KSR Today: Holiday Weekend

One of the best weekends of the year has officially arrived. I hope you’re enjoying it by a body of water with a cold drink(s) and food off the grill surrounded by your family and friends.

For us at KSR, that grind is not stopping as all of those parties and cookouts get ramped up this Fourth of July Saturday. So just sit back and take a load off as we’ll help get you through these next couple of days where there could be a surprising amount of recruiting news.

Let’s set the table at KSR Today (get all those hot dogs and fireworks ready, America).

NBAPA Top 100 Camp wraps up

KSR’s basketball recruiting department hit the road this weekend as the NBAPA Top 100 Camp took place the past few days in Orlando. There were many lessons learned as Kentucky commits and targets both shined on the hardwood as summer basketball heats up.

Now it’s time to get caught up on some reading as we all prepare for the Peach Jam that is just around the corner.

• Reed Sheppard bounces back
• Carter Bryant is a name to know in 2024
• Kwame Evans Jr. is deciding soon
• A decision from Aaron Bradshaw is right around the corner
• Kentucky makes contact with Flory Bidunga
• Justin Edwards is a key target

Stay tuned for more recruiting news as we inch closer to the fall semester beginning.

More NBA player movement

NBA free agency ranks right up there with the NFL Draft when it comes to the best non-game events on the sports calendar, and this year’s edition has again delivered. We’ve had max contract extensions, blockbuster trades, surprising player options picked up, and one dynamite trade request. Now ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is looking like the smartest basketball man on the planet as Danny Ainge is starting an unexpected rebuild in Utah.

Former Kentucky players have been heavily involved in the action. KSR has you covered.

• We have contract details for John Wall’s to deal with the Los Angeles Clippers
• Jarred Vanderbilt is on the move after a blockbuster trade moved Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves
• Supermax Karl-Anthony Towns

Expect some more news to follow as Woj and Shams screen watch constantly to get the next big scoop.

Secondary recruiting is getting serious for Kentucky

On the football side, some big decisions are upcoming for the Kentucky football program. All eyes are on Bowling Green (Ky.) South Warren defensive back Cristian Conyer for Sunday’s scheduled announcement where Kentucky and Tennessee are the co-favorites.

However, some other key targets have come off of the board.

On Thursday, we saw Robert Stafford commit to Miami, and then Jermaine Mathews pledged to Ohio State on Friday.

#Committed #BIA pic.twitter.com/QJREx8kdH0

— Jermaine Mathews Jr (@Jr2Maine) July 1, 2022

The Wildcats were considered longshots in both recruitments. Top-250 safety Avery Stuart is scheduled to announce on Wednesday and I have logged an RPM pick for Florida State to land the blue-chipper after things appeared to go great on his recent official visit to Tallahassee.

Conyer’s decision looms large, and some new targets likely need to emerge for Kentucky in the secondary.

J.T. Poston is on fire

After a very strong performance at the Travelers Championship, friend of the program J.T. Poston is right back in contention this week at the John Deere Classic. After firing off a 62-65 to get to the weekend at 15-under, Poston will have a four-shot lead and a great chance to qualify for the Open Championship in just a few weeks.

Former KSR writer Aaron Flener remains on the bag for Poston as the 29-year-old is looking to record his second PGA Tour victory this weekend in Illinois. Coverage resumes on ESPN+, The Golf Channel, and CBS today as the fourth major championship of the year is just two weeks away.

That’s all I got. Go enjoy that three-day weekend.