KSR Today: Mark Pope's Press Conference and NBA Draft Eve

We have a fun little Tuesday ahead, Big Blue Nation. Especially if you’re a basketball fan, and I assume you are. Here’s what’s ahead, headlined by Pope:

We will hear from Mark Pope today

It’s a big day for Kentucky Basketball fans and media because Mark Pope will conduct his first press conference on campus. Pope took questions from the stage in Rupp Arena back on that memorable Sunday in April, but today’s Q&A will be the first routine press conference as part of his new job.

The Tuesday conversation with Pope should include his comments on summer practices, how he built the roster, how he is adjusting to life as UK’s head coach, and lots more. There is no shortage of topics.

Here on KSR, we’ll share everything he says in the interview, our reactions to his comments and more. We’re getting the Rapid Reaction band back together.

Finally, the new Rupp Arena floor is back in place

On Monday, UK assistant coach Cody Fueger pulled back the curtain on Rupp Arena to reveal the new court is back in place. Cawood’s new Court debuted last season in a frustrating home loss to UNC Wilmington, then was removed for the rest of the season because it did not meet expectations. (We’re still talking about the court here.)

Now, the much-needed upgrade is back for good, we hope. 2025 four-star guard Braylon Mullins, who visited on Monday, was the first to hold a photo shoot on it. Mullins picked up an offer.

Kentucky made the cut for Malachi Moreno

Kentucky-born Malachi Moreno shed some recruiting weight on Monday, trimming his list to eight schools. Don’t worry, Cats fans: the University of Kentucky made the cut, as did Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Ohio State. Tennessee and Alabama are among the teams that got left behind for our nation’s No. 1 center in 2025.

One day closer to the NBA Draft

Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham are a day away from realizing their NBA dreams in the NBA Draft. Kentucky’s two projected lottery picks have been busy in New York in anticipation of draft night. Sheppard appeared on Finebaum on Monday, sharing his thoughts on the Big Apple and the draft ahead. Dillingham shared with Shams that he already bought his mother a house.

Looking ahead to their draft projections, ESPN still likes Sheppard at No. 3 to Houston. The Rockets really seem to like the former Wildcat. Predictions for Dillingham vary, but the San Antonio Spurs’ two top-10 picks give us hope for Rob and Wemby in San Antonio.

The first round of the NBA Draft will air tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+.

The College World Series has a winner

A team won the College World Series last night. The College World Series is over. I have no further comment.

Florida won Lord Stanley’s Cup

In yesterday’s morning notes, I wrote about how I KSR cursed the Florida Panthers by vacationing around their Stanley Cup run in South Florida. I planned for two celebrations with the locals while on vacation, even attending a watch party on Hollywood Beach for Game 6, only to see Panthers fans disappointed every time.

Last night, I was back home in Lexington, Kentucky, for Game 7, freeing the Panthers and their fans from my presence. I was happy to watch them win a close one over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, but part of me is still jealous I missed out on the celebration. Go Panthers.

JJ Redick introduced as the Lakers head coach, said the F word a lot

On his 40th birthday, JJ Redick was introduced as the 29th head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. But why so many F-bombs in the introductory press conference in Los Angeles? He dropped a lot of them. An example:

“I don’t really have a great answer for your question because I really don’t give a f***. I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don’t want to dispel anything. I don’t. I want to become a great coach in the NBA. And I want to win championships. And I want my players to maximize their careers. That’s all I fu**ing care about.”

Watch it here, if you want. Surely you’re not that bored though.

SINGO debuts at KSBar and Grille tonight

Looking for something to do in Lexington tonight? Join Ryan Lemond and me at the debut of SINGO at KSBar and Grille. The hourlong BINGO-like format requires that you name that tune to fill a square. KSBar will have prizes for the winners. Ryan Lemond will sign autographs. The fun starts at 7 o’clock.

SINGO fever is coming to @KSBarAndGrille Tuesday night at 7!!!! pic.twitter.com/PZnKANSvss

— Ryan Lemond (@ryanlemond) June 24, 2024

It’s Trigg County’s day on KSR

Coming up on Kentucky Sports Radio, the crew is at KSBar and Grille for a new two-hour broadcast, including the next county profile on the list, Trigg County. We’ll take you around Cadiz for a segment during the show, so call in if you’re a native Trigg Countian.