Brandon Garrison committed to Kentucky right after his Arkansas visit
The Big Blue Nation is going to enjoy Brandon Garrison‘s time in Lexington — not just for what he brings to the basketball court, either (but they’ll like that part, too).
A 6-foot-10 transfer from Oklahoma State, the rising sophomore center was smiling from ear to ear during his first official press conference with the media as a member of the Kentucky Wildcats. He hasn’t even been in Lexington for two full months yet, but he’s quickly getting himself acclimated to his new home.
From attending La Familia’s TBT games (he’ll be back in Rupp Arena for Tuesday night’s game against Herd That) to going out into the community and meeting with fans to just familiarizing himself with the city (which is bigger than he expected), Garrison is all in on embracing the lifestyle that comes with being at Kentucky. He’s already been able to buy his mom a new car, too.
“I followed (Kentucky) a lot growing up. It’s a dream come true, coming here. I never knew I would be here, for real,” Garrison told KSR on Tuesday. “The transition has been going smoother than I thought it would be. Just connecting with all the guys and the fans just showing love, all the coaches. I’m loving it for real.”
Before committing to Kentucky, Garrison had actually never seen the campus or even stepped foot in Lexington. While in the transfer portal, he went on official visits to Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, but surprised the college basketball world by landing with the Wildcats.
In fact, he committed to Kentucky almost immediately after his visit to Arkansas, now coached by former UK head coach John Calipari, had wrapped up.
“After my visit (Arkansas), like right after I was leaving, that’s when I made (my decision),” Garrison said. “I wouldn’t say right after, it was like when I touched back home I made it.”
Despite having never been to Lexington before committing, he knew that Kentucky was where he wanted to be. The pitch from head coach Mark Pope confirmed that belief. Garrison pointed to Pope also being a center in college as a main reason why he gravitated towards the ‘Cats. He added that Pope is actively participating in drills with himself and fellow center Amari Williams during practice.
“I was ready to make my decision, I felt like I trust Coach Pope. I didn’t feel like I needed to come out here and (visit),” Garrison said. “I just went with my gut.“
The majority of transfers that Pope brought to Kentucky during his first offseason in charge were players with limited eligibility remaining. There are seven seniors or graduate students on the 2024-25 roster.
Garrison is one of the few expected to stick around for at least a couple of years — good news for the BBN. He’s already been praised by teammate Andrew Carr early on in practice and is inarguably the prospect with the most NBA potential on the roster. After averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 22.7 minutes per game at Oklahoma State as a freshman last season, there should be even more in store moving forward for the former McDonald’s All-American.
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