Brennan Canada Returning to Kentucky for Fifth Season

The Kentuckian was placed on scholarship during his senior year. He'll return to Lexington for one final go-round next season.

The second of six decisions from Kentucky basketball's group of 2022-23 seniors has been announced. Mount Sterling, Ky. native Brennan Canada has announced via Instagram that he is returning to UK for a fifth and final season:

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“I know I could’ve had other opportunities, but this is the only place I want to play college basketball. Let's run it back one more year," he wrote. 

Across four seasons as a Wildcat, Canada has made 21 appearances, totaling 26 minutes. His senior season was a memorable one, as he was placed on scholarship by coach John Calipari on Jan. 2. 

"When you talk about what we look for in young people in this program, he embodies it all," Calipari said of Canada in a tweet. "Unbelievable teammate and student and has brought so much to our teams in practice. I think it’s about time we put him on scholarship!! Thank you for what you do for us, Brennan!!" 

"It's just a blessing. Just being able to come here as a walk-on at first, and being able to earn a scholarship, i'm so grateful for that," Canada said. "I mean, growing up in Kentucky, just watching all the games, being a fan and stuff, just being able to come here and be a part of this team and program...it's really been a blessing."

Canada was honored on Senior Night this season, earning his first career start against Vanderbilt. 

"You guys definitely don't see the impact he makes, 100 percent. In practice, he does a lot for us, whether it's on the scout team or whether there's an injured guy and he gets to step in and perform to help us get ready for games," Jacob Toppin said of Canada ahead of Senior Night. "He's always doing the little things to help us prepare for games and we thank him for that."

The 6-foot-5 guard becomes the first Wildcat to officially announce his return for the 2023-24 season. Point guard Sahvir Wheeler announced on Monday that he is leaving UK after two seasons, entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer.  

Canada was a two-year captain at George Rogers Clark High School, where he totaled 1,371 points, 776 rebounds and two District 40 titles.

Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.

More on the potential roster overhaul in Lexington HERE.

More on the loss to Kansas State HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.