KSR Today: Roster Construction Season Encompasses the BBN

Roster construction season is reaching new heights this week. The BBN has already had a heightened sense of awareness since the season ended with a handful of players announcing departures. We’re still waiting to hear from Chris Livingston, and the fate of Ugonna Onyenso hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, potential additions appear to be options — like Jamarion Sharp or Mackenzie Mgbako — until we learn they aren’t. If you thought that was a lot, I’m here to tell you we’re just getting started.

For the last six weeks we’ve been able to take note of which high school prospects are on the Wildcats’ radar as they’ve hosted dozens of 2024 recruits in Lexington. Now as spring practice closes, college football’s second transfer portal window is opening and the Kentucky football coaches are keeping their head on a swivel. We’ll be tracking all of the big names going in and out over the next few weeks. There’s already been one transfer portal visitor this week, Jackson State LB Jurriente Davis. Don’t be surprised if the Wildcats reel in a big fish or two during this period. That will set the table for what will be an extremely eventful month of June for the football program.

Some days seem like a slow crawl with Kentucky sports news. Don’t worry, BBN. There’s plenty coming your way right around the corner. Make sure you’re in the loop on all of the Breaking News and Daily Headlines by Subscribing to the KSR Newsletter.

KSOffice is no longer under construction, thanks to SERVPRO

Roster contraction can sometimes be a figurative mess, not like the literal mess we recently encountered. Thanks to the great team at SERVPRO of Lexington, it was cleaned up in no time. They tend to fire and water damage, mold remediation, storm damage, commercial clean up and demolition. 

They are locally owned and operated so they are part of your community.

The team at SERVPRO knows that a disaster doesn’t strike at convenient times. That is why they offer 24 hour emergency service. 

Our team at KSR recently had a first hand account of their highly trained restoration technicians. While we didn’t experience an emergency, we had some unwelcome visitors to our office (BIRDS!). The office space didn’t have ideal work conditions as the birds made a mess all over the furniture, floors, and carpet. We called SERVPRO and they were at our office in an hour. We were on their schedule the next work day. The managers and technicians were top notch professionals. The office was absolutely spotless. They also wanted to make sure they reviewed the space with us before they left to ensure our satisfaction. 

We highly recommend the team at SERVPRO for both commercial and residential services. Give them a call at 859-225-3193 or visit https://www.servprolexingtonky.com. Tell them KSR sent you. That’s SERVPRO of Lexington, faster to any size disaster!

Mark Stoops Swings a Big Stick

Kentucky’s head coach may not walk softly toward officials down the sideline, but he does use a big stick well to smack golf balls down the fairway (even though he’s still supposed to be shelved after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery). Tuesday afternoon some of his former players — Luke Fortner, Logan Stenberg, CJ Conrad and Drake Jackson — were chirping Stoops during the Schlarman Strong Golf Scramble. Naturally, the head coach had to show his old players he’s still got it. KSR was there for all of the fun and provided commentary from the 10th tee box and Keene Run Golf Club. Enjoy.

We have more conversations with former players at the Schlarman Strong scramble coming to the KSR YouTube Channel. Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss any of the exclusive content.

Mark Stoops Wraps Up Spring Practice

The Schlarman Strong Golf Scramble served as a symbolic ending to spring practice for Mark Stoops’ coaching staff. They spent a beautiful day on the golf course, but their work is not completely finished. This morning Kentucky’s head coach will meet with the media one final time as the Wildcats wrap up six weeks of action at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility.

What did Mark Stoops learn about his team this spring? Where must they improve before the season opens? We’ll find out that and much more later this morning.

Tubby Smith Receives Dean Smith Award

Former Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith received the red carpet treatment from the USBWA Wednesday night. The 1998 National Champion received the Dean Smith Award, which is given annually to a coach who “embodies the spirit and values of the late Coach Smith.” Give Tubby Smith all the awards. He’s one of the nicest human beings in the world and he knows a thing or two about basketball.

Another coaching legend, Tubby Smith, collects his Dean Smith Award here in Greensboro. pic.twitter.com/Pv9IQhhblI

— U.S. Basketball Writers Association (@USBWA) April 11, 2023

NBA Play-In Tournament Continues

The Atlanta Hawks had no problem against the Miami Heat, advancing to play the Celtics in the formal version of the NBA Playoffs. The same cannot be said about LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Minnesota was on fire in the first half, knocking down nine threes to open up an 11-point halftime lead. The Lake Show came charging back in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime before ultimately pulling away with a 108-102 clinching victory. LeBron had 30 points and 10 boards, while Davis chipped in 24 and 15. Tonight there are two more games on the docket you can catch on ESPN.

• 7:00: Bulls at Raptors
• 9:30: Thunder (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) at Pelicans

FOOD FIGHT!

If you made me guess which sports town is most likely to get into an outfield food fight with hot dogs, I’d guess Cleveland, then Philadelphia. The Philly fans let the hot dogs fly Tuesday night.

Everyone's throwing hot dogs. The "here come the pretzels" moment has come to life. pic.twitter.com/T5eLBGVnUF

— Sixto Lezcano (@mleif) April 12, 2023