KSR Today: Derby, Cats rock Kentucky blue and BBNBA Playoffs

Waiting is the hardest part, folks. I get it. It’s Derby Week, the state of Kentucky put under a worldwide microscope as the country floods into Churchill Downs wearing pastels and ridiculous hats with a mint julep or three in their hands. There is nothing like it, never a better time to call Kentucky home.

The issue is that all of it starts in the back half of the week with all of the famous guests arriving ahead of the Oaks and Barnstable Brown party on Friday ahead of the Derby on Saturday. Locals have 502’sDay today, but other excitement is limited to the Chow Wagon/Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville at Waterfront Park beyond the races. You don’t even get the Derby Festival staples like the bed race (yesterday) or the Great Steamboat Race (tomorrow).

We’ll make it work, but that’s not making the time move any faster. This is our Super Bowl week, and right now is the equivalent of travel day before media and practices.

Have no fear, though, because Nick Roush is here — the Derby King, ready to overwhelm you with content until he disappears into the infield for the weekend, not to be seen or heard from again until Monday. We’ve got written and video content all over the place to make sure you’re prepared for the ponies, plus everything else going on in the world of UK sports (there ain’t much).

Roush’s Derby Roundup

First, he explains how you’ve been reading your Kentucky Derby program all wrong over the years — and what you need to do to bet like a pro this go-round, giving yourself a real chance to win big at Churchill Downs.

Before you bet, you need to know what you’re betting on. That’s why he put together your one-stop shop for Derby with everything you need to know about the field, odds and a breakdown for every horse.

• Kentucky Derby 151: Everything You Need to Know about the Field

How about some expert picks? Roush teamed up with Pete Fornatale, the mastermind behind In the Money Media Network, to share all of the top secrets this week. You’ve got your live long shots and which ones are losers to avoid.

It’s not limited to racing analysis, either. Roush would like to also inform you that if you make your way to the Chow Wagon at the Waterfront, the Derby Festival is only allowing minors under the age of 18 to enter with an adult over the age of 21 thanks to some tomfoolery this past weekend. More details can be found here.

We’ve also got reading recommendations ahead of Kentucky Derby 151 and three Derby Prep Races you should watch before picking your horse — and probably more where that comes from, thanks to Mr. South End himself.

Just let the man cook.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping, suspense-filled action of The Sport of Kings — with the NYRA Bets horse racing app! Bet the 151st Kentucky Derby and join smart bettors across America! Watch the races unfold and cheer your picks to victory. It’s fast, easy, and secure! Get your FREE $25 Derby Bet, plus a $200 deposit match for new members at nyrabets.com/KSR25. Download today and make Derby day count!

Come watch KSR Happy Hour!

Speaking of Roush and his Derby shenanigans, he joined Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson on the first-ever edition of KSR Happy Hour, our newest show dedicated to wrapping up Mondays with a cold beverage and some UK sports talk in the most ridiculous manner possible.

They obviously talk Derby, but also Drew’s acting debut in Romeo & Juliet, a Georgetown man winning $167.3 million, the NFL Draft and more. Tune in, thanks to our friends at Country Boy Brewing.

The new Cats rock Kentucky blue

Jaland Lowe, Mo Dioubate, Denzel Aberdeen and Kam Williams were all in town for their official visits to Lexington for the first time as signed Wildcats. There, they got to rock Kentucky blue for the very first time — a preview of what’s to come later this year when the season tips off in Mark Pope’s second as head coach.

“It feels amazing, it’s like a dream come true,” Lowe said. “I really still can’t believe I’m here right now. This is everything I’ve dreamed of and more.”

“It’s a dream come true, man,” Dioubate added. “Like, I always wanted to play in a Kentucky jersey since I was a kid. To have the opportunity to do that now, I’m blessed.”

I’m a little biased, but I think the guys looked right where they belong wearing their new threads at Rupp.

Welcome to your new Kentucky home 🏡

🔵 @KamWilliams_3
⚪️ @MoDioubate
🔵 @jalandlowe
⚪️ @DenzelAberdeen pic.twitter.com/sc5dXLPcTN

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) April 28, 2025

So long, Bam and Bucket

Down 3-0 with their season on the line, the Heat didn’t even show up in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers to send them to Cancun or wherever they celebrate the start of the offseason living in a place where it’s always summer. It led to the beatdown of all beatdowns, the No. 1 seed jumping out to a 43-17 lead at the end of the first quarter, 72-33 at halftime and 138-83 at the final buzzer — a FIFTY FIVE-point loss.

Tyler Herro had four points on 1-10 shooting and 1-9 from three while Bam Adebayo had 13 points and 12 rebounds as the best of the worst. For the Cavs, six players scored in double figures because that’s what good teams do, effortlessly advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Elsewhere, Jimmy Butler returned from his absence to show the Heat what they’re missing, helping Golden State hold off Houston 109-106 to go up 3-1 in the series. He had a team-high 27 points, followed by Brandin Podziemski with 26. For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun went for 31 while Fred VanVleet added 25. Reed Sheppard, again, did not play — he’s earned just two minutes in the entire series.

What’s next? Four big-time matchups on Tuesday, including:

• Pacers vs. Bucks – 6:00 PM ET (NBA TV)
• Knicks vs. Pistons – 7:30 PM ET (TNT)
• Celtics vs. Magic – 8:30 PM ET (NBA TV)
• Nuggets vs. Clippers – 10:00 PM ET (TNT)

The Pacers, Knicks and Celtics can all advance with wins while the final game looks to split the series at 2-2.

Moreno, Johnson finish as top-40 recruits in On3 Rankings

As things wrap up with all-star festivities, the final 2025 On3 150 rankings have been released — and they include both of Kentucky’s signees, Malachi Moreno and Jasper Johnson.

The pair of in-state prospects finished as four-star recruits, Moreno coming in at No. 24 overall and No. 2 among centers while Johnson took a bit of a fall, closing out at No. 36 overall and No. 13 among shooting guards.

A look at the top 10:

1. AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
2. Nate Ament (Tennessee)
3. Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
4. Cameron Boozer (Duke)
5. Caleb Wilson (UNC)
6. Chris Cenac (Houston)
7. Alijah Arenas (USC)
8. Brayden Burries (Arizona)
9. Karim Lopez
10. Koa Peat (Arizona)

We like our guys a little bit more, but that’s okay.

---

Anyway, enjoy your Tuesday as we count down the days to Derby. Go Cats.