On Wednesday, the Kentucky football team received a commitment from Florida State transfer and former four-star pass-rushing target Xavier Peters.
Just two days later, Kentucky recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow came on KSR to discuss the newest Wildcat and what he’ll bring to the table during his time in Lexington.
To get things started, Marrow said that the transfer actually just became official earlier this morning, meaning this is the first time he was able to talk about Peters publicly.
“It actually just went legal about 10 minutes ago,” he said.
Out of high school, Peters was committed to Kentucky from July of 2017 through January of 2018, but then flipped his commitment to Florida State right before National Signing Day.
When asked about what changed from his original recruitment to now, Marrow said the newest Wildcat simply got caught up in the hype and didn’t follow through with where his heart truly was.
“I mean, when you get Deion Sanders to recruit him personally, that just tells you how (big of a prospect he is),” he said. “He received negative feedback from fans after his decommitment. He got caught up in it all, (Florida State) was just where he wanted to go. Reality set in that he wanted to be with his family, he missed his son.”
At the time of his announcement, we all knew it was a massive get and that he’d end up being a star for the Wildcats eventually. When he’d be eligible to play due to NCAA transfer rules, however, was the only question at hand.
According to Marrow, though, fans should expect to see Peters on the field this fall.
“There is a very, very strong possibility that he’ll be eligible this season,” he said. “He’ll be a freshman.”
And he didn’t even attempt to slow down the hype train, either. When asked about his potential impact at Kentucky, Marrow said he sees a lot of Josh Allen in his game.
“Oh, he’s going to get minutes this season,” he said. “He’s probably the closest thing to Josh Allen, at least physically, right now. Xavier has that ability. He has the potential (to be like Allen).”
Woah.
The sidelines of the upper level at Rupp Arena are being upgraded from bleachers to chairbacks this summer, and as a result, all upper-level season ticket holders will get to choose new seats starting next week. If you’re one of those people, here’s what you need to know.
Seat selection appointment times begin on Monday, May 20. All upper-level season ticket holders should have already received their appointment dates and times by email and in the mail. Here’s the new seating chart with updated pricing:
To help fans with the process, UK created a step-by-step guide. For more information on the renovations to Rupp Arena, visit UKathletics.com/RuppRenovation or check out our post on it from a few months ago:
Need to Know: Rupp Arena Upper Level Reseating, Season Ticket Changes
via UK Athletics
Got plans this afternoon? Cancel them. The UK Softball team starts its run to the Women’s College World Series at 2:30 p.m. when they host Toledo at John Cropp Stadium. At noon, Virginia Tech plays Illinois. The winners of each game will square off Saturday at noon.
To advance to the NCAA Super Regionals, UK must get at least three wins over the next three days (each regional follows a double-elimination format). Here’s the schedule:
Friday, May 17
Game 1 – Illinois vs. Virginia Tech – Noon ET – ESPN3
Game 2 – Toledo vs. Kentucky – 2:30 p.m. ET – ESPN3
Saturday, May 18
Game 3 – Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 – Noon ET
Game 4 – Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Game 5 – Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 – 5 p.m. ET
Sunday, May 19
Game 6 – Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5 – Noon ET
Game 7 – (If necessary) – 2:30 p.m. ET
*** Times subject to change for TV
Both all-session and single-session tickets are available through UKathletics.com/NCAATickets. If you can’t make it in person, all games will be available on ESPN3 and the ESPN app with Dave Baker and former Florida Gator All-American Francesca Enea on the call.
Go Cats.
Every Friday from now until the beginning of football season, I open the Friday Rants and Ramblings post up to the reader. Part of what makes this fanbase great is the memories and stories that people cherish so much. So I am asking you to send me your favorite UK story. Whether it be a joyful moment or one that brings tears to your eyes because of the heartbreak, something that sticks with you as a fan of UK. You can send these stories to [email protected]. You can even send me a picture if you want. Either way, I like hearing from you. Today, a trio of stories from one Cats fan:
Rejoice, college basketball fans! Grant Williams just announced he is staying in the NBA Draft, ending his career as a Tennessee Volunteer. The 6’7″ forward/flopper extraordinaire shared the news with the help of Shams Charania at Stadium:
Tennessee star junior Grant Williams is staying in the 2019 NBA Draft, as he announces in exclusive @Stadium sit-down: pic.twitter.com/4GrI16svLg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 17, 2019
Last season, Williams averaged 18.8 points and 7.5 rebounds for the Volunteers, hitting 56.5% from the floor. He averaged 20 points and 7.3 rebounds in his games vs. Kentucky. This is obviously a big blow for Tennessee, but really, it’s a win for college basketball because we never have to endure his shenanigans again.
