How many minutes do they get ??

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

I realize it is early and nobody's seen the team, but I think the personnel keys this year will be N'Diaye, Kepnang, McBride and Morton. How many minutes do folks think each will receive, especially in March, to help contribute to wins against high-level teams ?? Is at least 15 minutes for each realistic ??

Last year, we had ten (10) players, playing in at least twenty-four (24) games, who averaged at least ten (10) minutes per game, with eight (8) of them averaging at least fifteen (15) minutes per game ... as Johnson (12.0) and Noah (10.6) averaged less than fifteen (15) mpg.

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theBlues · Jun 8, 2026

In the order you listed them I'd say 20, 10, 20, and 4. I don't think Morton will be the first reserve at either the point or two guard.

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

theBlues said:
In the order you listed them I'd say 20, 10, 20, and 4. I don't think Morton will be the first reserve at either the point or two guard.

Gotcha ... do you see Moreno playing 30 minutes a game and who do you see as the first reserve for the PG / 2G, if not Morton ??

BlueBomb · Jun 8, 2026

I know nothing about most of the players we're getting, so I certainly can't predict minutes. However, I do feel that Pope needs to shorten his rotation. The last two seasons, he's had 12 players average double digit minutes. I don't think Pope has had enough talent to spread out the minutes like that.

To compare, last year, Duke, Kansas, and Iowa State (the first three I looked up) each had eight players average double digit minutes.

theBlues · Jun 8, 2026

megablue said:
Gotcha ... do you see Moreno playing 30 minutes a game and who do you see as the first reserve for the PG / 2G, if not Morton ??

Bear in my this is just my own layman opinion but I doubt Moreno sees that many minutes, it's just not Pope's way, although I expect to see Momcilovic to play 30+ in the big games. I think Wilkins will be the first backup point option in big games, assuming him and Diallo start, but I would not rule out Mason Williams. I think Kam Williams will be the next 2 guard.

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

theBlues said:
Bear in my this is just my own layman opinion but I doubt Moreno sees that many minutes, it's just not Pope's way, although I expect to see Momcilovic to play 30+ in the big games. I think Wilkins will be the first backup point option in big games, assuming him and Diallo start, but I would not rule out Mason Williams. I think Kam Williams will be the next 2 guard.

Thanks for the reply ... Kam Williams as a back-up 2G is a key in your view, right now. Gotcha ... it could happen and be that way.

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

BlueBomb said:
I know nothing about most of the players we're getting, so I certainly can't predict minutes. However, I do feel that Pope needs to shorten his rotation. The last two seasons, he's had 12 players average double digit minutes. I don't think Pope has had enough talent to spread out the minutes like that.

To compare, last year, Duke, Kansas, and Iowa State (the first three I looked up) each had eight players average double digit minutes.

Yes. I agree. I essentially see nine (9) playing down the stretch in March, with the four (4) I listed backing up Diallo, Wilkins, Momcilovic, Williams and Moreno. I must say that Braydon Hawthorne could possibly step into the mix and command quality minutes. It will be FUN seeing how the season unfolds ... no doubt. Fourteen (14) players is a lot to distribute minutes to ... impossible late in the year on a stretch run, of course.

theBlues · Jun 8, 2026

I think Pope would like for everybody to play(just like little league) and for the starters to play 22-24 mpg and all the subs to get 10+mpg and everybody to be happy with it. I also think he now realizes he's not in Utah anymore and that it can't be that way any more.

I also think Pope knows a 4th year isn't guaranteed and I think he heard the criticisms last year about his substitutions and playing too deep on his bench. If we lose close games when our best players played well short of 30 minutes it will be met with more cries of "Fire Pope!" and I think he knows that. For that reason I think he'll play everybody against cupcakes but will go no deeper than 9 or 10 guys against quality opponents with the ninth and tenth guys getting only 8-10 mpg.

UKWildcats1987 · Jun 8, 2026

theBlues said:
I think Pope would like for everybody to play(just like little league) and for the starters to play 22-24 mpg and all the subs to get 10+mpg and everybody to be happy with it. I also think he now realizes he's not in Utah anymore and that it can't be that way any more.

