2019–20 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team

The Wildcats finished the 2018–19 season 30–7, 15–3 in SEC play to finish in a tie for second. In the SEC tournament, the Wildcats defeated Alabama, but were defeated by Tennessee in the semi-finals of the tournament. The Wildcats received an at-large bid NCAA tournament. As the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region, they defeated No. 15 Abilene Christian,{{Cite news|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20190321/kentucky-overwhelms-ncaa-tournament-first-timer-abilene-christian|title=Kentucky overwhelms NCAA Tournament first-timer Abilene Christian|work=Florida Times-Union|access-date=2019-04-01|language=en-US}} No. 7 Wofford, and No. 3 Houston to advance to the Elite Eight.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2019/03/30/march-madness-kentucky-holds-off-houston-reach-ncaa-elite-eight/3318047002/|title=Second-seeded Kentucky holds off No. 3 Houston to advance to NCAA Tournament Elite Eight|website=USAToday.com|access-date=2019-04-01}} There, they lost to the No. 5-seed Auburn.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/kentucky-vs-auburn-score-surging-tigers-shock-wildcats-in-ot-to-earn-the-first-trip-to-final-four-in-school-history/|title=Kentucky vs. Auburn score: Surging Tigers shock Wildcats in OT to earn the first trip to Final Four in school history|website=CBSSports.com|access-date=2019-04-01}}

On April 9, 2019, P. J. Washington announced that he would be entering the 2019 NBA Draft and would sign with an agent. However, due to changes in NCAA rules that took effect with the 2019 draft, signing with an agent no longer automatically results in loss of NCAA eligibility.{{cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2019/04/09/kentucky-basketball-pj-washington-enters-nba-draft/3351305002/|title=Kentucky basketball: PJ Washington to enter NBA draft|access-date=2019-10-25|date=2019-04-09|work=USA Today|author=Hale, Jon}} On April 16, Tyler Herro announced that he would remain in the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility.{{cite web|url=https://www.wave3.com/2019/04/16/tyler-herro-declares-nba-draft/|title=Tyler Herro declares he will stay in NBA draft|access-date=2019-10-25|date=2019-04-16|work=Wave 3 News|author=Moore, Annie}} The following day, two more players announced their departures, with Keldon Johnson announcing he would leave Kentucky and stay in the 2019 NBA draft and Jemarl Baker announcing his intention to transfer from Kentucky.{{cite web|url=https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Keldon-Johnson-declares-for-2019-NBA-draft-508379871.html|title=Keldon Johnson declares for 2019 NBA draft|access-date=2019-10-25|date=2019-04-10|work=WKYT}}{{cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2019/04/17/kentucky-basketball-guard-jemarl-baker-transfer-plans/3497300002/|title=Kentucky basketball: Jemarl Baker set to transfer|access-date=2019-10-25|date=2019-04-17|work=USA Today|author=Hale, Jon}}

In May Kentucky announced the completion of its 2019 signing class. It ranked as a consensus top-three class for the eleventh straight season under Calipari. The 2019 class consists of forward Dontaie Allen (Falmouth, KY), forward Keion Brooks Jr. (Fort Wayne, IN), guard Johnny Juzang (Studio City, CA), guard Tyrese Maxey (Garland, TX), and forward Kahlil Whitney (Chicago).{{cite web|url=https://ukathletics.com/news/2019/5/24/uk-mens-basketball-lands-11th-straight-top-three-signing-class.aspx?path=mbball|title=UK Men's Basketball Lands 11th Straight Top-Three Signing Class|access-date=2019-10-26|date=2019-05-24|publisher=University of Kentucky}}

On May 9, 2018, Maxey committed to become the first member of the class.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/23455015/tyrese-maxey-5-star-junior-guard-commits-kentucky-wildcats|title=Junior guard Tyrese Maxey commits to Kentucky for 2019 class|access-date=2019-10-26|date=2018-05-09|publisher=ESPN}} He chose Kentucky over offers from Michigan State and Texas. Maxey was ranked as the consensus #2 ranked point guard in the 2019 class, and became a McDonald's All-American.{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/2019/01/24/tyrese-maxey-jordyn-oliver-among-5-locals-named-to-mcdonald-s-all-american-game/|title=Tyrese Maxey, Jordyn Oliver among 5 locals named to McDonald's All-American game|access-date=2019-10-26|date=2019-01-24|publisher=Dallas Morning News|author=Hoyt, Joseph}}