Tennessee lost the game — and sole possession of first place in the SEC — because of this play by Grant Williams.
Like they say, “live by the flop, die by the flop.” pic.twitter.com/X0AJejvAb1
— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) February 24, 2019
Seriously though, best of luck to Williams. Flopping aside, he’s a good kid.
Good morning, friends, and welcome to the Friday edition of Kentucky Sports Radio. Today, the gang is at the Ronald McDonald House in Lexington to support the wonderful work the organization is doing in the community. If you’re in the area, please come by to enjoy the show and bring some of the donation items they’ve asked for:
Join in on the fun by calling (502) 571-1080 or send a text to the KSR Texting Machine at (772) 774-5254.
Listen to Kentucky Sports Radio
| MARKET | CALL LETTERS | DIAL | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | WCMI | 93.3 FM T | LIVE |
| Ashland | WCMI | 1340 AM | LIVE |
| Benton | WCBL | 1290 AM | LIVE |
| Bowling Green | WKCT | 930 AM | LIVE |
| Bowling Green | WKCT | 104.1 FM T | LIVE |
| Campbellsville | WTCO | 1450 AM | LIVE |
| Columbia | WAIN | 1270 AM | LIVE |
| Cynthiana | WCYN | 102.3 FM | LIVE |
| Danville | WHIR | 1230 AM | LIVE |
| Elizabethtown | WIEL | 1400 AM | LIVE |
| Elizabethtown | WIEL | 106.1 FM T | LIVE |
| Henderson/Evansville | WREF | 97.7 FM | LIVE |
| Glasgow | WCLU | 1490 AM | LIVE |
| Grayson | WGOH | 1340 AM | LIVE |
| Grayson | WGOH | 100.9 FM T | LIVE |
| Greenup/Ashland | WLGC | 105.7 FM | LIVE |
| Harlan | WTUK | 105.1 FM | LIVE |
| Hopkinsville | WHOP | 1230 AM | LIVE |
| Hopkinsville | WHOP | 95.3 FM T | LIVE |
| Irvine | WIRV | 1550 AM | LIVE |
| Jamestown | WJKY | 1060 AM | LIVE |
| Lancaster | WZXI | 1280 AM | 5-7 PM |
| Lancaster/Stanford | WZXI | 95.5 FM T | 5-7 PM |
| Leitchfield | WMTL | 870 AM | 10A-12N CST |
| Lexington | WLAP | 630 AM | LIVE |
| London | WFTG | 1400 AM | LIVE |
| London | WFTG | 106.9 FM T | LIVE |
| Louisville | WKJK | 1080 AM | LIVE |
| Madisonville | WFMW | 730 AM | LIVE |
| Madisonville | WFMW | 94.9 FM T | LIVE |
| Manchester | WXXL | 1450 AM | LIVE |
| Maysville | WFTM | 1240 AM | LIVE |
| McKee-Booneville | Peoples Rural Telephone | Cable TV Channel 209 | LIVE |
| Monticello | WKYM | 101.7 FM | LIVE |
| Morganfield | WUCO | 1550 AM | LIVE |
| Morganfield | WUCO | 98.5 FM T | LIVE |
| Murray | WNBS | 1340 AM | LIVE |
| Owensboro | WLME | 102.7 FM | LIVE |
| Paducah | WPAD | 1560 AM | LIVE |
| Paducah | WPAD | 99.5 FM T | LIVE |
| Paintsville | WKYH | 600 AM | LIVE |
| Pikeville | WLSI | 900 AM | LIVE |
| Pikeville | WLSI | 95.9 FM T | LIVE |
| Prestonsburg | WPRT | 960 AM | LIVE |
| Prestonsburg | WPRT | 104.5 FM T | LIVE |
| Somerset | WSFC | 1240 AM | LIVE |
| Whitesburg | WTCW | 920 AM | LIVE |
| Whitesburg | WTCW | 95.1 FM T | LIVE |
| Whitley City | WHAY | 98.3 FM | LIVE |
| Williamson, WV | WBTH | 1400 AM | LIVE |
| Williamson, WV | WBTH | 102.5 FM T | LIVE |
| 50 Radio Affiliates 37 Markets 1 TV/Cable Affiliate *Affiliates subject to change without notice |
Taco Bell will open a pop-up boutique hotel this summer in Palm Springs, California, and I don’t want to stay there… I need to stay there.