I also think Pope knows a 4th year isn't guaranteed and I think he heard the criticisms last year about his substitutions and playing too deep on his bench. If we lose close games when our best players played well short of 30 minutes it will be met with more cries of "Fire Pope!" and I think he knows that. For that reason I think he'll play everybody against cupcakes but will go no deeper than 9 or 10 guys against quality opponents with the ninth and tenth guys getting only 8-10 mpg.

I pray this is correct. I agree 100%

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

theBlues said:
I think Pope would like for everybody to play(just like little league) and for the starters to play 22-24 mpg and all the subs to get 10+mpg and everybody to be happy with it. I also think he now realizes he's not in Utah anymore and that it can't be that way any more.

I also think Pope knows a 4th year isn't guaranteed and I think he heard the criticisms last year about his substitutions and playing too deep on his bench. If we lose close games when our best players played well short of 30 minutes it will be met with more cries of "Fire Pope!" and I think he knows that. For that reason I think he'll play everybody against cupcakes but will go no deeper than 9 or 10 guys against quality opponents with the ninth and tenth guys getting only 8-10 mpg.

Well-stated post that I think is very likely to be pretty much spot on and correct. It pretty much HAS to be, if Pope wants to be successful here. He needs to win in March ...

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

Here are the current roster's statistics for last season .... ranked by minutes played per game:

			MINS	PTS	REBS	3PTA	fg%	2P%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	AST	TOV
MOMCILOVIC	6'8"	220	30.5	16.9	3.1	7.5	0.506	0.545	0.487	0.878	0.8	0.2	1.0	0.8
WILKINS	6'5"	175	29.8	17.8	2.0	5.7	0.460	0.554	0.328	0.824	0.8	0.1	4.7	3.8
DIALLO	6'4"	180	29.6	15.7	3.9	2.2	0.489	0.527	0.315	0.825	0.7	0.0	4.5	2.5
N'DIAYE	6'11"	210	27.2	9.8	6.8	5.0	0.407	0.536	0.305	0.828	0.9	0.6	0.8	1.5
McBRIDE	6'8"	230	27.1	15.3	5.6	3.1	0.494	0.530	0.400	0.782	0.4	0.6	1.5	1.8
MORTON	6'4"	200	24.9	7.8	1.9	2.5	0.438	0.473	0.388	0.820	0.8	0.2	2.6	1.2
KEPNANG	6'11"	225	22.9	6.2	6.3	0.0	0.515	0.519	0.000	0.689	0.6	2.1	0.2	1.0
MORENO	7'0"	250	22.6	7.8	6.3	0.1	0.582	0.593	0.000	0.698	0.5	1.5	1.8	1.3
K. WILLIAMS	6'8"	190	18.5	6.0	2.1	3.3	0.449	0.690	0.359	0.955	0.6	0.3	1.0	0.6
NOAH	6'5"	220	10.6	3.0	2.3	1.9	0.355	0.455	0.333	0.826	0.4	0.1	0.5	0.3
POTTER	7'1"	230
B. HAWTHORNE	6'8"	190
Z. HAWTHORNE	6'2"	170
M. WILLIAMS	6'2"	185


TOTALS			243.7	106.3	40.3	31.3

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

Here are the PER 40 STATS for the current roster ... ranked by total game appearances last season:

			GAMES	PTS	REBS	3PTA	FG%	2P%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	AST	TOV
MOMCILOVIC	6'8"	220	37	22.1	4.1	9.9	0.506	0.545	0.487	0.878	1.1	0.3	1.3	1.1
MORENO	7'0"	250	36	13.8	11.2	0.1	0.582	0.593	0.000	0.698	0.9	2.6	3.1	2.3
WILKINS	6'5"	175	35	23.9	2.6	7.6	0.460	0.554	0.328	0.824	1.0	0.2	6.3	5.1
DIALLO	6'4"	180	33	21.2	5.3	3.0	0.489	0.527	0.315	0.825	0.9	0.0	6.0	3.4
MORTON	6'4"	200	32	12.5	3.1	4	0.438	0.473	0.388	0.820	1.3	0.4	4.2	1.9
McBRIDE	6'8"	230	31	22.5	8.3	4.5	0.494	0.530	0.400	0.782	0.6	0.9	2.1	2.6
N'DIAYE	6'11"	210	28	14.3	10.0	7.4	0.407	0.536	0.305	0.828	1.3	0.9	1.1	2.1
KEPNANG	6'11"	225	27	10.8	11.0	0.1	0.515	0.519	0.000	0.689	1.0	3.6	0.4	1.8
NOAH	6'5"	220	27	11.1	8.6	7.1	0.355	0.455	0.333	0.826	1.7	0.4	1.8	1.1
K. WILLIAMS	6'8"	190	24	13.1	4.5	7	0.449	0.690	0.359	0.955	1.3	0.6	2.1	1.3
POTTER	7'1"	230
B. HAWTHORNE	6'8"	190
Z. HAWTHORNE	6'2"	170
M. WILLIAMS	6'2"	185

mdluk1 · Jun 8, 2026

I sure wish we had a summer trip so we could get a true feel for how the team will play.

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

mdluk1 said:
I sure wish we had a summer trip so we could get a true feel for how the team will play.

YES !! That would tremendous and a very nice thing to see ... NO QUESTION !!!

paulcalhoun_rivals397471 · Jun 8, 2026

BlueBomb said:
I know nothing about most of the players we're getting, so I certainly can't predict minutes. However, I do feel that Pope needs to shorten his rotation. The last two seasons, he's had 12 players average double digit minutes. I don't think Pope has had enough talent to spread out the minutes like that.

To compare, last year, Duke, Kansas, and Iowa State (the first three I looked up) each had eight players average double digit minutes.

The number of players averaging double figures the last two seasons is deceptive due to so many injuries causing main guys to miss games thus requiring more minutes from those who otherwise would have averaged less.

KyKevin · Jun 8, 2026

megablue said:
Gotcha ... do you see Moreno playing 30 minutes a game and who do you see as the first reserve for the PG / 2G, if not Morton ??

I hope Moreno comes in, in that good of shape, to play 30 hard minutes.

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

KyKevin said:
I hope Moreno comes in, in that good of shape, to play 30 hard minutes.

I'm with you, for sure, but I hope Moreno (22.6 mpg last year) is so much better than Kepnang that the team needs him to play thirty (30) minutes to WIN the BIG games that matter in March. Kepnang (22.9 mpg last year) didn't come here expecting to see his minutes more than cut in half. He will definitely make Moreno earn his increased minutes. Kepnang turns 25 on October 15th.

KyKevin · Jun 8, 2026

megablue said:
I'm with you, for sure, but I hope Moreno (22.6 mpg last year) is so much better than Kepnang that the team needs him to play thirty (30) minutes to WIN the BIG games that matter in March. Kepnang (22.9 mpg last year) didn't come here expecting to see his minutes more than cut in half. He will definitely make Moreno earn his increased minutes. Kepnang turns 25 on October 15th.

Kepnang looks like a big bad a.ss dude, I would love to see the practices, and the battles with some of these players.

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

KyKevin said:
Kepnang looks like a big bad a.ss dude, I would love to see the practices, and the battles with some of these players.

Most definitely ... he will toughen up Moreno ... no question !!

Delk4three · Jun 8, 2026

I may be in the minority but I think Morton and Kepnang are 6-7th men off the bench come March.

TeamAmerica · Jun 8, 2026

what does Pope's analytics say?

megablue · Jun 8, 2026

Delk4three said:
I may be in the minority but I think Morton and Kepnang are 6-7th men off the bench come March.

I think Morton will be a Davion Mintz type of high-energy, high-effort guy ... just like Franck the Tanck will be ... !!!
BOTH will be DAWGS !!!

Drogon · Jun 8, 2026

Hopefully Moreno is playing well enough to get at least 28. 30 would probably be ideal. If he's at 23 again I don't think our season is going very well.

storm1507 · Jun 9, 2026

I hope Momcilovic will be in good shape and be head and shoulders above everyone in minutes. Then I think Zoom and Wilkins will be next with a bunch of others grouped up near the 20 minute mark give or take.

megablue · Jun 9, 2026

storm1507 said:
I hope Momcilovic will be in good shape and be head and shoulders above everyone in minutes. Then I think Zoom and Wilkins will be next with a bunch of others grouped up near the 20 minute mark give or take.