On August 2, 2018, Allen committed to Kentucky over offers from Florida and Louisville.{{cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2018/08/02/kentucky-basketball-recruiting-dontaie-allen-committs-uk/780770002/|title=Pendleton County basketball star Dontaie Allen commits to Kentucky|access-date=2019-10-26|date=2018-08-02|publisher=Courier-Journal|author=Hale, Jon}} On March 5, 2019, Allen was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball.{{cite web|url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/high-school/prep-basketball/article227156259.html|title=UK signee Dontaie Allen named 2019 Kentucky Mr. Basketball|access-date=2019-10-26|date=2019-03-05|publisher=Lexington Herald-Leader|author=Moore, Josh}}

On August 8, 2018, Kahlil Whitney committed to play basketball for UK over offers from Illinois and Georgetown. Whitney is the third commitment to commit in the 2019 class and is ranked #19 overall in the 2019 class by 247 sports.

On March 15, 2019, Keion Brooks Jr., from Fort Wayne, IN, committed to play basketball for Kentucky over offers from Michigan State and Indiana. Brooks is the fourth recruit to commit in the 2019 class and is ranked #23 overall in the 2019 by 247 sports.

On May 10, 2019, Johnny Juzang committed to play basketball for Kentucky over an offer to play for Virginia. Juzang is the fifth commitment to commit in the 2019 class and is ranked #32 overall in the 2019 class by 247 sports.

{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2019}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Tyrese Maxey

| position = PG

| hometown = Garland, TX

| highschool = South Garland High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 185

| 40 =

| commitdate = 05/9/2018

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 93

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Dontaie Allen

| position = SF

| hometown = Falmouth, KY

| highschool = Pendleton County High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 6

| weight = 200

| 40 =

| commitdate = 08/2/2018

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 3

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Kahlil Whitney

| position = SF

| hometown = Roselle, NJ

| highschool = Roselle Catholic High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 6

| weight = 190

| 40 =

| commitdate = 08/8/2018

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 94

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Keion Brooks Jr.

| position = SF

| hometown = Fort Wayne, IN

| highschool = La Lumiere

| feet = 6

| inches = 7

| weight = 185

| 40 =

| commitdate = 03/15/2019

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 4

| espn grade = 89

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Johnny Juzang

| position = SF

| hometown = Studio City, CA

| highschool = Harvard-Westlake School

| feet = 6

| inches = 7

| weight = 200

| 40 =

| commitdate = 05/10/2019

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

| espn grade = 89

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit End

| 40 =

| year = 2019

| rivals ref title = Kentucky 2019 Basketball Commitments

| scout ref title = 2019 Kentucky Basketball Commits

| espn ref title = 2019 Kentucky Basketball Commits

| rivals school = kentucky

| scout s = 69.87

| espn schoolid =

| scout overall = #2

| rivals overall = #2

| 247 overall = #2

| espn overall = #4

| accessdate = 2019-05-22

| bball = yes

}}

On April 4, 2019, Nate Sestina announced that he would transfer to Kentucky for the 2019–2020 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/grad-transfer-nate-sestina-commits-to-kentucky/|title=Grad transfer Nate Sestina commits to Kentucky|work=KentuckySportsRadio.com|access-date=2019-04-04|language=en}} Sestina was named second team All-Patriot league for Bucknell and averaged 15.8 PPG and 8.7 RPG in his final year with the Bisons. As a grad transfer, he is eligible to play immediately under NCAA rules.

On July 27, 2019, Brandon Boston Jr. committed to play basketball for the University of Kentucky over offers from Florida and Duke. Boston is the first commitment to the 2020 recruiting class and the #2 ranked shooting guard in the 2020 class by 247 sports.

