KSR Today: Dickinson visits, Collins & Fredrick hit the portal

Happy Earth Day, everyone! And if you happened to be born on Mother Nature’s holiday, then I bid you a very happy bEARTHday! For everyone else with a keen interest in what Kentucky basketball’s roster will look like next season, happy Hunter Dickinson visits campus day. Technically, he is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, but close enough.

If you’re wondering who I am and where Zack, Jack, and the other Adam are, then I don’t blame you. My posts typically focus on what former ‘Cats are doing in the pros with the occasional fist-shaking rant about Kentucky basketball’s playing style. However, during the dog days of summer, I’ll be popping in on the weekends to provide you with a wide range of Kentucky sports coverage and glorious puns like, bearthday. I’m sorry, or, you’re welcome.

Alright, let’s get to the news.

Daimion Collins and CJ Fredrick enter the transfer portal

There was a flurry of basketball roster scuttlebutt, scoop, and news this week, culminating in Daimion Collins and CJ Fredrick entering the transfer portal.

With Collins, the only thing surprising about the news was how long it took to announce it. With most everyone else on the roster already making a public proclamation on their initial intentions, the most expected announcement came a little later most everyone else’s. We now know what may have contributed to that delay, as unfortunately, Daimion lost his grandfather last week.

Collins had an incredibly tough year with his father passing away early in the season. Although many have reported he would like to stay at Kentucky, he will most likely transfer to a school in Texas so that he can be closer to his family. Best of luck to a guy who showed flashes of absolute brilliance in a Kentucky uniform.

As understandable and expected as Collins’ decision was, CJ Fredrick jumping into the portal was a little bit of a shock. According to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim, both Cal and CJ wanted a path for him to stay at Kentucky, but Fredrick saw the writing on the wall.

With a stud freshman class coming in which includes three guards, the likely return of Antonio Reeves, and the eventual emergence of Adou Thiero, CJ concluded he was likely going to be the odd man out. Understandably so, he didn’t want to spend his last year of eligibility riding the pine, and ultimately he decided a fresh start after an injury-plagued tenure at Kentucky would be the best way for him to finish his college career, barring any professional opportunities.

Hunter Dickinson visits Kentucky this weekend

The Oscar versus Dickinson debate, if nothing else, has kept this offseason exciting. It has been a long time since Big Blue Nation has seen this kind of genuine split in opinion. Should Calipari accept a potential commitment from Dickinson in the near future or hold out for what Tshiebwe decides to do? Each side has some vocal enthusiasts.

Moreover, media members are hearing conflicting bits of info from various inside sources, and new wrinkles in the situation keep popping up. The most recent twist came from Matt Jones who said that in addition to the normal pressure of the decision of whether or not to turn pro, Oscar is also dealing with a few personal issues as well.

The bottom line is that it’s complicated.

The next step in the decision-making process is Hunter Dickinson visiting campus, which happens this weekend. He previously visited Kansas, Maryland, and Georgetown, and plans to visit Villanova as well.

Dickinson would bring a different look to the team at the center position and if this is truly an either/or proposition between him and Oscar (a big if), it is a good problem for Kentucky to have.

Former ‘Cats keep surging in NBA Playoffs

This week in the NBA playoffs saw former Kentucky players flex like no other. Both Jamal Murray and Devin Booker put up 40-burgers, Tyrese Maxey has been huge in the clutch, and the trio of De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Trey Lyles are giving the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors, all they want and more.

Although I’m a Phoenix Suns fan at heart, the Kings are quickly climbing up on my can’t-miss-a-game list. Watching Fox and Monk dominate the basketball court gives me all the 2017 nostalgia feelings I didn’t know I needed. They play Game 4 tomorrow at 3:30 on ABC and I highly recommend tuning in.

Last night, the Knicks cruised by the Cavaliers despite a poor shooting night from Julius Randle and limited minutes from Immanuel Quickley, and Jamal Murray’s Nuggets defeated Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves to go up 3-0.

As for today, here is the NBA playoff slate:

1:00 (TNT): 76ers (Maxey) @ Nets | 76ers lead 3-0
3:30 (TNT): Suns (Booker) @ Clippers (Boston Jr.) | Suns lead 2-1
7:30 (ESPN): Bucks @ Heat (Herro [out], Adebayo) | Series tied 1-1
10:00 (ESPN): Grizzlies @ Lakers (Davis, Vanderbilt, Gabriel) | Series tied 1-1

Kentucky baseball and softball gear up for weekend series, weather permitting

If the NBA is not your thing, turn your attention to the diamond. Kentucky baseball hosts Texas A&M this weekend while Kentucky softball welcomes the 12th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.

Due to wretched weather, both teams’ games were canceled on Friday, and they will both play doubleheaders today.

The Bat ‘Cats will take the field at 2:00 p.m. and the second game will commence 45 minutes after the first one ends. Texas A&M was ranked preseason No. 5 in the country, but after a sluggish start, have returned to the caliber of the team everyone expected to see. It should be a great series.

As for softball, Game 1 against the Hogs starts and 2:00 pm, with Game 2 scheduled for 6:00 pm. The nightcap will be on ESPN2, so be sure to tune in.

Kentucky Tennis faces Tennessee in the SEC Tournament semi-finals

Finally, Kentucky Tennis, ranked No. 5 in the nation and a 3 seed in the SEC tournament, will take on Tennessee today in the semi-finals today at noon. They advanced by defeating Alabama yesterday in an impressive showing, winning 4-0.

Kentucky fell to the 2-seed Volunteers earlier this season so they are itching for some revenge. The Vols looked solid in their 4-0 drubbing of Ole Miss, so this one is setting up to be a good one.

Go ‘Cats.