KSR Today: Happy National Cousins Day

Good morning, Big Blue Nation.

It’s a slow time in the wide world of Kentucky sports, but there is a new name to know on Kentucky Basketball’s big board and several other quick-hitters you may find interesting. So, scroll with me through another Monday morning rundown on KSR and then tune into KSR’s morning radio program at 10 a.m. for more. We have a full house on the show at KSBar and Grille.

Kentucky Basketball recruiting Tyran Stokes (’26)

Headlining the actual news bits, Kentucky Basketball is in pursuit of one of the best 15-year-olds in high school basketball, who happens to originate from Louisville. Tyran Stokes plays his ball at Prolific Prep in California but grew up around U of L fans in Kentucky.

A young journeyman, Stokes is one of the top-ranked players in the Class of 2026 after playing up in age at Peach Jam earlier this month. Now, Kentucky is in contact with Stokes about potentially becoming a Wildcat, and KSR caught up with the 6-foot-7 forward for a conversation about his recruitment.

Stokes said his UofL ties will not impact his recruitment. “Kentucky is a great school and a great program,” he told KSR. “I would love Coach Cal and Kentucky if I had the opportunity to play there.”

[Louisville native Tyran Stokes prioritized by John Calipari, Kentucky]

Will Levis has a new contract, a new throwback uniform in Nashville

On Saturday, former Kentucky QB Will Levis signed a four-year rookie contract to officially become a member of the Tennessee Titans. The deal is reportedly worth $9.54 million, including a $3.93 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $2.39 million.

On Sunday, Levis’ Titans revealed the hottest throwback uniforms in the National Football League.

Oil Derrick pic.twitter.com/b1bXPJiQYF

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 24, 2023

Titan Up.

Women’s World Cup continues

As I write this, Brazil is beating Panama on the fifth day of FIFA Women’s World Cup action over in Australia. This coming Wednesday, the United States will play the Netherlands in a game of unbeatens in Group E.

Remember, it was the Netherlands that eliminated the USWNT from the last World Cup, so it’s a revenge spot Wednesday at 9 p.m.

U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!

My high school gym teacher told Shaq how to shoot a free throw

If you went to Madisonville-North Hopkins High School, you probably had a class with Ms. Fitch for P.E. or health–or maybe she was your coach. Well, she was Shaq’s coach last week when the two crossed paths at a Las Vegas restaurant. She approached Shaq, who had just paid for the entire restaurant’s food and playfully told him to work on his free throws, as only the Fitcher would.

Shaq posted the video on social media, and several former Maroons, including myself, are still in disbelief at the interaction.

Shaq posted a Reel of my high school gym teacher 😂😂😂😂😂

Tell him, Ms Fitch!!!! Madisonville legend pic.twitter.com/GTy1o7UWuJ

— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) July 21, 2023

Matthew Mitchell’s Tuesday night book signing

Tomorrow night, former Kentucky Women’s Basketball head coach Matthew Mitchell will sign copies of his new book, “Winning Tools: 3 Leadership Principles That Build Purpose, Respect & Success” at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington. Coach Mitchell’s new book is available for sale at Joseph-Beth in Lexington Green, and at 7 p.m. Tuesday night, he will discuss its message and sign copies.

You can also purchase audio and Kindle versions of “Winning Tools” on Amazon.

I did not win The Masters ticket lottery this year

Did you? Need a friend?

Check your application status on The Masters website to see if you’re in, if you applied for 2024.

Happy Birthday, Cotton Nash

Former Kentucky great Cotton Nash would’ve turned 81 years old today, July 24. The multi-sport athlete played both baseball and basketball at the University of Kentucky, where, in basketball, he was the 1963 SEC Player of the Year and the first 2,000-point scorer in the conference.

Nash’s No. 44 jersey is retired in Rupp Arena, and he was a 2005 inductee of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame. He died on May 23 in Lexington.

Happy National Cousins Day

Big Blue Nation has a favorite Cousins…