Moving on's Monday Morning Wakeup

I imagined this week very differently a few days ago, but there’s no use lingering on what ifs or should have beens. It’s been over a day since Kentucky lost to Indiana, and, I don’t know about you guys, but I did my best to spend that day reconnecting with my life outside of college basketball. I watched CBS “Sunday Morning,” caught up with the DVR, had lunch at my favorite pizza place, and even saw “Deadpool” (more on that later). I even tolerated the sound of basketball in the background, although I couldn’t really bring myself to get into it. The abrupt end to the season still stings, but it’s a much easier weight to get out from under than it was last year. Thankfully, there have been fewer pity texts from my non-BBN friends this time around. I know you’re not reading, but thanks guys; I appreciate it.

Here’s hoping that healing process continues. Stick with us this week and think of it as group therapy. Free, to boot!

On that note, here’s today’s agenda…

UK Hoops takes on Oklahoma at 6:30 p.m.

The men may be done, but the ladies are still rolling and could use your help. Channel all that energy you were saving for the men’s run to cheering the women on in their second round game vs. 6-seed Oklahoma tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum. Tickets are still available at UKHoopsTix.com. Last year, Matthew Mitchell’s squad lost in the second round, so they could really use your support tonight. If they win, they’ll play in next week’s Regional at Rupp Arena, for which tickets are also still available.

Draft watch begins

Of course, the question everyone is asking now is “who will go pro?”. In January, the NCAA pushed back the NBA Draft withdrawal date to May 25, ten days after the Draft Combine, meaning players will be able to participate in the Combine and go through an individual workout with one team before deciding whether or not they want to stay in the draft or return to school. This is great for the players, who will finally be able to get enough feedback from the pros to make an informed decision without risking their eligibility, but it also means it’s going to be a long two months for Kentucky fans. I imagine almost every member of the team will enter the draft and go through the process, which really, is what any of us would do. Why would you turn down the chance to get advice and feedback from the next level?

The next two months will be full of speculation, but here’s what we know. Obviously, Alex Poythress’ decision is made. I haven’t heard anything from anyone around the program, but my general feeling is that Jamal Murray and Tyler Ulis are also gone, most likely followed by Skal Labissiere. Isaiah Briscoe has a harder choice to make. After strong play in the postseason, there’s a place for him in a weak draft; however, if he returns, he could be the lynchpin on a young team and possibly improve his stock. Marcus Lee, Dominique Hawkins, Derek Willis and Charles Matthews will likely all go through the process and return. Isaac Humphries and Tai Wynyard are both too young to be eligible for this year’s draft.

Buckle up and get ready for two months of mock drafts!

What about Marques Bolden?

Bolden’s down to Kentucky, Duke, Oklahoma, and TCU, and won’t decide until April to see which players from which teams go pro. Interestingly, the spring signing period ends May 18, one week before the NBA Draft withdrawal date and three days after the conclusion of the NBA Draft Combine. Unless Skal decides he’s staying in the draft before then, those three days could be very stressful if Bolden decides to wait until the last minute. Let’s hope it doesn’t come down to that.

How about Texas A&M

I’ll admit that I did not watch the Texas A&M/Northern Iowa game. I saw on Twitter that UNI was up by 10 with 31 seconds left and figured that was that, right? Wrong. Texas A&M mounted an unbelievable comeback, taking UNI to overtime and eventually winning. The highlights are pretty awesome, and even if you’re sort of done with the tournament like I am, they’ll give you a reason to appreciate March Madness again:

Gig ’em Aggies.

Time to get back to Spring Football

Hey! Football’s happening, remember? After a twelve-day hiatus for spring break, spring practice returns tomorrow. Need a refresher? I’ll have a post up here in just a little bit from Freddie Maggard to remind you what’s happening on the gridiron.

“Deadpool” made me laugh

I’m not really into superhero movies, but I am into Ryan Reynolds, so seeing “Deadpool” yesterday was the perfect antidote to Saturday’s loss. I’m pretty late to the game on it, but I recommend it if you’re looking for some laughs. (And please don’t take your kids. It’s rated R for a reason.)

Also funny and rated R, possibly NC-17, for a reason: the conversation between Katina Powell and Terrance Williams last night. I’m not linking it on this site, but Matt did on Twitter if you’re so inclined. At the very least, we have that to laugh at.

KSR starts in an hour

Let’s get through this together.