Former Oklahoma State forward Brandon Garrison is set to visit the University of Kentucky, sparking speculation about his potential addition to John Calipari’s program. Garrison, a highly touted prospect coming out of high school and a standout during his time with the Cowboys, represents a valuable target for the Wildcats as they look to bolster their frontcourt depth.
A Promising Talent
Standing at 6’9″ with a wingspan that enables him to dominate both ends of the floor, Garrison was a consensus four-star recruit in the 2023 class. He chose Oklahoma State over offers from powerhouse programs, largely due to his ties to his home state of Oklahoma. During his freshman season, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, averaging solid numbers in limited minutes and showcasing a skill set that aligns with modern basketball. Known for his defensive prowess, rebounding tenacity, and soft touch around the rim, Garrison has the tools to become a key contributor for a team with championship aspirations.
Why Kentucky?
The Wildcats have long been a premier destination for high-level frontcourt talent, and Garrison’s potential visit underscores their interest in adding another versatile big man to their roster. Kentucky is expected to lose several key players to the NBA Draft and graduation, creating a pressing need for size and experience in the paint. Garrison could seamlessly fit into the rotation, providing rim protection, interior scoring, and the ability to stretch the floor with a developing mid-range jumper.
Coach John Calipari’s system has a history of maximizing the potential of players with Garrison’s profile. Players like Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Willie Cauley-Stein have thrived under Calipari’s tutelage, going on to achieve significant success at the NBA level. For Garrison, Kentucky offers the opportunity to refine his game against top-tier competition, improve his draft stock, and compete for a national championship.
What Garrison Brings
One of Garrison’s most valuable attributes is his defensive versatility. He can guard multiple positions, switch onto smaller players in pick-and-roll situations, and protect the rim with his timing and instincts. Offensively, he excels in the pick-and-roll, finishing strong at the rim and showing flashes of a reliable face-up game. His ability to contribute without dominating the ball makes him an ideal fit for a team-oriented approach like Kentucky’s.
Furthermore, Garrison’s work ethic and leadership qualities have been frequently lauded by coaches and teammates. He’s a player who embraces the grind, and his willingness to adapt to various roles makes him a valuable asset for any program.
A Win-Win Situation
For Kentucky, landing Garrison would address immediate needs while adding a player with significant upside. For Garrison, the Wildcats provide a platform to showcase his skills on a national stage while preparing him for the next level. As college basketball’s transfer landscape continues to evolve, this visit could mark the beginning of an impactful chapter for both Garrison and the Wildcats.
If the visit goes well and Garrison decides to commit, Kentucky fans can expect a dynamic addition to their roster—one capable of making an immediate impact and helping the program chase its next championship.
