would transform the team’s entire offensive structure. Kentucky’s struggles were evident in their season-ending loss to Iowa State, where the Wildcats were overwhelmed by aggressive defensive pressure. Without dependable outside shooters, opponents were able to collapse into the paint, shut down driving lanes, and force costly turnovers. In that game alone, Kentucky committed 20 turnovers.
With a player like Goode on the floor, defenses would be forced to adjust. His presence as a perimeter threat would stretch the defense, creating more space for teammates to operate. Driving lanes would open, double-teams would become riskier, and the offense would flow more smoothly.
Mark Pope is scheduled to meet with Goode, and the outcome of that conversation could have major implications for Kentucky’s future. While Goode may not have the same high-profile reputation as other transfer targets, his skill set addresses Kentucky’s most critical need.
Ultimately, securing DeSean Goode could be the key to fixing Kentucky’s offensive struggles and preventing a repeat of last season’s shortcomings.
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