Cam'Ron Fletcher, from St. Louis, Missouri, is the second commitment in the Kentucky 2020 recruiting class. He committed to Kentucky on August 4, 2019, and chose Kentucky over Michigan State.{{Cite news |last=Wheatley |first=Nick |title=Cam'Ron Fletcher commits to Kentucky |newspaper=A Sea of Blue |date=August 4, 2019 |url=https://www.aseaofblue.com/2019/8/4/20732483/kentucky-basketball-camron-fletcher-highlights-recruiting |access-date=August 5, 2019}} He is a consensus four-star player by the four main recruiting services and is ranked #36 overall by 24/7 Sports.

Power forward Lance Ware, from Camden, New Jersey, is the third commitment in the Kentucky 2020 recruiting class. He committed to Kentucky on September 12, 2019, and chose Kentucky over Ohio State. He is a consensus four-star player by the four main recruiting services and is ranked #32 overall by Rivals.

Two days later, on September 14, 2019, SF Terrence Clarke from Brewster Academy pledged to Kentucky. Clarke is one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2020 class, with most services ranking him among the top five players overall.

{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=yes|year=2020}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Brandon Boston Jr.

| position = SG

| hometown = Chatsworth, CA

| highschool = Sierra Canyon School

| feet = 6

| inches = 6

| weight = 175

| 40 =

| commitdate = 07/27/2019

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 96

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Cam'Ron Fletcher

| position = SF

| hometown = St. Louis, MO

| highschool = Vashon High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 6

| weight = 180

| 40 =

| commitdate = 08/04/2019

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

| espn grade = 83

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Lance Ware

| position = PF

| hometown = Camden, NJ

| highschool = Big Picture Learning Academy

| feet = 6

| inches = 9

| weight = 205

| 40 =

| commitdate = 09/12/2019

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 4

| espn stars = 4

| espn grade = 87

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Terrence Clarke

| position = SF

| hometown = Wolfeboro, NH

| highschool = Brewster Academy

| feet = 6

| inches = 7

| weight = 190

| 40 =

| commitdate = 09/14/2019

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 95

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Devin Askew

| position = PG

| hometown = Santa Ana, CA

| highschool = Mater Dei High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 195

| 40 =

| commitdate = 10/17/2019

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 91

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Isaiah Jackson

| position = PF

| hometown = Waterford, MI

| highschool = Waterford Mott High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 8

| weight = 200

| 40 =

| commitdate = 11/16/2019

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 89

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit End

| 40 =

| year = 2020

| rivals ref title = Kentucky 2020 Basketball Commitments

| scout ref title = 2020 Kentucky Basketball Commits

| espn ref title = 2020 Kentucky Basketball Commits

| rivals school = kentucky

| scout s =

| espn schoolid =

| scout overall =

| rivals overall = 1st

| 247 overall = 1st

| espn overall = 1st

| accessdate =

| bball = yes

}}

As part of a major renovation of Rupp Arena, included within a larger expansion project for the attached Central Bank Center convention complex, nearly half of the upper arena bowl, originally consisting entirely of bleacher seating, was refitted with chairback seats during the 2019 offseason. This reduced the arena's basketball capacity by nearly 3,000—from 23,500 to 20,545.{{cite web|url=http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/rupp-arena-unveils-new-upper-level-chair-back-seats/ |title=Rupp Arena Unveils New Upper-Level Chair Back Seats |first=Jack |last=Pilgrim |work=Kentucky Sports Radio |date=October 8, 2019 |access-date=October 9, 2019}}

On January 27, 2020, it was announced that Lexington Center's overall naming rights were sold to Central Bank, a local community bank, by the Lexington Center Corporation and JMI Sports, which handles the multimedia rights for both the LCC and the University of Kentucky. The Rupp name will continue to receive primacy in the fourteen-year agreement for the arena portion of the complex, and be known as "Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center".{{cite news|url=https://www.nkytribune.com/2020/01/its-rupp-arena-at-central-bank-center-as-naming-rights-agreement-rebrands-lexingtons-premier-spot/|title=It's Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center as naming rights agreement rebrands Lexington's premier spot|date=27 January 2020|work=Northern Kentucky Tribune|access-date=30 January 2020}}

