Kentucky is bringing on Keegan Brown as the program’s new director of roster management for the upcoming college basketball season. Brown previously served as BYU’s director of player personnel and held the role of head video coordinator for the Wisconsin Herd.
In this newly created position, Brown is expected to take on responsibilities similar to those of a general manager—despite head coach Mark Pope previously stating he did not want a GM. Following a season where Kentucky made a significant financial investment in a roster that fell short of the Sweet 16, Brown’s hiring reflects a shift toward a GM-like structure.
Reports indicate the Wildcats spent nearly $22 million on their roster this past season, finishing with a 22-14 record (10-8 in SEC play). After a dramatic first-round win saved by a half-court shot from Otega Oweh, Kentucky fell to Iowa State by 19 points in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The early exit added to the disappointment, along with growing concern among fans that the program has yet to sign any high school recruits for the upcoming season.
As NIL continues to reshape college athletics, GM-style roles are becoming increasingly common, and Kentucky is the latest program to adopt one for its basketball operation.
