KSR Today: What could the big news be?

There’s never a dull moment around here at KSR, bringing the Big Blue Nation news and information in the most ridiculous manner possible from the very beginning. So why would you expect anything different on a random Friday in late August?

KSR’s Matt Jones tweeted Thursday evening that Friday would be an “exciting day for KSR,” but for what reason? You’ll find out in the very near future – the coming hours, actually – about what’s in store.

Tomorrow is an exciting day for KSR. Tune in to KSR in the morning to find out why
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) August 26, 2021

Make sure to listen to the radio show this morning and follow along on the website throughout the day. We’ll give you a hint: it’s basketball-related.

Kentucky basketball wants to give back

Speaking of basketball, the UK basketball team came together Thursday evening to announce any name, image, and likeness opportunities they take advantage of will involve charity.

Every member of the team – led by Keion Brooks Jr. – posted on their social media accounts that players will be asking for a 10% donation to charity in any NIL deal they sign.

“Playing on the biggest stage presents the biggest opportunities and NIL is no different,” players posted. “Going forward, we are asking that any business opportunity presented to our team include a plan for a 10% donation to charity. We want to leave an impact with BBN that extends off the court.”

Playing on the biggest stage presents the biggest opportunities and NIL is no different.

Going forward, we are asking that any business opportunity presented to our team include a plan for a 10% donation to charity. We want to leave an impact with BBN that extends off the court.
— Keion Brooks Jr. (@KeionB_12) August 27, 2021

Brooks was the first to post, with the remaining players all following the junior standout’s lead shortly after. Strong gesture for the Wildcats.

Brad Calipari is back

Another Calipari will be joining the program, as Brad Calipari was officially announced as a graduate assistant for the upcoming 2021-22 season on Thursday.

“I am extremely excited and honored to begin my coaching career at the University of Kentucky,” Calipari announced. “Would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way, as I continue to chase my ultimate dream of one day becoming a head coach.

The former walk-on had been working with the team this offseason at camps leading up to the formal announcement.

“I already lived one of my dreams in being able to suit up for the greatest fans in the country in the BBN, but now coaching!? Wow,” he continued. “The path basketball has taken me has been an incredible one so far individually, but the opportunity to be a part of helping a player change his and his family’s life is my motivation.”

As a graduate assistant, Calipari will be involved in all on-court activities with the Wildcats including practices, individual workouts and film sessions. He will also play an integral role with the staff in the development of practice plans and advanced scouting of upcoming opponents.

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Welcome back, Brad.

Skyy Clark inches closer to a return

Brad isn’t the only Wildcat making a triumphant return. Kentucky basketball commit Skyy Clark is only five weeks removed from surgery to repair a partially torn ACL, but he’s already making significant progress in the rehab process.

Clark posted a video highlighting his work with trainers as he inches his way back to the basketball floor.

5 weeks outta surgery. God ain’t done with me yet pic.twitter.com/43U9MK6XCo
— Sensei (@skyyclark) August 27, 2021

“He’s doing really well,” the five-star guard’s father, Kenny Clark, told KSR. “Will be back in no time. He’s doing great, we press forward. We attack this like we attack anything in life. 100% commitment.”

Clark is Kentucky’s lone commitment in the class of 2022, though he recently hinted at new additions coming in the very near future.

Football season ticket sales

Growing COVID-19 numbers have not drastically slowed down sales for Kentucky football season tickets.

Kentucky has sold 32,200 season tickets ahead of the 2021 season, a university spokesperson informed KSR on Thursday. Sales are on par with the last full regular season at Kroger Field. In 2019 Kentucky sold 33,450 season tickets.

The university has seen just a 4% dip in sales over the two years, and there’s still a week to catch up to the 2019 total.

UK has also seen a surge in mini pack sales, with the three-game deal including tickets to watch the Wildcats take on Missouri, one non-conference game and one premier SEC opponent: Tennessee, LSU or Florida. This year 1,600 three-game mini-packs have been sold, 400 more than in 2019.

Not too shabby.