{{CBB roster/Header|year=2019|team=Kentucky Wildcats|teamcolors=y|high_school=yes}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Ashton|last=Hagans|link=y|num=0|pos=G|ft=6|in=3|lbs=198|class=SO|home=Cartersville, GA|high_school=Newton}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Nate|last=Sestina|link=y|num=1|pos=F|ft=6|in=9|lbs=234|class=GS|rs=|home=Emporium, PA|high_school=Bucknell}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Tyrese|last=Maxey|link=y|num=3|pos=G|ft=6|in=3|lbs=198|class=FR|rs=|home=Garland, TX|high_school=South Garland}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Nick|last=Richards|link=y|num=4|pos=C|ft=6|in=11|lbs=247|class=JR|rs=|home=Kingston, Jamaica |high_school=The Patrick School}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Immanuel|last=Quickley|link=y|num=5|pos=G|ft=6|in=3|lbs=188|class=SO|home=Havre de Grace, MD|high_school=The John Carroll School}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Johnny|last=Juzang|link=y|num=10|pos=G|ft=6|in=6|lbs=214|class=FR|rs=|home=Los Angeles, CA|high_school=Harvard-Westlake School}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Dontaie|last=Allen|inj=y|num=11|pos=G|ft=6|in=6|lbs=200|class=FR|rs=|home=Falmouth, KY|high_school=Pendleton County}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Keion|last=Brooks Jr.|link=y|num=12|pos=F|ft=6|in=7|lbs=205|class=FR|rs=|home=Fort Wayne, IN|high_school=La Lumiere School}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Riley|last=Welch|num=13|pos=G|ft=6|in=0|lbs=185|class=JR|home=Littleton, CO|high_school=UC Irvine}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Brennan|last=Canada|num=14|pos=F|ft=6|in=6|lbs=198|class=FR|rs=|home=Mount Sterling, KY|high_school=George Rogers Clark|note=W|}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Zan|last=Payne|num=21|pos=G/F|ft=6|in=4|lbs=235|class=FR|rs=y|home=Lexington, KY|high_school=Lexington Catholic|note=W|}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=E. J.|last=Montgomery|link=y|num=23|pos=F|ft=6|in=10|lbs=228|class=SO|home=Fort Pierce, FL|high_school=Wheeler}}

{{CBB roster/Player|first=Ben|last=Jordan|num=33|pos=F|ft=6|in=9|lbs=250|class=SO|rs=y|home=Olive Hill, KY|high_school=West Carter}}

{{CBB roster/Footer

|head_coach=

• John Calipari (Clarion)

|asst_coach=

• Kenny Payne ({{college|Louisville}})
• Tony Barbee ({{college|UMass}})
• Joel Justus ({{college|UNCW}})
• John Robic (Denison)

|roster_url=https://ukathletics.com/roster.aspx?path=mbball

|accessdate = October 22, 2019

}}

{{Basketball depth chart

|line_color = {{NCAA color|Kentucky Wildcats|1}}

|alt_color = {{NCAA color|Kentucky|2}}

|label_color = {{NCAA color|Kentucky Wildcats|1}}

|starter_c = Nick Richards

|starter_pf = E. J. Montgomery

|starter_sf = Immanuel Quickley

|starter_sg = Tyrese Maxey

|starter_pg = Ashton Hagans

|bench 1_c = Nate Sestina

|bench 1_pf = Keion Brooks Jr.

|bench 1_sf = Dontaie Allen

|bench 1_sg = Johnny Juzang

|bench 1_pg = Riley Welch

|bench 2_c = Ben Jordan

|bench 2_pf = Brennan Canada

|bench 2_sf = Zan Payne

|bench 2_sg =

|bench 2_pg =

}}

{{CBB schedule start|gamehighs=yes|attend=yes}}

|-

!colspan=12 style={{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}| Exhibition

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = October 27, 2019

| time = 5:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 2

| opponent = Georgetown (KY)

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 16

| highrebounder = Sestina

| rebounds = 10

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 10

| score = 80–53

| attend = 19,527

| record = –

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 1, 2019

| time = 7:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 2

| opponent = Kentucky State

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Tied

| points = 15

| highrebounder = Brooks Jr.

| rebounds = 9

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 9

| score = 83–51

| attend = 19,588

| record = –

}}

|-

!colspan=12 style={{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}| Regular season

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 5, 2019

| time = 9:30 pm

| nonconf = yes

| neutral = yes

| rank = 2

| opponent = No. 1 Michigan State

| site_stadium = Madison Square Garden

| site_cityst = New York, NY

| tv = ESPN

| gamename = Champions Classic

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 26

| highrebounder = Sestina

| rebounds = 6

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 3

| score = 69–62

| attend = 19,812

| record = 1–0

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 8, 2019

| time = 7:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 2

| opponent = Eastern Kentucky

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Richards

| points = 21

| highrebounder = Sestina

| rebounds = 11

| highassister = Tied

| assists = 5

| score = 91–49

| attend = 20,163

| record = 2–0

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 12, 2019

| time = 7:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 1

| opponent = Evansville

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 16

| highrebounder = Quickley

| rebounds = 9

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 3

| score = 64–67

| attend = 19,101

| record = 2–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 18, 2019

| time = 7:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 9

| opponent = Utah Valley

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| gamename = BBN Showcase

| tv = ESPN2

| highscorer = Hagans

| points = 26

| highrebounder = Sestina

| rebounds = 12

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 5

| score = 82–74

| attend = 18,859

| record = 3–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 22, 2019

| time = 7:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 9

| opponent = Mount St. Mary's

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| gamename = BBN Showcase

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Richards

| points = 19

| highrebounder = Hagans

| rebounds = 7

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 7

| score = 82–62

| attend = 20,351

| record = 4–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 24, 2019

| time = 6:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 9

| opponent = Lamar

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| gamename = BBN Showcase

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 21

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 13

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 9

| score = 81–56

| attend = 20,048

| record = 5–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = November 29, 2019

| time = 7:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 9

| opponent = UAB

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| gamename = BBN Showcase

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Tied

| points = 16

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 9

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 12

| score = 69–58

| attend = 20,401

| record = 6–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = December 7, 2019

| time = 4:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 8

| opponent = Fairleigh Dickinson

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Montgomery

| points = 25

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 10

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 11

| score = 83–52

| attend = 20,080

| record = 7–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = December 14, 2019

| time = 5:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 8

| opponent = Georgia Tech

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Hagans

| points = 21

| highrebounder = Tied

| rebounds = 7

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 7

| score = 67–53

| attend = 20,111

| record = 8–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = December 18, 2019

| time = 11:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| neutral = yes

| rank = 6

| opponent = Utah

| site_stadium = T-Mobile Arena

| site_cityst = Paradise, NV

| gamename = Neon Hoops Showcase

| tv = ESPN2

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 18

| highrebounder = Montgomery

| rebounds = 10

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 8

| score = 66–69

| attend = 5,507

| record = 8–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = December 21, 2019

| time = 5:15 pm

| nonconf = yes

| neutral = yes

| rank = 6

| opponent = Ohio State

| opprank = 5

| site_stadium = T-Mobile Arena

| site_cityst = Paradise, NV

| gamename = CBS Sports Classic

| tv = CBS

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 15

| highrebounder = Maxey

| rebounds = 6

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 9

| score = 65–71

| attend =  

| record = 8–3

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = December 28, 2019

| time = 3:45 pm

| nonconf = yes

| rank = 19

| opponent = Louisville

| opprank = 3

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| gamename = Battle for the Bluegrass

