KSR Today: Acaden Lewis is no longer a Kentucky Wildcat

Acaden Lewis commits to Kentucky (Photo via UK Athletics)

You may be waking up to find out that Kentucky is now looking for a backup point guard. While you were in the process of drifting off to sleep last night, four-star signee Acaden Lewis, who chose the Wildcats over Duke, UConn and North Carolina back in November, backed away from his commitment on Thursday.

Once set to join in-state standouts Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno in Lexington next season, he was likely PG2 behind Pittsburgh’s Jaland Lowe — a significant role in Mark Pope’s offense, as we learned the hard way when Kerr Kriisa went down with a season-ending foot injury this past year. Instead, Lewis has reopened his recruitment, exploring his options as one of the best free agents in basketball just two months before players arrive on campus for summer workouts.

“I will always be grateful to Coach Pope and the entire Kentucky staff for believing in me,” Lewis said in a statement sent to ESPN. “It is clear Kentucky is a special place with an amazing fanbase, but as I reflect on what is best for my future, I have decided to re-open my recruitment. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but after a lot of discussion with my family and people I trust, I feel this is necessary. This is not in any way a reflection of any negative feelings towards Coach Pope and Kentucky. I appreciate your understanding and am excited for what the future holds.”

A four-star guard in the class of 2025, Lewis comes in ranked No. 32 overall and No. 5 at his position. Where could he land? Former Kentucky target Caleb Wilson is already recruiting him to Chapel Hill where there is plenty of playing time to go around.

I like it a lot
— Caleb Wilson (@CalebWilson2025) April 11, 2025

Are we on Lamar Wilkerson watch?

Lewis’ decision comes on the heels of Kentucky continuing to pursue another shot-making guard in the transfer portal to go with the likes of Lowe, Kam Williams, Mo Dioubate and Jayden Quaintance. Wesley Yates III was the prime target with the Wildcats gaining some early traction before the rumored favorite from before he entered the portal, Washington — who is rumored to be bringing back his cousin, Quincy Pondexter, as an assistant coach — earning his commitment.

As momentum shifted toward the Huskies, Kentucky pivoted toward Sam Houston State transfer Lamar Wilkerson, who is coming off a career-best season where he averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 48/45/82 shooting splits in 34.9 minutes per game. The sharpshooting guard has scheduled four visits in the coming days with a decision coming shortly after, according to On3’s Joe Tipton.

He’ll start at Indiana, followed by Kentucky, then Auburn, then Ole Miss to wrap things up.

Sam Houston transfer Lamar Wilkerson, one of the top guards in the portal, plans to visit Indiana, Kentucky, Auburn and Ole Miss, per his representatives @SerosPartners. Expected to make a decision after those trips.

Averaged 20.5 PPG this season, shooting 44.4% from three.… pic.twitter.com/GvaiWQGb2o
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 10, 2025

That’d certainly help soften the blow of Lewis’ departure.

Kentucky’s Spring Showcase is coming tomorrow

Do you want to see the football team in action before the spring wraps up? Tomorrow is your chance, as Kentucky will host its Spring Showcase at Kroger Field on Saturday, April 12 at 10 AM ET.

The event will feature practice segments and interactive features for fans. Full game play could be limited, but fans will get an up close and personal look at the 2025 Wildcats.

Admission is free and gates will open at 9 AM free of charge in the Red, Green, Blue and Orange lots.

There will not be a live broadcast or stream, but coverage will follow on social media and on the SEC Network in the coming weeks.

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For media purposes, Bush Hamdan met with reporters to talk ball earlier in the week, highlighting the offense.

Co-DC and DB coach Chris Collins is next up to talk defense on Friday, followed by Mark Stoops on Saturday to put a bow on the spring after the event at Kroger Field.

The season will be here before you know it.

Happy Anniversary, Mark Pope!

On this day in 2024, BYU’s Mark Pope reached an agreement to become the next head coach of the University of Kentucky.

At the time, Pope hadn’t won an NCAA Tournament game, nor had he landed a five-star recruit — and the jokes came in a hurry, other programs poking fun at the Wildcats for missing on other targets to settle for the former captain of the 1996 national championship squad in Lexington.

BREAKING: Kentucky is closing in on hiring BYU's Mark Pope, per a source.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 12, 2024

“The national laughter will be palpable,” one response said.

“Going from thinking you’re getting Hurley to getting Mark Pope is hysterical,” another added.

“Kentucky’s falloff is here. They’re gonna wish they never ran Cal out of Lexington.”

“How the mighty have fallen.”

After watching what Pope accomplished in year one with the pieces he has coming in next season, do we think those people still feel the same way? I’d guess not.

Day one Masters 2025 leaderboard

The 89th Masters Tournament is officially underway with one round behind us, coverage set to continue on Friday with streaming on Masters.com and the Masters App starting now, followed by TV coverage from 3 PM to 7:30 PM ET.

Take a look at the updated leaderboard through the first day: