Brandon Garrison made a big impact in his debut season with the Kentucky Wildcats, bolstering their frontcourt depth and bringing valuable qualities to the team.
While Garrison has always been known for his talent and likability, emotional maturity hasn’t typically been a trait associated with him—until now.
Head coach Mark Pope recently praised Garrison’s growth off the court, crediting veteran teammate Amari Williams for playing a crucial mentorship role in his development.
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Big Blue Drew – A Sea of Blue
“Brandon would be the first to say Amari Williams changed his life,” Pope said. “Now he’s eager to be that same mentor for others.”
Pope also highlighted Garrison’s efforts in guiding incoming transfers, taking initiative to explain the team culture and expectations under the current coaching staff. In the era of the transfer portal, such peer insight is incredibly valuable.
Leadership and mentorship weren’t labels many would have initially attached to Garrison, making Pope’s comments all the more encouraging as evidence of his progress.
In a conversation with KSR, Pope elaborated on his vision for Garrison in his second year:
“He’s maturing before our eyes,” Pope said. “It’s not just about who he is now, but who he wants to become—and that’s powerful as a coach to witness.”
Garrison averaged 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds last season and is expected to take on a significantly larger role in 2025-26. Those who followed Kentucky closely saw flashes of promise from the 6’10” Oklahoma City product. Now, with clear growth off the court, Garrison looks poised to be a key figure in both the locker room and on the floor.
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