The new Taco Bell Hotel and Resort will be called “The Bell” and it will only be open for a limited time later this year, beginning August 9. Details are a little limited at this point but Taco Bell said The Bell “reimagines what a hotel stay can be, unveiling a destination inspired by tacos and fueled by fans. Everything from guest rooms to breakfast and poolside cocktails will be infused with a Taco Bell twist, making this the flavor-filled getaway of 2019.”
Be still, my heart.
Reservations will be open to Taco Bell “super-fans” and I can’t help but think I fall into that club. (Probably the president of that club, honestly.) Some of you may remember the time I flew out to Taco Bell headquarters to try the Doritos Locos Taco (The Taco Bell Diary: Day One); well, now I’m ready to fly back out west to stuff my face with Taco Bell while sipping a Taco Bell frozen cocktail next to the Taco Bell pool. It is all I need in this world.
Now for the day’s news because if I don’t change the subject I’m going to pass out with excitement.
It is Day 3 at the NBA Combine in Chicago. (Most people say it is Day 2 but I say Day 3 because it started Wednesday so everyone else is wrong.)
The next crop of young NBA talent is back at it again in Chicago today for another round of NBA Combine action. As was the case yesterday, ESPN 2 will provide live coverage of the event beginning at three o’clock Eastern Standard Time. I tuned in for a little bit yesterday and my big takeaway is Grant Williams looked terrible.
Tyler Herro won the award for worst wingspan.
Herro had the rare negative wingspan differential by measuring in at 6-foot-4½ inches tall with a 6-foot-3¼ wingspan. ESPN.com noted that it is one of the worst wingspans in recent history, but it shouldn’t affect Herro’s stock because he isn’t considered one of the 15-20 best players in the draft for his wingspan. NBA teams want The Bucket, short arms and all.
Here are all the measurements for UK’s three participants:
| TYLER HERRO | KELDON JOHNSON | PJ WASHINGTON | |
| BODY FAT % | 7.10% | 5.60% | 8.60% |
| HAND LENGTH (INCHES) | 8.00 | 8.00 | 9.00 |
| HAND WIDTH (INCHES) | 8.75 | 9.25 | 10.25 |
| HEIGHT W/O SHOES | 6′ 4.5” | 6′ 4.75” | 6′ 6.5” |
| HEIGHT W/ SHOES | 6′ 6” | 6′ 6” | 6′ 8” |
| STANDING REACH | 8′, 4.5” | 8′, 8” | 8′, 10.5” |
| WEIGHT (LBS) | 192.4 | 216.4 | 230.4 |
| WINGSPAN | 6′ 3.25” | 6′ 9.25” | 7′ 2.25” |
You can see all of the Kentucky players’ measurements here in Mrs. Tyler’s very thorough look at the numbers from every UK draft class in the Calipari era. Good stuff.
UK Baseball dropped another one, this time in a wet and wild heartbreaker to Vanderbilt.
Kentucky Proud Park saw a wild one last night as the Cats erased a nine-run deficit to No. 2 Vanderbilt, took a one-run lead into the eighth, sat through a two-hour rain delay, then gave up seven more runs in the eighth and ninth innings to lose in the end, 16-10.
Even in defeat, UK remains tied with Alabama and South Carolina for the final spot in next week’s SEC Tournament with only two games to play. They will get another shot at Vandy at KPP at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
The new Keith Madison life-size bobblehead is safe, in case you were worried.
