KSR Today: #FreeBigZ, Updates from Stoops and the Kentucky defense

Good morning, folks. Sorry today’s rundown is a little late. Lots going on in the Kentucky sports world and life for the KSR staff, so I’ll stop wasting time and get to the news. Here’s what you can expect today…

The #FreeBigZ movement continues

The biggest news in the BBN this morning is the #FreeBigZ movement. The status of Croatian seven-footer Zvonimir Ivisic is still up in the air as the UK Admissions Office decides whether or not to admit him. The holdup is an English equivalency exam. Ivisic earned high passing scores in all but one section of the test UK requires and submitted an additional English proficiency test, but the University has not yet accepted the results. Until that happens, Ivisic can’t get his student visa or clearance from the NCAA. The clock is ticking, and a solution needs to be found soon or he may decide to play college basketball elsewhere.

Throughout the day yesterday, BBN Twitter united (for the first time in a long time, it seems) with a common purpose: #FreeBigZ. The hashtag trended in the United States as fans urged the admissions office to clear Ivisic, and in the late afternoon it got so much traction that UK put out a statement citing “misinformation” regarding the situation online. The fact that they addressed the matter at all signals there’s an issue, and at the top of the hour, Matt Jones will share the latest on KSR. Jack Pilgrim and Shawn Smith also shared what they’re hearing on Sources Say last night.

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Stoops on the SEC Teleconference; Defense after practice

Elsewhere in UK sports land, we’ll hear from Mark Stoops on the SEC Coaches Teleconference. On Monday, Stoops seemed pleased with his team’s effort in the season opener but said he wants them to clean up some mistakes. I expect we’ll hear the same today. Check the site after lunch for his comments.

ICYMI last night, Liam Coen and members of the Kentucky offense spoke to reporters. Tonight, we’ll hear from Brad White and the defense.

CJ Conrad on “11 Personnel”

We’ve got more football on the way for you tonight. After you catch up on Brad White’s remarks after practice, tune in to the KSR YouTube Channel at 8 p.m. for “11 Personnel.” Nick Roush and Adam Luckett will be joined by CJ Conrad, the former Kentucky tight end and assistant who is now the tight ends coach at EKU. I can’t think of a better person to preview Saturday’s game vs. the Colonels.

KSR starts…now!

That’s it from me. Turn on your radio or streaming devices to hear the latest on Big Z from Matt Jones and the rest of the KSR radio gang. Also, remind Nick Roush today is Wednesday if you see him.