In a shocking turn of events, Kentucky guard Adou Thiero has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, sending waves across the college basketball landscape and igniting rumors of internal tension within the Wildcats locker room.
Thiero, who played a key role in Kentucky’s rotation last season with his athleticism and defensive versatility, made the announcement via social media Monday morning. The decision came with little warning, especially after new head coach Mark Pope had previously praised Thiero as a “cornerstone” in his retooling efforts for the 2025 campaign.
Speculation quickly ignited on social media and within college basketball circles, with anonymous sources hinting at “a growing disconnect” between some returning players and the new coaching staff’s system. Several reports even suggested internal frustrations during early off-season workouts.
Coach Mark Pope, however, was quick to shut down the swirling rumors. In a press briefing just hours after the news broke, Pope said:
> “Adou is an incredible young man and a fierce competitor. While we’re disappointed to see him go, we fully support his decision. There is no drama or ‘rift’—just a young man doing what he believes is best for his future.”
Still, the timing and abruptness of the departure has left fans stunned, especially considering Thiero’s upward trajectory and strong performances late last season. Multiple Power 5 programs are reportedly already expressing interest, including Alabama, Miami, and Arizona.
As the dust settles, all eyes are now on Pope’s next moves in the portal and whether more departures could be looming in the weeks to come.
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