Kentucky basketball’s frontcourt looks much different heading into the 2025-26 season, and sophomore Jayden Quaintance might be the biggest reason why.
Quaintance, who transferred to Kentucky this offseason after playing his freshman year at Arizona State, has made a significant change by not only adding muscle but also growing taller during his recovery from an ACL injury.
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When Kentucky first released its roster earlier this summer, the 18-year-old forward was measured at 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds.
Now, updated measurements show him at 6-foot-10½ and 255 pounds, which is a dramatic transformation that positions him as one of Kentucky’s most imposing big men.
The added size comes as Kentucky looks to reload after losing eight scholarship players to either graduation or the transfer portal, with Quaintance projected to play a key role in a rotation that emphasizes length and athleticism. His ability to rebound, defend, and score around the basket will be critical for a Kentucky team aiming to get back to its old ways of dominating college basketball again.
While his ACL recovery remains something to monitor, Kentucky coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic throughout rehab. For Kentucky, Quaintance represents both immediate frontcourt help and long-term potential as one of the youngest players in college basketball.