Yes. Barring injury, I will be very surprised if Momcilovic, Diallo and Wilkins do not lead the team in minutes played by a substantial margin.

storm1507 · Jun 9, 2026

I look forward to seeing what N'Daiye, Braydon and Mason (can he be the backup PG?) will bring to the team this year. I think the others we pretty much know what they will do.

Beatle Bum · Jun 10, 2026

My first inclination was to post that MilMom will likely stay at 30 minutes per game. But, while typing that, I started to question it. It all depends on the unknown potential of this team. If McBride, Kam, and NDiaye can put pressure on defenses from the WF and PF, Milan may actually get less minutes and be as productive. I think Morton will be the first guard off the bench and I think it likely he gets about 18-20 minutes per game backing up both Diallo and Wilkins. Whether Mason takes some of those minutes is only a guess for me.

RedwoodHigh · Jun 10, 2026

Pope will play 12 players 12 to 26 minutes a game in the early season .Then tighten up at SEC time.
Remember he was a sub most of his playing days.

K_TIME · Jun 10, 2026

1. There will be injuries…even small ones…that will distort minutes over a season. But when games matter..here is my guess

1. Pg. Diallo 32 mpg
2/. Sg..Wilkins…30…Alex will backup Pg
3. Momlonovich….32mpg
4. McBride…18 m
5. Moreno…25mpg

Reserves

Kam 28 Mpg. At the sf snd pf
Morton 12 mpg
Kenpag 10 mpg
Ndyai 10 mpg…

I do t see a role for Noah or Hawthorne at end of season

Pope doesn’t play a style where the bench needs to be longer then.3 or so subs that play lesser minutes than starters. We simply don’t press or pay hard enough defensively to warrant it

NDyia is the major question to me. I think he’ll be dissatisfied with a sub role but he’s got potential due to his size and athleticism. But all u see is a dude hanging around three point line taking hard shots I wonder if college ball and physical contact will make his adjustment harder

Buckwheat Otay Is Dead · Jun 10, 2026

No one on this team can play except Big FRANK., Kam, and whoever can play defense and rebound. That includes Noah who works to rebound. This team will score but will have to establish a killer instinct

megablue · Jun 10, 2026

K_TIME said:
1. There will be injuries…even small ones…that will distort minutes over a season. But when games matter..here is my guess

1. Pg. Diallo 32 mpg
2/. Sg..Wilkins…30…Alex will backup Pg
3. Momlonovich….32mpg
4. McBride…18 m
5. Moreno…25mpg

Reserves

Kam 28 Mpg. At the sf snd pf
Morton 12 mpg
Kenpag 10 mpg
Ndyai 10 mpg…

I do t see a role for Noah or Hawthorne at end of season

Pope doesn’t play a style where the bench needs to be longer then.3 or so subs that play lesser minutes than starters. We simply don’t press or pay hard enough defensively to warrant it

NDyia is the major question to me. I think he’ll be dissatisfied with a sub role but he’s got potential due to his size and athleticism. But all u see is a dude hanging around three point line taking hard shots I wonder if college ball and physical contact will make his adjustment harder

Thanks for the reply and the thought you put into it. I certainly agree that it is most reasonable to expect Diallo, Wilkins and Momcilovic to garner the most big minutes. It is interesting to see you having McBride starting. I can see that happening. I really like him and will be pulling for him. My thought is that your minutes for Kepnang might be a little low. If Moreno gets 25, I see Kepnang getting the other 15 minutes, as we'll need Kepnang's defense, rebounding and physicality against a lot of the better, more physical teams. Like for you, N'Diaye is a question for me, too. I'm not sure where he will fit in. Hopefully, he will be a very good player and command significant minutes. We'll see ...