Don't worry, #BBN, no @KeithMadison32 Bobblehead was harmed in by Mother Nature… #WeAreUK #BobbleheadLife pic.twitter.com/mxOlmo8KNi
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 17, 2019
But above all that, the worst part of last night’s game is my dad went by himself for Jimmy Buffett Night and they were already out of the free beach towels when he got there. Heartbreaking situation for the Franklin family. He was really excited about that beach towel giveaway and then he sat through a hurricane without being asked to participate in the Jimmy Buffett trivia between innings. Hold this L, Dad.
Jaden McDaniels.
Jaden McDaniels. Jaden McDaniels. Jaden McDaniels. Jaden McDaniels. Blah, blah, blah. Jaden McDaniels. Jaden McDaniels. Jaden McDaniels. Jaden McDaniels. Jaden McDaniels. Washington. Jaden McDaniels. Kentucky. Jaden McDaniels. Kentucky. Jaden McDaniels. Washington. Jaden McDaniels. Announcement. Jaden McDaniels. Decision. Crystal Ball. Blah, blah, blah.
That’s what my brain says when it is time to write yet another Jaden McDaniels update. We’ve been doing it everyday, multiple times a day, for a month. Wake me up when he does something. It may be today, it may be tomorrow, it may be five years from now at this point.
Copy-Paste-From-Yesterday Reminder: The Funkhouser Situation will record a live podcast on Monday and it is going to be a lot of fun.
The Funkhouser Situation, KSR’s pop culture podcast hosted by the hilarious Chris Tomlin and Lee Cruse, will step out of the studio for next week’s show. Chris and Lee will be at the new Jake’s Cigar Bar in Brannon Crossing in Lexington (or is that Nicholasville?) for a live recording of the podcast and they’d love to have you there for a night of bourbon, cigars, laughter and the two of them arguing about movies. I’ll be there after the KSR Golf Scramble and Ryan Lemond’s Putt 4 Prison (long day so I’ll be feeling good) and you should be there too. The show will get going at 9 p.m.
Ryan’s prison is looking good.
Thanks to Casey Clark from Clarkmanship for putting it together. Check him out for all of your woodwork and prison cell needs.
Today’s KSR Show is at the Ronald McDonald House in Lexington.
The Ronald McDonald House does a lot of good for the community with its mission to create and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and to strengthen families by keeping them together in times of medical need. If you are going to today’s show, there is a long list of donation items they’ve asked us to bring. I know it’s short notice but it’d be mighty nice of you if you can grab something on the way. If not, no worries. We hope to see you there.
Go Cats.
Call me about my reservation, Taco Bell.
Ukathletics
It was a wild night at Kentucky Proud Park. In game one with No. 2 Vanderbilt and SEC tournament implications on the line, this game saw a nine-run comeback, a two-hour rain delay, and Keith Madison bobblehead rolling away. Absolute Madness. Despite the madness, Kentucky can’t complete the impressive comeback as they drop game one to No. 2 Vanderbilt 16-10.
Finding a lead with all the madness that occurred in this game is near impossible, so this recap will just go in the sequence of the events that played out before 3,000+ fans at Kentucky Proud Park because it is a rollercoaster.
Vandy jumped out to a big lead early on Trip Lockhart. The Commodores jumped out to a 2-0 lead on two RBI singles, but the big three-run blast by Stephen Scott gave Vanderbilt a commanding 5-0 lead before the Cats even got to swing a pitch.
Vandy put another run across on a great attempt at a double play, but the ball from Zeke bounced to second base, and the Cats only get one out on the play. They got one more on an RBI single to go up 7-0 in the second and that would signal the end of the day for Trip Lockhart.
Mingione turned to Grant Macciocchi. Macciocchi gave up a solo home run to lead off the inning, then gave up an RBI single from Ty Duvall. But after the two-run spat, he was phenomenal.
Macciocchi left the game after five and a third innings of work, and he held Vandy at bay in the middle innings to allow the Cats to chip away and take the lead.
