In a sudden twist that adds another chapter to his well-traveled collegiate career, fifth-year guard Kerr Kriisa has officially entered the transfer portal, bringing his brief tenure with the Kentucky Wildcats to an unexpected end. The Estonian floor general arrived in Lexington with high expectations for the 2024-25 season but was ultimately sidelined by a devastating foot fracture, limiting his impact on the court.
A Dream Cut Short in Lexington
Kriisa, known for his fiery personality and dynamic passing ability, suited up for just nine games with the Wildcats before suffering a season-ending injury against Gonzaga on December 7. In his limited time on the floor, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.8 assists while struggling to find his shooting touch, converting only 27.9% of his field goal attempts. Despite his setbacks, Kriisa remained a beloved figure in the locker room and a fan favorite for his passion and leadership.
“To Coach Pope and the UK coaching staff — it has been an absolute dream to play for the University of Kentucky. Thank you for your continued support,” Kriisa shared in a heartfelt farewell post on social media. “I will always cherish my time in the Blue Grass State, and I wish Kentucky Basketball all the best in the future.”
A Well-Traveled Career Marked by Ups and Downs
Kriisa’s basketball odyssey has taken him across multiple high-profile programs. He began his college career at Arizona, spending three seasons (2020-23) with the Wildcats. During his final year there, he made his mark as the Pac-12’s assist leader, averaging 5.1 per game while contributing 9.9 points per contest.
Seeking a fresh challenge, he transferred to West Virginia for the 2023-24 season, where he delivered his best statistical campaign yet, recording career-highs in scoring (11.0 PPG) and three-point shooting (42.4%). His ability to orchestrate an offense and knock down deep shots made him a coveted name in the transfer portal last offseason, and Kentucky head coach Mark Pope aggressively pursued him, finally securing the playmaker after multiple previous recruitment attempts.
Despite flashes of brilliance, including a dazzling 12-assist performance against Bucknell, Kriisa’s Kentucky stint was derailed before it could fully take flight. The foot fracture suffered in the Wildcats’ thrilling overtime victory over Gonzaga robbed him of a chance to showcase his true capabilities in Pope’s system.
A Tough Decision: Why Kriisa is Moving On
While there were hopes that Kriisa might recover in time to return to action, his injury ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Kentucky has aggressively retooled its backcourt for the 2025-26 campaign, bringing in top-tier guards like Jasper Johnson and Acaden Lewis. With fierce competition for playing time on the horizon, Kriisa likely saw limited opportunities ahead and made the difficult choice to explore new options.
What’s Next for Kriisa?
Despite having already played five years of college basketball, Kriisa is expected to receive a medical redshirt waiver, which would grant him a sixth and final year of eligibility. His next landing spot remains a mystery, but one thing is certain—programs in need of an experienced floor general with a high basketball IQ and a flair for playmaking will come calling.
As Kentucky continues its transition under Mark Pope, the Wildcats will forge ahead with a fresh crop of talent, while Kriisa embarks on yet another chapter of his winding collegiate journey. Whether he lands at a powerhouse program or a mid-major looking for a veteran leader, his final act in college basketball promises to be one worth watching.