megablue · Jun 10, 2026

Buckwheat Otay Is Dead said:
No one on this team can play except Big FRANK., Kam, and whoever can play defense and rebound. That includes Noah who works to rebound. This team will score but will have to establish a killer instinct

I certainly do not know where Noah will fit into the rotation this year, but I have noticed the same thing. Noah definitely works really hard to rebound and seems to have a nose for the ball. Based on PER 40 STATS from last year, he ranks fourth (4th) in rebounding, which is impressive. It is concerning to note that possibly four (4) of the top five (5) rebounders are not slated by most here to be starters and get major minutes. It is definitely a conundrum to see that it APPEARS that our "starters" are not our betters rebounders ... and maybe not even our better defenders. We'll need more than just scorers to win ...

			GAMES	PTS	REBS
MORENO	7'0"	250	36	13.8	11.2
KEPNANG	6'11"	225	27	10.8	11.0
N'DIAYE	6'11"	210	28	14.3	10.0
NOAH	6'5"	220	27	11.1	8.6
McBRIDE	6'8"	230	31	22.5	8.3
DIALLO	6'4"	180	33	21.2	5.3
K. WILLIAMS	6'8"	190	24	13.1	4.5
MOMCILOVIC	6'8"	220	37	22.1	4.1
MORTON	6'4"	200	32	12.5	3.1
WILKINS	6'5"	175	35	23.9	2.6

Maddmatt87 · Jun 10, 2026

megablue said:
I certainly do not know where Noah will fit into the rotation this year, but I have noticed the same thing. Noah definitely works really hard to rebound and seems to have a nose for the ball. Based on PER 40 STATS from last year, he ranks fourth (4th) in rebounding, which is impressive. It is concerning to note that possibly four (4) of the top five (5) rebounders are not slated by most here to be starters and get major minutes. It is definitely a conundrum to see that it APPEARS that our "starters" are not our betters rebounders ... and maybe not even our better defenders.

GAMES PTS REBS
MORENO 7'0" 250 36 13.8 11.2
KEPNANG 6'11" 225 27 10.8 11.0
N'DIAYE 6'11" 210 28 14.3 10.0
NOAH 6'5" 220 27 11.1 8.6
McBRIDE 6'8" 230 31 22.5 8.3
DIALLO 6'4" 180 33 21.2 5.3
K. WILLIAMS 6'8" 190 24 13.1 4.5
MOMCILOVIC 6'8" 220 37 22.1 4.1
MORTON 6'4" 200 32 12.5 3.1
WILKINS 6'5" 175 35 23.9 2.6

And oddly, number 1 in Steals

JonathanW2 · Jun 10, 2026

I've got:
Wilkins & Diallo at 27mpg
Moreno & Momcilovic at 26mpg
N'Diaye at 22mpg
Morton at 15mpg
McBride & Kam at 14mpg
Kepnang at 13mpg
Hawthorne & D.Williams at 6mpg
Noah at 2mpg
Potter & Z.Hawthorne at 1mpg

Keep in mind, 2 years ago, even with the injuries the top mpg guys were 28-28.3, so if healthy team would have probably been 26-27mpg.
Last year Oweh and Aberdeen did go over 30mpg, but Oweh was our only scorer, and Aberdeen our only PG.

K_TIME · Jun 10, 2026

megablue said:
Thanks for the reply and the thought you put into it. I certainly agree that it is most reasonable to expect Diallo, Wilkins and Momcilovic to garner the most big minutes. It is interesting to see you having McBride starting. I can see that happening. I really like him and will be pulling for him. My thought is that your minutes for Kepnang might be a little low. If Moreno gets 25, I see Kepnang getting the other 15 minutes, as we'll need Kepnang's defense, rebounding and physicality against a lot of the better, more physical teams. Like for you, N'Diaye is a question for me, too. I'm not sure where he will fit in. Hopefully, he will be a very good player and command significant minutes. We'll see ...

I think you're right on Kegpnag.....I was hoping to see some small ball stuff to get Kam at the stretch 4 and maybe McBride/Ndaiye at the 5 for stretches....but Pope has almost exclusively played the 2 centers all the minutes in 2 years. So I doubt he moves off that stance.