The Cats finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Jaren Shelby clobbered a double with two on that scored Ryan Shinn and allowed Dalton Reed to move into third. Reed would score on a picture perfect bunt by Zeke Lewis to put Kentucky down 9-2.
Kentucky got it rolling in the sixth starting with a Coltyn Kessler home run when he launched a ball over the visiting bullpen to draw the Cats within six.
Then with two outs and two runners on Alex Rodriguez hit a fly ball to center field, but as we have learned this season at KPP, there is no routine play with the way the lights are set up. Outfielders have lost balls left and right during night games this season, and luckily for the Cats, another got lost at the right time as the ball dropped in for a two-run double to put the Cats down four.
Kentucky was able to get the tying run to the plate when they loaded the bases to start the seventh inning, but a Dalton Reed strikeout followed it, then Shelby flew out to center to score Elliott Curtis to cut the Vanderbilt lead to three. Zeke Lewis would reload the bases for Alex Rodriguez who was hit by a pitch to bring another run across to make it 9-7 with two outs for Ryan Johnson.
Johnson came through.
He lofted a ball into left-center field that allowed both Shinn and Lewis to score to tie the game, but Johnson took the wide turn for second and got caught a rundown. While Vanderbilt was trying to catch Johnson in the pickle, A-Rod brilliantly broke for home and scored before Vandy picked up the final out to come all the way back from a nine-run deficit.
Headed into the eighth, Kentucky led 10-9.
At this point, to complete what seemed to be a successful comeback, we knew every little play mattered in a game like this and no one indirectly kept Kentucky in this game more than Cam Hill with these two amazing plays in center field.
You’ve been warned, don’t hit the ball in the zip code of @CamAHill24 … #FlyCamCam #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/4NKYYvmnpr
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 16, 2019
While we’re at it, might want to re-consider running on @CamAHill24 too… #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/wkYFd1HoEM
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 16, 2019
While we were admiring the plays Cam Hill made earlier in the game that helped keep Kentucky in the game to pull off such an amazing comeback, the rain hit. Causing a two-hour rain delay and a runaway Keith Madison Bobblehead.
Don’t worry, #BBN, no @KeithMadison32 Bobblehead was harmed in by Mother Nature… #WeAreUK #BobbleheadLife pic.twitter.com/mxOlmo8KNi
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 17, 2019
Once play resumed in the top of the eighth Vandy had two runners in scoring position with one out. Daniel Harper came in out of the pen and induced a pop out to third base in the first batter he faced, then Philip Clarke stepped to the plate with two outs.
Clarke drilled a ball to deep center field, and Cam Hill had a chance to make one more amazing play to keep the Kentucky lead, but he and the ball went crashing into the center field wall as Philip Clarke trotted into third with a two-run double giving Vanderbilt an 11-10 lead.
The Commodores would sit the Cats down in order in the next half inning, then score five in the top of the ninth to make it 16-10. The ‘Doores would close it out in the bottom of the ninth take a wild game one.
Luckily, for Kentucky, both South Carolina and Alabama lost today so the tie doesn’t budge, which means if the SEC tournamnet started today Kentucky would be in Hoover.
Unfortunately for the Cats, the season doesn’t end today as two more games stand between them and a postseason. The next of those two games will be Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET from KPP on the SEC Network.
Go Cats. @BrentW_KSR
Earlier today, we found out the measurements for Kentucky’s three participants in the NBA Draft Combine, PJ Washington, Tyler Herro, and Keldon Johnson. Drew already went through the ins and outs of the numbers, which include body fat percentage, weight, hand size, height, reach and wingspan, so I thought it might be interesting to compare them to the rest of the combine participants in the Calipari Era.
Here’s an impressive stat: since John Calipari took over ten years ago, 38 Kentucky players have participated in the NBA Draft Combine. That number doesn’t include players who chose not participate, such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Monk, and Karl Towns, or players that did participate in the Combine but did not get measured, such as Jamal Murray. It also doesn’t include Kyle Wiltjer, who was invited to the Combine after finishing up his career at Gonzaga.
