KSR Today: A Great Day for Great Americans

You hear from him all of the time on the radio. Today you get to see him in his happy place. This morning post is dedicated to one of KSR’s favorites, John Short. He ran into a few of his Kentucky basketball favorites yesterday outside the Joe Craft Center, spending time with a plethora of players and coaches, including Daimion Collins, CJ Fredrick and another Great American, Joe B. Hall.

Summer Kentucky Basketball Practice Report

Like John Short, KSR’s resident Kentucky basketball scoopmaster Jack Pilgrim has kept his ear low near the Joe Craft Center. He heard some mighty interesting tidbits from summer practices. The two talented freshmen — Chris Livingston and Cason Wallace — have physically exceeded expectations, while Antonio Reeves has made a smooth transition from the MVC to the SEC. The other standout? Jacob Toppin is coming into his own, poised for a breakout year. That’s not all: you gotta read his entire practice report.

Interesting Karter Knox Quotes

Remember Kevin Knox? Well, his little brother has grown up and turn into a Top 10 player in the 2024 recruiting class. Now he’s got a scholarship offer from John Calipari. On3’s Joe Tipton caught up with Karter Knox and you need to read the younger brother’s reaction to the news.

When I asked Karter what it was like to receive an offer from Kentucky, I wish you could’ve seen his expression. He had a look of disbelief and joy, all wrapped into one emotion.

“Pshh… Man. Coach Cal called my pops and got straight to it,” Knox said. “He gave me the offer and told me to keep working. He said I can be better than my brother, so you know when he says that, I’m definitely going to be better than him. It’s just a blessing. I was just happy and grateful for that offer.”

Incoming Kentucky Basketball Commitment?

Kentucky is gaining momentum on the recruiting trail. After securing a commitment from Robert Dillingham, John Calipari has Aaron Bradshaw in his crosshairs. Yesterday there were reports from multiple media outlets that the Top 20 center is nearing a decision and the Wildcats are the favorite. We don’t know when D.J. Wagner‘s big man will pull the trigger, but it sounds like good news for the BBN.

A Great Big Messy NIL Story in Miami

Somebody bring some brooms to Miami cause it’s a mess. Before sharing the story, let me provide the moral of it: Loose lips sink ships.

Top 50 QB Jaden Rashada committed to Miami over the weekend, choosing the Hurricanes over Florida. Following the announcement, his attorney revealed “he left money on the table,” by choosing The U over the Gators. Not only was that a form of self-incrimination, there wasn’t a done deal in place. A “he said-she said” situation has unfolded, revealing a feud among NIL lawyers and middlemen from coast to coast. It’s a fascinating read by On3’s Pete Nakos that will make your head spin. No one should be surprised this kind of disaster is happening in Florida.

Enormous Recruiting Overview

If you prefer your football recruiting with fewer convoluted stories starring middlemen, let me tell you about what Kentucky is doing this summer. After hosting almost two dozen official visitors and five times as many unofficial guests, a handful of players are teed up for commitments in July. I have the skinny on each — Kentucky can roll the dice with half of them — plus blurbs on every other major target the Wildcats are pursuing.

Enormous Kentucky Football Player Dancing

Will Levis isn’t the only Kentucky football Tik Tok sensation. Tashawn Manning‘s got the moves.

@tae_boogie56 Football players need style to stand out I’m challenging YOU to a football game in @Minecraft! For the chance to join @tractlearning’s All-Star team and battle the #UKFball team on July 29. live.tract.app/allstars to sign up #tractapp #tractallstars #athleteadvantage #nil ♬ original sound – Tae_Boogie🦍

Roy Kidd Honored

Former Eastern Kentucky head football coach Roy Kidd will be honored by the American Football Coaches Association this winter. He will receive the 2023 Amos Alonzo Stagg Award, given to those “whose services have been outstanding in the advancement of the best interests of football.” A two-time National Champion, he concluded his 39-year coaching career with a .705 winning percentage.

Magic Johnson: Big Abby Steiner Fan

By now, who isn’t an Abby Steiner fan?

Abby Steiner won the 200M race with a world lead and personal best time of 21.77 seconds! Abby’s win is so amazing because she’s still in college at the University of Kentucky. @abbysteiner1

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 27, 2022