KSR Today: Kentucky warms up in Indianapolis, Sweet 16 begins

We are one sleep away from Kentucky’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1,082 days, Big Blue Nation’s longest tournament drought since the Emery package scandal. Tomorrow, the Cats will debut in the 2022 Big Dance against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks in the first game of the night session in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 7:10 PM. Get in there if you’re able; if not, friend of the program Ian Eagle will drive the CBS primetime broadcast.

In the meantime, there is still plenty to know as we count down the hours until Kentucky begins its next chase for its ninth national championship. Six wins in a row start tomorrow. For now, let’s go over some important things to know on NCAA Tournament Eve and the first day of the Sweet 16.

Kentucky will hold an open practice in Indianapolis

Fans already in the Indianapolis area are invited to attend Kentucky’s open practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Wildcats will take the floor from 3:25 to 4:05 PM and the event is open to anyone free of charge.

Doors open at 10 am if you’re interested in the marathon:

11 – 11:40 AM …………………………………Michigan
11:45 AM – 12:25 PM ………………………Longwood
12:30 – 1:10 PM ……………………………..Colorado State
1:15 – 1:55 PM ………………………………..Tennessee
3:25 – 4:05 PM ………………………………Kentucky
4:10 – 4:50 PM ………………………………Murray State
4:55 – 5:35 PM ………………………………Saint Peter’s
5:40 – 6:20 PM ………………………………San Francisco

The Kentucky/Murray State back-to-back may be worth the drive for many Western Kentuckians. If you leave now you can make it.

John Calipari, two Kentucky players to take questions

Before the open practice, John Calipari will hold his first NCAA pregame press conference (first of six, hopefully) from the Indiana Pacers’ home arena. Calipari and two Kentucky players to be named later will take the stage in front of a live audience for questions about the road ahead.

KSR will have stories and videos from the scene after lunch, in addition to a glimpse into the open practice. Stick around.

The Boys’ Sweet 16 tips off in Lexington

Not just a week for NCAA basketball, the 2022 UK Healthcare Boys’ Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournament tips off in Lexington here in only a few hours. Jeffersontown and Lincoln County will lead off tournament play in the 11 AM game followed by Muhlenberg County versus North Oldham to finish the first session. In the night session, Perry County Central plays George Rogers Clark before a nightcap of Reed Sheppard and North Laurel versus Pikeville.

11:00 AM …….. Jeffersontown vs. Lincoln County
1:30 PM ………. Muhlenberg County vs. North Oldham
6:00 PM ……… Perry County Central vs. George Rogers Clark
8:30 PM ……… North Laurel vs. Pikeville

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com; remember, Rupp Arena no longer accepts cash for parking or concessions.

Read more in KSR’s 2022 Boys Sweet Sixteen Tournament Preview.

KSR is live from the Sweet 16 this morning

Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, and I will broadcast Wednesday morning’s KSR show live from courtside at the Sweet 16. Tune in at 10 AM as we preview the state tournament and more from the Big Dance.

The First Four continues tonight

Two more teams will advance into the field of 64 tonight in the final two play-in games. Up first, Bryant is billed as must-see TV for its supervillain, Peter Kiss. Kiss is the nation’s leading scorer at 25 points per game but is better known for his cockiness; that arrogance will be on display against Wright State for a shot at Arizona.

In the second game, former Kentucky opponent Notre Dame will play Rutgers for the West Region’s 11-seed and a first-round spot opposite of Alabama.

No. 16 Wright State vs. No. 16 Bryant

6:40 PM

truTV

No. 11 Rutgers vs. No. 11 Notre Dame

9:10 PM

truTV

Then tomorrow, it’s on.

Texas Southern, Indiana advanced from play-in games

In the first First Four games, 16-seed Texas Southern punched its ticket to the first weekend where Kansas awaits in the Midwest. Southern beat Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 76-67, on the never-easy-to-find TruTV.

In last night’s second game, Indiana stayed alive in its first NCAA Tournament since 2016. The Hoosiers defeated Wyoming, 66-58, to set up a first-round matchup against Saint Mary’s.

First NCAA Tournament since 2016. We thought we had it bad.

Where to find the UK Alumni Pep Rally

Back to the collegiate ranks, fans attending Kentucky’s first-round game have an invitation to the UK Alumni Pep Rally prior to tip-off. Punch Bowl Social will play host to the pregame party from beginning at PM. The event is free of charge and will take place at 120 S. Meridian Street Circle.

Tin Roof Indianapolis will also be a popular spot throughout the weekend during its Big Blue Takeover. I can’t wait to get back to one of BBN’s favorite tournament hangouts.

No live KSR Pregame Show in Indianapolis

Matt Jones and Ryan Lemond are staying back in Lexington to watch the first two tournament days at KSBar and Grille, so there won’t be a morning or pregame show from Indianapolis on Thursday and Friday.

I’ll be the field reporter in Indianapolis, probably at Tin Roof.

Kenny Payne is Louisville’s top candidate

A team that isn’t in this year’s NCAA Tournament, Louisville still made the news with reports of Kenny Payne considering the job. No official offer had been made or accepted as of Tuesday, but Pat Forde thinks the process could move quickly if Payne is indeed interested. “If talks proceed well over the next 24 hours, Payne could be introduced as the new coach of the Cardinals as soon as Thursday,” Forde wrote.

NBA News: Jamal Murray is coming back

From the NBA, former Wildcat star Jamal Murray has been assigned to the NBA G League to begin his comeback. Murray is rehabiliating an ACL injury and is expected to only practice for Grand Rapids before he rejoins the Denver Nuggets to finish the season and a playoff run. He’s been out since last April.

Oscar Tshiebwe needs a bigger trophy case

Big O is only two First-Team All-American selections from a consensus pick and if he gets them, he’ll be the 22nd consensus All-American in school history. Tshiebwe needs the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) to include him on their lists to finish the job. He’s also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

Go Cats.