As far as NDaiye.....his potential could move UK to top 10 team if he's a legit PF that can create/bang in college. My concern from watching his clips is he's likely to be a Jules Camara...alot of skill and athlete that just doesn't prove to be a really good basketball players. I thought his shot selection looked like he takes contested shots too much (and I'm sure he'll miss a ton ) and in the end I see a poor ball handler/passer....not a banger...limited post moves who will shoot low 30% 3pt shots....will alter a fair amount of shots in paint but also get put under the rim a ton. Maybe a slightly better version of Jelly...who was not a good PF last year.

Maddmatt87 · Jun 10, 2026

K_TIME said:
I think you're right on Kegpnag.....I was hoping to see some small ball stuff to get Kam at the stretch 4 and maybe McBride/Ndaiye at the 5 for stretches....but Pope has almost exclusively played the 2 centers all the minutes in 2 years. So I doubt he moves off that stance.

As far as NDaiye.....his potential could move UK to top 10 team if he's a legit PF that can create/bang in college. My concern from watching his clips is he's likely to be a Jules Camara...alot of skill and athlete that just doesn't prove to be a really good basketball players. I thought his shot selection looked like he takes contested shots too much (and I'm sure he'll miss a ton ) and in the end I see a poor ball handler/passer....not a banger...limited post moves who will shoot low 30% 3pt shots....will alter a fair amount of shots in paint but also get put under the rim a ton. Maybe a slightly better version of Jelly...who was not a good PF last year.

I want Kegpnag to be stuck like glue to N'Diaye and Moreno in practice. They will learn physicality or die.

RedwoodHigh · Jun 10, 2026

K_TIME said:
1. There will be injuries…even small ones…that will distort minutes over a season. But when games matter..here is my guess

1. Pg. Diallo 32 mpg
2/. Sg..Wilkins…30…Alex will backup Pg
3. Momlonovich….32mpg
4. McBride…18 m
5. Moreno…25mpg

Reserves

Kam 28 Mpg. At the sf snd pf
Morton 12 mpg
Kenpag 10 mpg
Ndyai 10 mpg…

I do t see a role for Noah or Hawthorne at end of season

Pope doesn’t play a style where the bench needs to be longer then.3 or so subs that play lesser minutes than starters. We simply don’t press or pay hard enough defensively to warrant it

NDyia is the major question to me. I think he’ll be dissatisfied with a sub role but he’s got potential due to his size and athleticism. But all u see is a dude hanging around three point line taking hard shots I wonder if college ball and physical contact will make his adjustment harder

You are way off on Hawthorne

megablue · Jun 10, 2026

RedwoodHigh said:
You are way off on Hawthorne

Yes. Hawthorne, highly-touted coming out of high school, is a total unknown right now, it seems, for most of us here. I DEFINITELY include myself in that group. It would be fabulous if he is bonafide and turns out to be a real gem for the team this year ... no question !!

megablue · Jun 10, 2026

JonathanW2 said:
I've got:
Wilkins & Diallo at 27mpg
Moreno & Momcilovic at 26mpg
N'Diaye at 22mpg
Morton at 15mpg
McBride & Kam at 14mpg
Kepnang at 13mpg
Hawthorne & D.Williams at 6mpg
Noah at 2mpg
Potter & Z.Hawthorne at 1mpg

Keep in mind, 2 years ago, even with the injuries the top mpg guys were 28-28.3, so if healthy team would have probably been 26-27mpg.
Last year Oweh and Aberdeen did go over 30mpg, but Oweh was our only scorer, and Aberdeen our only PG.

Interesting to see you have N'Diaye playing so much more than McBride and Kam Williams. I hope he is that good of a player to take that many minutes from them. That would make us a tougher team, overall, for sure.

K_TIME · Jun 10, 2026

RedwoodHigh said:
You are way off on Hawthorne

How many minutes does he get?
What position will they come from (i'd argue he's a SF all the way...not ball handler to play SG...not nearly big enough to be a stretch 4)
Whose minutes does he take?

The moment UK inked Milo...and kept Kam....that was a death nail to his playing time in 2026/27

How many minutes do they get ??

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