KSR Today: UK Softball Hosts the No. 1 Team in America
There’s a lot of things to discuss to start our day on Kentucky Sports Radio. Before wading into the not-so-great news during a tumultuous time across the BBN, allow me to let you know that one of the biggest softball games in America this year is happening tonight at John Cropp Stadium.
Rachel Lawson’s Wildcats are fresh off handing Alabama All-American pitcher Montana Fouts her first loss of the season. Ranked No. 8 in the country, tonight the Cats will welcome undefeated, top-ranked Oklahoma to Lexington. The Sooners have run-ruled their opponent in 21 of 25 contests. To rack up another win, they’ll have silence Kayla Kowalik, one of three Wildcat hitters batting over .400 this season. Tickets are sold out but you can watch all of the action at 7 pm ET on the SEC Network.
Abby Steiner is Track’s Brightest Star
While we’re shouting out the most talented women on campus, it’s a good time to salute Abby Steiner. The UK sprinter was named National Women’s Track Athlete of the Year Monday afternoon, the perfect capstone on an incredible season. How good was Steiner this year? She recently defended her 200-meter NCAA Title, finishing with the second-fastest time in American history. Unfortunately, she couldn’t beat her previous record. Abby Steiner, what a badass.
John Calipari Speaks
Most of the chatter across the BBN today will be about Kentucky’s head basketball coach. He was criticized by most for choosing to record his coaches’ show early in the day, rather than hear from fans directly over the phone. To be fair, most season-ending coaches’ shows are conducted over phone while Stoops or Calipari are on the road recruiting. However, this time felt like a good time to make an exception to that norm.
Many feared Cal would produce the same call-in show we’ve grown accustomed to hear, but instead of soft tosses, Tom Leach’s questions from fans via social media directly addressed areas of concern. John Calipari did not have direct answers as to why things weren’t the same after Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington‘s injuries, but he did not shy away from trying to answer them.
Calipari’s commentary probably soothed over some emotional fans. For others who want to be mad at Cal, they’re going to stay mad at Cal. One call-in show won’t change that.
Whether or not you liked what he had to say, Calipari did reveal a few newsworthy tidbits. He essentially confirmed the report that Daimion Collins will be back for another season. Calipari also wasn’t so sure about Shaedon Sharpe‘s fate. Even though his camp has insisted all along that he wants to play college basketball, you and I both know Top Five picks don’t return to play college basketball when they don’t have to.
“I hope I get a chance to coach him in real games,” Calipari said. “I’ve really enjoyed him in practice and enjoy him as a young person. I mean, he’s one of those guys. He’s a super talent.”
Kentucky Spring Practice Updates are Back
Spring football is the medicine the BBN needs. After easing in with two practices prior to the one-week break, the Wildcats returned to action Monday morning. They are back on the field as we speak. Once all of the action concludes we’ll hear from offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello and a few other players from the offense. We’ll get a dose of the defense on Thursday, followed by a talking session with Mark Stoops Saturday scrimmage.
Kentucky Football Recruits in Town Too
The Wildcats’ practices aren’t just for Kentucky football players. Some of UK’s top recruits will be making trips to Lexington, starting Monday with Vanderbilt transfer Tyler Steen. Another transfer, Ole Miss defensive back Keidron Smith, scheduled a trip to Kentucky for the Blue-White Game. One of the state’s top-ranked players, Henderson defensive lineman Saadiq Clements, made the drive to Lexington yesterday. He’s one of the many significant recruits the Cats are targeting this spring.
Bat Cats try to get off the Snide
Even though you might not be able to get a ticket to watch the UK softball team, you can watch the Bat Cats at Kentucky Proud Park. The Kentucky baseball team hit its first significant bump in the road over the weekend at Top 5 Arkansas. They’ll try to snap a four-game losing against Morehead State at 6:30 pm ET. You can watch all of the action on SECN+.
Poor, Kevin Love
LeBron James had no sympathy for his former teammate. He put Kevin Love in a coffin last night. How is this guy still doing what he’s doing after 19 seasons? Unbelievable.
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