Here’s the entire chart before we break it down by category:
| Player | Body Fat % | Hand Length | Hand Width | Height w/o Shoes | Height w/ Shoes | Standing Reach | Weight (lbs) | Wingspan |
| Tyler Herro | 7.10% | 8.00 | 8.75 | 6′ 4.5” | 6′ 6” | 8′, 4.5” | 192.4 | 6′ 3.25” |
| Keldon Johnson | 5.60% | 8.00 | 9.25 | 6′ 4.75” | 6′ 6” | 8′, 8” | 216.4 | 6′ 9.25” |
| PJ Washington | 8.60% | 9.00 | 10.25 | 6′ 6.5” | 6′ 8” | 8′, 10.5” | 230.4 | 7′ 2.25” |
| Hamidou Diallo | 4.45% | 8.75 | 9.00 | 6′ 4.25” | 6′ 6” | 8′ 7” | 197.0 | 6′ 11.5” |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 3.00% | 9.00 | 9.00 | 6′ 4.5” | 6′ 6” | 8′ 8” | 180.0 | 6′ 11.5” |
| Kevin Knox | 4.95% | 8.75 | 9.25 | 6′ 7.75” | 6′ 9” | 9′ 0” | 212.6 | 6′ 11.75” |
| PJ Washington (2018) | 6.85% | 9.00 | 10.25 | 6′ 6.5” | 6′ 8” | 8′ 11” | 223.0 | 7′ 2.5” |
| Bam Adebayo | 5.20% | 9.50 | 8.75 | 6′ 8.75” | 6′ 9.75” | 9′ 0” | 242.6 | 7′ 2.75” |
| Isaiah Briscoe | 11.00% | 9.00 | 9.25 | 6′ 1.25” | 6′ 2.75” | 8′ 3.5” | 222.4 | 6′ 9” |
| Hamidou Diallo (2017) | 5.20% | 8.50 | 9.50 | 6′ 3.75” | 6′ 5” | 8′ 5.5” | 197.4 | 6′ 11.25” |
| De’Aaron Fox | 4.50% | 8.50 | 8.50 | 6′ 2” | 6′ 3.25” | 8′ 4” | 169.6 | 6′ 6.5” |
| Skal Labissiere | 5.70% | 8.75 | 9.00 | 6′ 10.5” | 6′ 11.75” | 8′ 9.5” | 215.8 | 7′ 2.5” |
| Marcus Lee | 5.35% | 9.00 | 9.00 | 6′ 9” | 6′ 10.25” | 8′ 11.5” | 211.0 | 7′ 3” |
| Tyler Ulis | 5.20% | 7.50 | 7.50 | 5′ 8.75” | 5′ 10” | 7′ 4.5” | 149.2 | 6′ 2” |
| Devin Booker | 8.30% | 8.75 | 9.00 | 6′ 4.5” | 6′ 5.75” | 8′ 6.5” | 205.8 | 6′ 8.25” |
| Willie Cauley-Stein | 6.30% | 9.50 | 9.00 | 6′ 11.25” | 7′ 0.5” | 9′ 3” | 242.4 | 7′ 3” |
| Aaron Harrison | 6.00% | 8.75 | 10.00 | 6′ 4.5” | 6′ 6” | 8′ 4.5” | 209.2 | 6′ 8.25” |
| Andrew Harrison | 5.90% | 8.25 | 9.25 | 6′ 4.5” | 6′ 5.5” | 8′ 4” | 213.2 | 6′ 9” |
| Dakari Johnson | 14.90% | 9.25 | 10.50 | 6′ 11” | 6′ 11.75” | 9′ 4” | 264.6 | 7′ 2” |
| Trey Lyles | 12.10% | 9.25 | 10.25 | 6′ 9” | 6′ 10.25” | 9′ 0” | 241.2 | 7′ 1.5” |
| Julius Randle | 9.40% | 8.75 | 8.25 | 6′ 7.75” | 6′ 9” | 8′ 9.5” | 249.7 | 7′ 0” |
| James Young | 5.10% | 9.00 | 9.50 | 6′ 5.25” | 6′ 6.75” | 8′ 8” | 213.3 | 7′ 0” |
| Archie Goodwin | 4.55% | 8.50 | 9.00 | 6′ 3.75” | 6′ 5.25” | 8′ 6” | 189.0 | 6′ 9.5” |