| tv = CBS

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 27

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 10

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 8

| score = 78–70

| overtime = OT

| attend = 20,437

| record = 9–3

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 4, 2020

| time = 2:00 pm

| rank = 17

| opponent = Missouri

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 23

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 12

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 7

| score = 71–59

| attend = 20,396

| record = 10–3

| conference = 1–0

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 7, 2020

| time = 9:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 14

| opponent = Georgia

| site_stadium = Stegeman Coliseum

| site_cityst = Athens, GA

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Tied

| points = 17

| highrebounder = Tied

| rebounds = 7

| highassister = Maxey

| assists = 8

| score = 78–69

| attend = 10,523

| record = 11–3

| conference = 2–0

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 11, 2020

| time = 12:00 pm

| rank = 14

| opponent = Alabama

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 19

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 11

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 9

| score = 76–67

| attend = 20,407

| record = 12–3

| conference = 3–0

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 15, 2020

| time = 6:30 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 10

| opponent = South Carolina

| site_stadium = Colonial Life Arena

| site_cityst = Columbia, SC

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 20

| highrebounder = Tied

| rebounds = 7

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 7

| score = 78–81

| attend = 18,000

| record = 12–4

| conference = 3–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 18, 2020

| time = 4:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 10

| opponent = Arkansas

| site_stadium = Bud Walton Arena

| site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Richards

| points = 17

| highrebounder = Quickley

| rebounds = 10

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 6

| score = 73–66

| attend = 19,200

| record = 13–4

| conference = 4–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 21, 2020

| time = 7:00 pm

| rank = 15

| opponent = Georgia

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Hagans

| points = 23

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 8

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 9

| score = 89–79

| attend = 20,135

| record = 14–4

| conference = 5–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 25, 2020

| time = 6:00 pm

| nonconf = yes

| away = yes

| rank = 15

| opponent = Texas Tech

| opprank = 18

| site_stadium = United Supermarkets Arena

| site_cityst = Lubbock, TX

| gamename = Big 12/SEC Challenge

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Richards

| points = 25

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 14

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 7

| score = 76–74

| overtime = OT

| attend = 14,763

| record = 15–4

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = January 29, 2020

| time = 6:30 pm

| rank = 13

| opponent = Vanderbilt

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = SECN

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 17

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 11

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 6

| score = 71–62

| attend = 20,311

| record = 16–4

| conference = 6–1

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 1, 2020

| time = 6:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 13

| opponent = Auburn

| site_stadium = Auburn Arena

| site_cityst = Auburn, AL

| gamename = ESPN College GameDay

| opprank = 17

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 23

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 7

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 3

| score = 66–75

| attend = 9,121

| record = 16–5

| conference = 6–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 4, 2020

| time = 9:00 pm

| rank = 15

| opponent = Mississippi State

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Richards

| points = 27

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 11

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 6

| score = 80–72

| attend = 20,115

| record = 17–5

| conference = 7–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 8, 2020

| time = 1:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 15

| opponent = Tennessee

| site_stadium = Thompson–Boling Arena

| site_cityst = Knoxville, TN

| gamename = Rivalry

| tv = CBS

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 18

| highrebounder = Brooks Jr.

| rebounds = 9

| highassister = Maxey

| assists = 4

| score = 77–64

| attend = 21,232

| record = 18–5

| conference = 8–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 11, 2020

| time = 7:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 12

| opponent = Vanderbilt

| site_stadium = Memorial Gymnasium

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 25

| highrebounder = Hagans

| rebounds = 10

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 8

| score = 78–64

| attend = 11,598

| record = 19–5

| conference = 9–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 15, 2020

| time = 2:00 pm

| rank = 12

| opponent = Ole Miss

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 17

| highrebounder = Montgomery

| rebounds = 8

| highassister = Maxey

| assists = 3

| score = 67–62

| attend = 20,417

| record = 20–5

| conference = 10–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 18, 2020

| time = 9:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 10

| opponent = LSU

| site_stadium = Pete Maravich Assembly Center

| site_cityst = Baton Rouge, LA

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 21

| highrebounder = Sestina

| rebounds = 8

| highassister = Quickley

| assists = 6

| score = 79–76

| attend = 13,260

| record = 21–5

| conference = 11–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 22, 2020

| time = 6:00 pm

| rank = 10

| opponent = Florida

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| gamename = Rivalry

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 26

| highrebounder = Maxey

| rebounds = 7

| highassister = Maxey

| assists = 7

| score = 65–59

| attend = 20,489

| record = 22–5

| conference = 12–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 25, 2020

| time = 7:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 8

| opponent = Texas A&M

| site_stadium = Reed Arena

| site_cityst = College Station, TX

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 30

| highrebounder = Montgomery

| rebounds = 10

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 7

| score = 69–60

| attend = 8,190

| record = 23–5

| conference = 13–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = February 29, 2020

