Mark Pope didn’t need many words to make his point about Alex Wilkins.
During a shot clock segment in which he was asked to describe each player in one or two words, Pope’s answer for the Furman transfer was simple: “SGA vibes,”
That’s a loaded comparison, and it makes sense the second you start watching Wilkins on tape. Like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wilkins doesn’t rely on pure speed or explosive athleticism to get where he wants to go. He works with pace, body control and a steady feel for how to create an advantage.
The resemblance shows up early in the highlights. Wilkins gets past his defender with a change of pace, uses his frame to absorb contact and finishes through it. He also has a smooth jumper and looks composed when he’s operating with the ball.
Of course, the gap in polish is obvious right now. Gilgeous-Alexander was already ahead at that stage, and the numbers reflect it. Wilkins is turning the ball over nearly 4 times per game, while Gilgeous-Alexander was at 2.7 turnovers a night in college.
Still, the appeal is easy to understand. Both players have that effortless quality to their game, the kind that makes difficult actions look almost casual. The turnover issue has to come down, but the talent is there.
Wilkins also brings another familiar Kentucky comparison to mind: Otega Oweh.
Oweh gave Kentucky 18.6 points per game last season, the second-highest scoring average since 2017, behind Antonio Reeves, who was just over 20 in his senior year. That production mattered for a Kentucky team that sometimes had trouble generating offense.
The numbers line up in a few interesting ways. Oweh shot 33% from deep and 46% from the floor.
Wilkins shot 32% from deep and 46% from the floor while averaging 17 points per game for Furman last season. As a sophomore, the hope would be that those numbers climb.
There are differences, too. Oweh grabbed more rebounds, 4 to 2, while Wilkins was the better passer, 4 to 2.
Oweh has a little more speed and strength. Wilkins, though, brings better vision and handles.
Whether that turns into the same kind of impact is the big question. But if Pope is already seeing “SGA vibes,” then Kentucky has every reason to be intrigued.
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