The Kentucky Wildcats continue to be active in the transfer portal as they work to strengthen multiple areas of their roster ahead of the upcoming season. While much of the focus has been on adding size and depth in the frontcourt, the coaching staff is also making sure the backcourt is properly reinforced. That effort has led to a new name entering Kentucky’s recruiting radar: Dayton transfer guard De’Shayne Montgomery.
According to reports, Kentucky has officially reached out to Montgomery as part of its ongoing portal evaluations. The Wildcats already have a solid group of guards, including Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, and Mason Williams, but the staff is still looking to add experienced depth and defensive versatility behind their primary options. Montgomery appears to fit that profile well, especially as a potential rotation piece at shooting guard.
Currently, Montgomery is ranked No. 133 in the transfer portal rankings by 247Sports and is considered the 24th-best shooting guard available. The 6-foot-4 guard from Fort Lauderdale was a key contributor for Dayton last season, where he established himself as a reliable two-way player. He averaged 13.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 49.0% from the field and 33.5% from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, he also contributed 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest, showing his ability to impact multiple areas of the game.
One of Montgomery’s most notable strengths is his defensive production. He averaged 2.7 steals per game, highlighting his active hands, anticipation, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. That defensive energy could make him a valuable asset in a Kentucky system that often relies on intensity and depth across multiple guard positions.
His standout performance of the season came against North Florida, where he delivered a dominant all-around showing with 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range. He also added two rebounds, one block, and four steals in what showcased his scoring efficiency and defensive impact in the same game.
Montgomery’s combination of scoring ability and defensive pressure makes him an appealing target as a potential bench contributor or spark plug option. For Kentucky, he could provide valuable minutes behind Wilkins while also offering lineup flexibility depending on matchups.
Recruiting competition for Montgomery is already heating up. Both Louisville and NC State have hosted him on official visits, signaling that multiple programs are seriously pursuing the talented guard. A visit to Kentucky remains a strong possibility, and one that could significantly influence his recruitment in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Kentucky continues to expand its transfer portal board. The program has recently hosted forward Justin McBride from James Madison and center Gabe Dynes from USC, while also conducting a virtual meeting with Florida Atlantic transfer Devin Williams, a 6-foot-10 shot-blocking presence. Additionally, Washington State guard Jerone Morton is scheduled for a visit, further emphasizing how active the Wildcats are in reshaping their roster.
As Kentucky continues to evaluate options, Montgomery stands out as another potential backcourt addition who could bring energy, defense, and scoring depth to the rotation if the Wildcats decide to push harder in his recruitment.
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