| time = 3:45 pm

| rank = 8

| opponent = Auburn

| opprank = 15

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| tv = CBS

| highscorer = Quickley

| points = 18

| highrebounder = Quickley

| rebounds = 12

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 5

| score = 73–66

| attend = 20,638

| record = 24–5

| conference = 14–2

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = March 3, 2020

| time = 9:00 pm

| rank = 6

| opponent = Tennessee

| site_stadium = Rupp Arena

| site_cityst = Lexington, KY

| gamename = Rivalry

| tv = ESPN

| highscorer = Maxey

| points = 21

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 9

| highassister = Hagans

| assists = 4

| score = 73–81

| attend = 20,413

| record = 24–6

| conference = 14–3

}}

{{CBB schedule entry

| date = March 7, 2020

| time = 1:00 pm

| away = yes

| rank = 6

| opponent = Florida

| site_stadium = O'Connell Center

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| gamename = Rivalry

| tv = CBS

| highscorer = Richards

| points = 21

| highrebounder = Richards

| rebounds = 7

| highassister = Maxey

| assists = 7

| score = 71–70

| attend = 9,767

| record = 25–6

| conference = 15–3

}}

|-

!colspan=12 style={{NCAA color cell|Kentucky Wildcats}}| 2020 SEC men's basketball tournament

|- style="background:#bbbbbb"

| style="text-align:center"|March 13, 2020
1:00 pm, ESPN

| style="text-align:center"| (1) No. 8

| vs.
Quarterfinals

| colspan=5 rowspan=1 style="text-align:center"|Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2020-sec-tournament-canceled-thursday-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-concerns/live/|title = 2020 SEC Tournament canceled Thursday amid coronavirus pandemic concerns}}

| style="text-align:center"|Bridgestone Arena
Nashville, TN

|-

{{CBB schedule end|poll=AP Poll|timezone=Eastern Time}}

The Wildcats received the No. 1 seed in the SEC tournament. However, the 2020 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament was cancelled before the Wildcats played their first game, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2020/03/12/college-basketball-conference-tournaments-canceled-coronavirus-concerns/5031014002/|title=ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 among major college basketball tournaments cancelled amid coronavirus|last=Myerberg|first=Paul|website=USA Today|access-date=2020-03-12}} Kentucky was officially the league champion by SEC rule.

Like the SEC Tournament, the NCAA tournament was cancelled amidst concern over the health of participants as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28893285/ncaa-tournaments-canceled-coronavirus|title=NCAA tournaments canceled over coronavirus|author=ESPN News Services|website=ESPN|date=12 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-12}}

{{See also|2019–20 NCAA Division I men's basketball rankings}}

{{Ranking movements

| poll1title = AP

| poll1firstweek = 0

| poll1lastweek = 19

| poll1_0 = 2 (2)

| poll1_1 = 1 (64)

| poll1_2 = 9

| poll1_3 = 9

| poll1_4 = 8

| poll1_5 = 8

| poll1_6 = 6

| poll1_7 = 19

| poll1_8 = 17

| poll1_9 = 14

| poll1_10 = 10

| poll1_11 = 15

| poll1_12 = 13

| poll1_13 = 15

| poll1_14 = 12

| poll1_15 = 10

| poll1_16 = 8

| poll1_17 = 6

| poll1_18 = 8

| poll1_19 = 8

| poll1_20 =

| poll2title = Coaches

| poll2firstweek = 0

| poll2lastweek = 19

| poll2_0 = 2

| poll2_1 = 2*

| poll2_2 = 10

| poll2_3 = 11

| poll2_4 = 10

| poll2_5 = 9

| poll2_6 = 6

| poll2_7 = 19

| poll2_8 = 14

| poll2_9 = 13

| poll2_10 = 12

| poll2_11 = 14

| poll2_12 = 13

| poll2_13 = 16

| poll2_14 = 12

| poll2_15 = 10

| poll2_16 = 9

| poll2_17 = 6

| poll2_18 = 7

| poll2_19 = 7

| poll2_20 =

}}

*AP does not release post-NCAA Tournament rankings

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball navbox}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2019-20 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team}}

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Category:Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball seasons

Kentucky basketball, men, 2019-20

Kentucky basketball, men