Kentucky Basketball Targeting Transfer Forward Justin McBride

McBride, a 6-7 forward from James Madison, is eyeing a visit to Lexington next week.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and plays of a basketball player, using bold colors and angular shapes to capture the energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a versatile forward's impact on the court, as Kentucky explores adding Justin McBride to its 2026-27 roster.Plano Today

The Kentucky Wildcats are pursuing James Madison transfer forward Justin McBride, who is considering a visit to Lexington on April 21. McBride, a 6-7 forward from Plano, Texas, is coming off a strong season at JMU where he averaged 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.

Why it matters

Kentucky is still working to finalize its 2026-27 roster, and adding a productive forward like McBride could be a valuable addition to the team. The Wildcats have already landed some key transfers and high school recruits, but there is still work to be done to build out the full roster.

The details

McBride started his college career at Oklahoma State before stops at Nevada and James Madison. In his most recent season at JMU, he emerged as an efficient and consistent scorer and rebounder, shooting 49.4% from the field and 40% from 3-point range. Kentucky is looking to add more frontcourt depth and scoring punch, and McBride's skill set could be a good fit.

  • McBride is eyeing a visit to Kentucky's campus on Tuesday, April 21.
  • The 2026-27 Kentucky roster is still taking shape, with several key returnees and new additions already in place.

The players

Justin McBride

A 6-7 forward who just completed his best college season at James Madison, averaging 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.

Malachi Moreno

A returning Kentucky player who will be part of the 2026-27 roster.

Kam Williams

A returning Kentucky player who will be part of the 2026-27 roster.

Trent Noah

A returning Kentucky player who will be part of the 2026-27 roster.

Reece Potter

A returning Kentucky player who will be part of the 2026-27 roster.

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What they’re saying

“McBride is keeping Kentucky on his list of options and, according to KSR's Jacob Polacheck, is eyeing a visit to Lexington on Tuesday, April 21.”

— Jacob Polacheck, KSR Reporter

What’s next

If McBride does make the visit to Kentucky's campus on April 21, it will be worth monitoring how his recruitment progresses and whether the Wildcats are able to land the experienced transfer forward.

The takeaway

Kentucky is still actively working to build out its 2026-27 roster, and the potential addition of a productive forward like Justin McBride could be a valuable piece as the Wildcats look to reload for the upcoming season.