Former Kentucky Guard Announces Transfer, Set to Return to Big 12 Conference

Kriisa transferred to Kentucky last year as part of the major roster overhaul orchestrated by new head coach Mark Pope. Pope, coming off a successful tenure at BYU, brought in a number of key players via the transfer portal to help the Wildcats remain competitive in his first year at the helm.

The strategy paid off, as Kentucky made a strong run to the Sweet 16 before falling to conference rival Tennessee. However, as is common in today’s college basketball landscape, roster movement continues in the offseason, and Kriisa’s departure is part of that ongoing process.

During his short time at Kentucky, Kriisa played in just nine games and posted modest numbers—averaging 4.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game. Despite limited opportunities, his experience and basketball IQ remained evident.

His stint in Lexington followed a more productive year at West Virginia, where he was a significant contributor. In the 2023–24 season with the Mountaineers, Kriisa averaged 11.0 points and 4.7 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 42.4% from beyond the arc.

Prior to his time in the Big 12, Kriisa spent three seasons at Arizona, the school where he saw the most sustained success and development. In 76 games with the Wildcats, he averaged nearly 10 points per game and was a key component on NCAA Tournament-bound squads. His time at Arizona helped build his reputation as a confident floor general with range and vision.

Now heading to Cincinnati, Kriisa will not only have the opportunity to bring veteran leadership to the Bearcats but also face off next season against both West Virginia and Arizona—two of his former teams. With his return to the Big 12, fans can expect Kriisa to make the most of this fresh opportunity and continue to be a dynamic presence on the court.