Amidst the ongoing recruitment efforts for the upcoming season, the Kentucky Wildcats find themselves pursuing an additional wing player to finalize their 2025-26 roster. This pursuit has intensified following Lamar Wilkerson's decision to commit to Indiana over Kentucky. Mark Pope and his team are now focusing on securing a pivotal player who can also serve as insurance if Otega Oweh remains in the NBA Draft. Among the emerging prospects is Florida State’s versatile shooting guard/small forward, Jamir Watkins.

Wednesday saw the emergence of Jamir Watkins as a potential recruit for several top-tier programs, including Louisville, Kentucky, and Illinois, according to Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman. Watkins, a highly-rated graduate transfer, boasts an impressive resume that places him sixth overall among available players and second among small forwards. His journey through college basketball includes stints at VCU and Florida State, where he demonstrated remarkable growth and versatility on the court.

Starting his collegiate career at VCU, Watkins initially showcased his skills during the shortened 2020-21 season, averaging 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. After recovering from a knee injury, he returned stronger, contributing significantly with averages of 9.5 points and 5.4 rebounds during the 2022-23 season. Transferring to Florida State under Leonard Hamilton, Watkins flourished, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors in his debut season with the Seminoles.

This past season marked Watkins' peak performance, as he averaged a career-high 18.4 points per game alongside 5.7 rebounds, making him a formidable presence in the ACC. His ability to score over 20 points in multiple games, including a standout performance of 30 points against Rice, highlights his potential impact at any program fortunate enough to secure his commitment.

As Kentucky continues its recruitment drive, they already boast commitments from notable transfers such as Jaland Lowe, Kam Williams, Mouhamed Dioubate, and Jayden Quaintance. With one year of eligibility remaining, Jamir Watkins could prove to be the missing piece that elevates the Wildcats' roster to new heights. The addition of such a dynamic player would not only strengthen their lineup but also provide invaluable depth heading into the competitive 2025-26 season.