Checking in from practice day in Milwaukee, sponsored by Friends of Coal

The NCAA Tournament started Thursday in Lexington, where Creighton sent Louisville home from the tournament early. Go Bluejays. Here in Milwaukee, the Big Blue Nation and Kentucky have one more sleep before the Wildcats’ first-round game against Troy. However, Kentucky’s tournament fun already started with interviews and an open practice at Fiserv Forum.

KSR was in attendance for a first look at Kentucky in Mark Pope’s first Big Dance. We got a sneak peek at Troy in its open practice before a light scout of Kentucky, too. Below, you’ll find notes and observations from the practice day scene in Milwaukee. First, a message from our friends at Friends Of Coal.

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Friends of Coal is dedicated to informing and educating Kentucky citizens about the coal industry and its vital role in the state’s future. We provide a united voice for an industry that has been and remains a critical economic contributor to Kentucky. By working together, we can provide good jobs and benefits for future generations. Coal is RESILIENT, RELIABLE, and AFFORDABLE.

Friends of Coal is a volunteer organization. All are invited to be a part of our organization, which consists of proud Kentuckians as well as residents from beyond our borders. Head to friendsofcoalkentucky.org to learn more.

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Blue got in

Most of the fans going to Friday’s game are on their way to Milwaukee now or waiting until tomorrow. Still, BBN showed up to support the Cats at Thursday’s practice.

See photos from Mont Dawson below.

Andrew Carr couldn’t miss

I’m hesitant to single out any player for how they played in a shootaround. However, if I had to name an MVP, it was Andrew Carr, who couldn’t miss during UK’s 3-point drill. Ansley Almonor was also dialed in. Kentucky will need those two to play well tomorrow night.

The injured guys helped out

Jaxson Robinson threw one-handed passes during UK’s shooting drills, while Kerr Krissa provided vocal support. Kriisa was telling his teammates to be dogs. I overheard him barking at Ansley Almonor.

Robinson had the best shirt of the day.

One other injury note: Travis Perry’s right wrist was heavily taped but he’s ready to play.

Mark Pope’s moment of silence

Kentucky ends every practice at the Joe Craft Center with complete silence as the players shoot free throws. Pope demands that everyone be quiet for the exercise or they will be asked to leave.

Pope brought the drill to the NCAA Tournament. Late in UK’s open practice with a crowd of people there to watch, Pope took the mic and asked for silence, even asking the house DJ to stop playing music and telling Stan Van Gundy to hush. The silence was eery.

Mark Pope demands silence. pic.twitter.com/caVW7LW1ug

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) March 20, 2025

Troy Scouting Report

The Trojans followed Ole Miss on the practice floor, smelling like Waffle House and excitement. One of the assistant coaches shouted, “This is why you come to Troy!” as the Trojans loosened up on the court. Another assistant looked my way and said something about my Kentucky hat, but I couldn’t make it out. I think it was a compliment.

On the court, Troy looked a lot like an underdog, but I will be careful in commenting about their appearance because the same could’ve been said of Saint Peter’s or Oakland in years past. At 6-foot-8, Thomas Dowd is one to watch. He leads the team in 3s and had a hot hand in the open practice from long range. Cooper Campbell, a 6-foot-2 freshman with red hair, looks inconspicuous but plays 17 minutes a game. Again, I will not judge any books by their covers this year. Edert and Gohlke each taught us valuable lessons.

Otherwise, Troy’s practice was mostly a glorified shootaround. Scott Cross said the Trojans will rely on toughness and offensive rebounding, but neither was on display at the practice. They seem very excited to be dancing, though. Sun Belt Player of the Year Tayton Conerway looked ready to go.

Food scouting report

Though they’re not yet open for the practices, I scouted the food/concession scene throughout Fiserv Forum. There’s a Chick-fil-A, but will it be open for Sunday’s games? Also, a Smoke Stack BBQ, where I’ve already picked the BBQ nachos for my game day meal; Cedar Crest Ice Cream for Kentucky fans who need ice cream with their basketball; and Mecca Burger Bar, which also has one of the most popular game day spots outside the arena in the Deer District. If you partake in the booze, Kona Brewing has a spot in Fiserv, along with Cutwater, Jameson, Hennessy, Casamigos, and several other stations and taprooms to grab a domestic. The general public can drink at NCAA Tournament games now.

A team photo with the Lexington media (KSR not included)

A lot has changed since Mark Pope took over for the last guy. We saw a new example of that after Kentucky’s open practice when Pope invited all of the media that cover Kentucky onto the court for a photo with the team. KSR did not make the photo because we were all busy working, but the moment showcased a new appreciation for everyone who covers the team. We’ll catch the next one.

KSR’s Rapid Reaction