KSR Today: Kentucky Football Commitment Incoming!

Good morning friends, and welcome to the summer solstice, which marks the first official day of summer. Today is the longest day of the year for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, and if you’re a University of Kentucky sports fan, it certainly feels like it.

We’re in a holding pattern on several fronts, with the Kentucky Basketball team still waiting on Antonio Reeves‘ decision, the possible commitment and reclassification of four-star center Somto Cyril, and other potential additions to enter the transfer portal. Given all the roster uncertainty, it’s hard to believe that three weeks from today, the Cats will represent the United States of America vs. Team Germany in the GLOBL Jam in Toronto. Ready or not, here we come!

On the football side of things, we’re finally getting some movement. This week has already brought two 2024 commitments, three-star offensive lineman Jadon Lafontant and kicker Jacob Kauwe. Another is coming today on Kentucky Sports Radio the radio show. Who is it? You’ll have to tune in from 10 a.m. to noon to find out (or just sign up for our breaking news alerts by texting “KSR” to 41372).

How’s that for a tease? Let’s roll through the rundown while we pass the time.

Summer Calendar Check

Seeing we’re only three weeks from the GLOBL Jam made me realize how time is flying. Here’s a calendar check for all the big events on the horizon. For four former Cats (Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Jacob Toppin), the biggest one of all is tomorrow night: the 2023 NBA Draft.

• 1 day until the NBA Draft
• 12 days until the Peach Jam
• 21 days until the GLOBL Jam in Toronto
• 26 days until SEC Media Days
• 73 days until the football season opener vs. Ball State

Tennessee ousted from the College World Series

If the sun’s shining a little brighter this morning, it’s because Tennessee lost last night. LSU sent the Vols home from the College World Series with a 5-0 victory. The Tigers advance to play Wake Forest tonight at 7 p.m. Yesterday, TCU beat Oral Roberts to move on to play Florida this afternoon at 2 p.m. Both games air on ESPN.

Not surprisingly, LSU still holds a commanding lead in the CWS Jello Shot Challenge.

The more games @LSUbaseball plays the weirder this thing gets…and we love it! #cws2023 #RoccosOmaha pic.twitter.com/mrRw3HxMBH

— CWS Jello Shot Challenge (@CWSShotBoard) June 21, 2023

Will the Reds make it 11 straight?

I did not anticipate including a Major League Baseball update in today’s rundown, but The Big Red Machine commands it. Last night, the Reds beat the Colorado Rockies 8-6 to notch their tenth straight win. It’s the longest winning streak since the Reds won ten straight in July 2012. It came thanks to a three-run home run by TJ Friedl, a solo home run by Will Benson, and another homer by Elly De La Cruz, his second as a Cincinnati Red.

Elly De La Cruz goes the other way for his second @Reds homer! pic.twitter.com/7HiZNBHQW0

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 21, 2023

The Reds remain in first place in the NL Central with a half-game lead over Milwaukee. Game three of the series is today at 12:35 p.m. ET on ESPN+. If you don’t have access to ESPN+, come on down to KSBar and Grille, where we’re holding watch parties for every Reds game now.

Meet Josh Kattus, other Wildcats, and puppies tonight in Georgetown

Yesterday, Kentucky sophomore Josh Kattus joined Nick Roush and Adam Luckett on “11 Personnel” to preview the upcoming season and talk about his work with the Scott County Humane Society. Tonight, Kattus, D’Eryk Jackson, Trevin Wallace, Izayah Cummings, and Marques Cox will be at Evans Orchard in Georgetown for the Summer Solstice Celebration. They’re are bringing a dozen pitbull puppies from the Scott County Humane Society with them, so if you’re interested in meeting the Cats or dogs, come on out from 5-8:30 p.m. If you can’t make it, this Saturday Dane Key and the Dingle brothers are joining the crew at Country Boy Brewing in Georgetown from 3-6 p.m. for another adoption event.

If you missed it live, be sure to catch up on Kattus’ appearance on the show below or on podcast.

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You got this, Kate!

UK Dance Team member and nursing student Kate Kaughling needs you, BBN. Earlier this month, the 19-year-old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. Her chemotherapy treatments began yesterday and will continue for 10 weeks. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with her medical bills if you’d like to help the Kaughling family in this difficult time.

We’re thinking of you, Kate. You got this!

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