Brandon Garrison committed to Kentucky basketball and Mark Pope without visit to Lexington

LEXINGTON — Brandon Garrison's commitment to Kentucky basketball in April was striking on multiple fronts.

None more notable than the fact he gave his pledge despite never visiting Lexington.

"I was ready to make my decision," Garrison said Tuesday. "I felt like I could trust (UK) coach (Mark) Pope , so I didn't feel like I needed to come out here and do it."

The timing also was noteworthy: It came on the heels of a visit to Arkansas , the program now led by former Kentucky coach John Calipari . Garrison, a 6-foot-11 center who spent last season at Oklahoma State , was quick to note that he didn't make his announcement until after he wrapped up the visit with Calipari and the Razorbacks.

"I was still being respectful about the process, so I waited until I got home," Garrison said, adding he already "was pretty close" to joining the Wildcats . "I knew where my gut was."

So what was UK's primary pitch? What made Lexington so appealing to the Oklahoma native?

"Just trying to hang No. 9," Garrison said, "and what I could bring to the team."

What he's expected to add is size, first and foremost, joining fellow transfer Amari Williams as the team's primary options in the post. Despite only being a sophomore, Garrison has his fair share of experience, appearing in all 32 games (29 starts) for the Cowboys last season, averaging 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per outing.

"I feel like I took good steps in the right direction (last season)," he said. "So I'm really just building off those steps."

While he admits it was a risk to commit to Kentucky before ever laying his eyes on the campus, he has no regrets.

"We had a Zoom call and a whole bunch of talks before, so I already knew the vibes out here," Garrison said. "I just didn't physically feel the vibes or see it in person."

So far, so good.

"Just coming here I thought it was going to be small. Like Oklahoma State was smaller," he said. "So that's what I thought the vibe was going to be here. (But) it's better.

"I'm loving it."

Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Brandon Garrison committed to Kentucky basketball and Mark Pope without visit to Lexington