KSR Today: Burger Boys, Bats Cats and Bluegrass, OH MY!

Two weeks into the offseason, there’s no slowing down for the BBN. In fact, there’s so much to choose from, I don’t even know what to use to headline this morning post. Between the McDonald’s All-American Game, Kentucky basketball buzz, spring football and UK baseball, there’s so much to discuss. Let’s not waste anymore time.

Future Wildcats Shine in McDonald’s All-American Game

As the BBN turns its eyes to next season, the next group of Wildcats did not disappoint in the nation’s premiere high school basketball showcase. After a seemingly slow start, Kentucky completely dominated the second half of Tuesday’s McDonald’s All-American Game.

Reed Sheppard opened the second half with a pair of steals, a break-away dunk and three assists on consecutive possessions. That’s right around when DJ Wagner turned it on. The first third-generation McDonald’s All-American did a little bit of everything in a comeback effort. He attacked the rim, scored in transition, knocked down step-back threes and created open looks for his teammates, particularly Justin Edwards. When they weren’t knocking em down, Aaron Bradshaw was cleaning it up. DJ Wagner finished the night with MVP honors, capping off an exciting night for the future of Kentucky basketball.

Kentucky McDonald’s All-American Stats and Highlights

• DJ Wagner – 19 PTS, 3 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
• Aaron Bradshaw – 18 PTS, 10-13 FT, 8 REB
• Justin Edwards – 11 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL
• Reed Sheppard – 4 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL

UK McDonalds All-American Game highlights. pic.twitter.com/tnAd4cqqQC

— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) March 29, 2023

Kentucky Basketball Decisions

One domino has fallen. Sahvir Wheeler was the first to clarify his future, announcing his intent to enter the transfer portal on Monday. This week John Calipari has been meeting individually with players to discuss their path moving forward. We should receive more clarity soon. Jack Pilgrim breaks down where things while we wait in limbo.

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Grand Slam Lifts Kentucky Baseball to a Win

The Bat Cats were in jeopardy of dropping a second straight game on the road at Western Kentucky. Then the bats got hot just when they needed them. Trailing 4-2 in the top of the seventh, former Hilltopper Jackson Gray blasted a grand slam to give Kentucky the lead. They held on for good, but it was not comfortable down the stretch. Daniel Hager details all of No. 18 Kentucky’s 10-8 victory over WKU, the Wildcats’ 18th win in their last 19 games.

OH MY GOODNESS!@jacksongray23 OBLITERATES a GRAND SLAM against his former team.

T7 | UK 6, WKU 4 pic.twitter.com/vYv4zALyTk

— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) March 28, 2023

Kentucky Spring Football Updates

Tuesday the offense took center stage at spring practice, and as you might have expected, they bounced back following a sluggish Saturday. Sarcasm aside, there were a few things that really popped in our conversations with Liam Coen and the Kentucky offense.

• Devin Leary is not being a ra-ra leader early on. He’s building rapport with his teammates and leading by example.
• Tayvion Robinson was introspective and admitted that he let his personal struggles affect the team. It was incredibly mature. Respect. Curious to see how the dividends his offseason investment will pay out following a clean slate.
• How does Kentucky’s recruiting operation work? Liam Coen explains and shares which position is most difficult to evaluate.
• Ray Davis has great vision in the outside zone, helping the running game take a significant step forward on Tuesday.

#Spring practice mic'd up with RB @MrHeisman7 pic.twitter.com/mJgSuiQmsx

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) March 29, 2023

11 Personnel Programming Alert

Initially, we thought the Kentucky football podcast might be hitting the road. We’re pressing pause on those plans for now. But Monticello Bank is still bringing you a brand new episode of 11 Personnel tomorrow at noon where will prepare you for everything you need to know about Saturday’s open practice. If you wanna see the Wildcats, gates open this Saturday at 11:15 am EST and the action begins at 11:45 am EST. All fans are welcome and parking is free in the blue lot.

Offseason TV Recommendation

Not everyone can stay locked into UK sports 24/7. I get it. Sometimes you gotta break free. One night this week I did just that and started watching “History of the World, Part II.” A sequel 40 years in the making, Mel Brooks executive produces the Hulu mini-series with the help of Nick Kroll and a ton of other talented comedians. Using historical events as the setting for sketch comedy lets the show load up with jokes and it left me laughing out loud. It’s the perfect antidote for some postseason blues.