KSR Today: Roster building continues for Kentucky

We are firmly in the offseason for both basketball and football, but there is no offseason anymore in modern college athletics. John Calipari and Mark Stoops are both trying to actively improve their rosters as the May 1 transfer portal deadline quickly approaches.

KSR Today is here to get Saturday started right as there is much to cover for the BBN. On Friday, we heard from both Calipari and Oscar Tshiebwe while Kentucky football landed one of their top targets in the transfer portal. Things do not appear to be slowing down soon as we inch towards Kentucky Derby season.

Let’s get caught up to speed on all of the action to begin the weekend.

Oscar Tshiebwe speaks

One day after the big announcement, the reigning National Player of the Year sat behind the microphone and fielded questions from the media. Oscar Tshiebwe is returning for his senior season and is excited to continue his growth with Kentucky.

“I worked with Coach (Cal) for like eight months and they changed my game. If we can focus on this thing through, I think my game can go to a different level,” Tshiebwe said.

The five-man went on to talk about how the plan is for him to shoot more threes in 2022-23, wanting another crack at Saint Peter’s and the team’s message to Shaedon Sharpe.

Check out the full interview:

John Calipari discusses all of the recent news

Friday was also the first time we’ve publicly heard from Kentucky head coach John Calipari. The Hall of Famer joined former Kentucky legend Dan Issel and Mike Pratt on ESPN Louisville 680 for their radio show on Friday. Many, many, many topics were discussed.

• “It’s not done” with Shaedon Sharpe
• Looks like Kentucky will get both Jacob Toppin and Sahvir Wheeler back next season

Calipari also went on to discuss Tshiebwe’s tour after winning multiple awards, his trip to Dawson Springs, and how much former players mean to the program. Yet, there is still work to be done for the head coach, and all eyes are now on attacking the transfer portal with efficiency.

“Yeah, it is [hard] because what these kids are hearing is, you come in here scoring 25 a game, you’re gonna play every minute, I’m starting from day one, you don’t worry, we’ll build around you,” Calipari said. “And you come here and it’s, you know, like, this is all of us together in this. Yet, the players that score the basketball will shoot the most. It’s just how it is. If you’re a great shooter, you’re going to shoot more than the guy that’s not a great shooter. It’s pretty simple. Will you start? Well, I’ve started almost 40 freshmen since I’ve been here. Started when guys walk in their first year, I’ve done that. So if you want to start, go start. Take it. But that’s not the message they hear.

Nothing comes easy as everyone in college basketball is looking to add talent in any way possible. However, those remarks could be alluding to a certain proficient scorer Kentucky just hosted for a visit. Is Antonio Reeves on commitment watch?

Kentucky football loses one and adds one

The football news started with another addition to the transfer portal. Super senior wide receiver Clevan Thomas Jr. has decided to spend his extra year playing for another university. However, the Wildcats found a way to use an open scholarship quickly.

Something about that Kentucky Blue⚪️🔵 #BBN #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/eFh5K0jVUQ

— Keidron Smith (@KeidronS) April 22, 2022

Ole Miss transfer Keidron Smith made it official and announced his arrival as the newest member of Kentucky’s secondary. In four seasons in the SEC, Smith had played a lot of football and brings two needed traits to his new team — durability and ball production.

• Keidron Smith commits to Kentucky
• Film Room: Keidron Smith

In the evening, Kentucky got some more good news when Mr. Football Isaac Dixon committed to the program as a preferred walk-on. The Belfry (Ky.) High standout will be the fifth Mr. Football winner to play for Mark Stoops.

NBA playoffs continue

The action has been non-stop in the association. On Friday, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and the Miami Heat took a commanding 3-0 lead in their series with the Atlanta Hawks. Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns found a way to win without Devin Booker, and the Bucks crushed the Bulls in the United Center.

Four games are on the slate today for what will be a jam-packed 10-plus hours of high-level hoops.

• 2:00: Philadelphia 76ers @ Toronto Raptors (TNT, 76ers lead 3-0)
• 4:30: Dallas Mavericks @ Utah Jazz (TNT, Mavericks lead 2-1)
• 7:30: Boston Celtics @ Brooklyn Nets (ESPN, Celtics lead 2-0)
• 10:00: Memphis Grizzlies @ Minnesota Timberwolves (ESPN, Grizzlies lead 2-1)