KENTUCKY PLAYERS REACT TO NEW POINT GUARD: EARLY IMPRESSIONS SHAKE THE LOCKER ROOM
LEXINGTON, KY — It hasn’t taken long for the Kentucky Wildcats to form opinions about their newest addition at point guard. Just weeks into summer workouts, the arrival of former five-star transfer Jalen “Jet” Rowe has already sparked intense locker room debate, high praise — and even a little envy.
Rowe, who transferred from Arizona after a standout freshman season where he averaged 14.8 points and 5.6 assists per game, arrived in Lexington with enormous expectations. And according to multiple insiders close to the program, he hasn’t disappointed.
“He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” junior forward Terrence Blake said after a scrimmage. “He’s vocal, fast, and unselfish — but he’s also got a killer instinct. You can’t relax around him. He’ll burn you in one-on-one every time.”
Freshman shooting guard Marcus Reid, one of the nation’s top incoming high school scorers, admitted he was skeptical at first. “I didn’t know if the hype was real. But from day one, Jet took command. He knew every play, made the right reads, and made us all look better,” Reid shared.
However, not everyone is fully on board yet.
One upperclassman, who requested anonymity, hinted at growing tension over Rowe’s dominance in team drills. “He’s got a lot of flash, and sometimes it feels like he’s trying to do too much. It’s early, though. We’ll find the right rhythm.”
Coach John Calipari has praised Rowe’s maturity and poise, calling him “the engine” of the team’s new up-tempo system. “He’s not just trying to fit in — he’s raising the standard,” Calipari told reporters. “That kind of presence impacts the whole team.”
With Big Blue Madness just months away, the early chemistry test is already underway. And if the locker room can align behind their new floor general, Kentucky may be staring down a serious Final Four run. One thing’s for sure — opinions are forming fast, and all eyes are now on Jalen Rowe.