| Nerlens Noel | 4.15% | 9.50 | 10.00 | 6′ 10” | 6′ 11.75” | 9′ 2” | 206.4 | 7′ 3.75” |
| Anthony Davis | 7.90% | 9.00 | 8.50 | 6′ 9.25” | 6′ 10.5” | 9′ 0” | 221.8 | 7′ 5.5” |
| Terrence Jones | 7.70% | 9.00 | 10.00 | 6′ 8.25” | 6′ 9.5” | 8′ 11” | 252.0 | 7′ 2.25” |
| Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | 7.00% | 9.00 | 10.25 | 6′ 5.75” | 6′ 7.5” | 8′ 8.5” | 232.8 | 7′ 0” |
| Doron Lamb | 6.70% | 8.50 | 8.75 | 6′ 3.25” | 6′ 4.75” | 8′ 2.5” | 199.4 | 6′ 6.75” |
| Darius Miller | 7.50% | 8.50 | 8.75 | 6′ 6” | 6′ 7.5” | 8′ 5” | 233.4 | 6′ 9” |
| Marquis Teague | 6.30% | 8.25 | 7.75 | 6′ 1” | 6′ 2” | 8′ 0.5” | 179.8 | 6′ 7.25” |
| Enes Kanter | 5.90% | 9.50 | 10.75 | 6′ 9.75” | 6′ 11.25” | 9′ 1.5” | 259.2 | 7′ 1.5” |
| Brandon Knight | 4.20% | 8.25 | 9.50 | 6′ 1.5” | 6′ 3.25” | 8′ 2.5” | 176.8 | 6′ 6.75” |
| DeAndre Liggins | 5.00% | 8.75 | 10.00 | 6′ 5” | 6′ 6.25” | 8′ 7.5” | 202.2 | 6′ 11” |
| Eric Bledsoe | 5.60% | 8.50 | 9.75 | 6′ 0.25” | 6′ 1.5” | 8′ 2” | 191.6 | 6′ 7.5” |
| DeMarcus Cousins | 16.40% | 9.25 | 10.00 | 6′ 9.5” | 6′ 10.75” | 9′ 5” | 291.8 | 7′ 5.75” |
| Daniel Orton | 13.80% | 8.50 | 9.75 | 6′ 8.75” | 6′ 9.5” | 9′ 2.5” | 269.2 | 7′ 4.25” |
| Patrick Patterson | 5.30% | 9.25 | 10.25 | 6′ 8” | 6′ 9.25” | 8′ 11” | 239.6 | 7′ 1.25” |
| John Wall | 5.60% | 8.25 | 9.50 | 6′ 2.75” | 6′ 4” | 8′ 5.5” | 195.6 | 6′ 9.25” |
Lowest Body Fat
- Shai Gilegeous-Alexander: 3.00%
- Nerlens Noel: 4.15%
- Brandon Knight: 4.20%
- Hamidou Diallo: 4.45%
- De’Aaron Fox: 4.50%
Highest Body Fat (no shame!)
- DeMarcus Cousins: 16.40%
- Dakari Johnson: 14.90%
- Daniel Orton: 13.80%
- Trey Lyles: 12.10%
- Isaiah Briscoe: 11.00%
Heaviest (no shame!)
- DeMarcus Cousins: 291.8 lbs.
- Daniel Orton: 269.2 lbs.
- Dakari Johnson: 264.6 lbs.
- Enes Kanter: 259.2 lbs.
- Terrence Jones: 252 lbs.
Lightest
- Tyler Ulis: 149.2 lbs.
- De’Aaron Fox: 169.6 lbs.
- Brandon Knight: 176.8 lbs.
- Marquis Teague: 179.8 lbs.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 180 lbs.
Shortest (Without Shoes)
- Tyler Ulis: 5’8.75″
- Eric Bledsoe: 6’0.25″
- Isaiah Briscoe: 6’1.25″
- Brandon Knight: 6’1.5″
- Marquis Teague: 6’1″
Tallest (Without Shoes)
- Willie Cauley-Stein: 6’11.25″
- Dakari Johnson: 6’11”
- Skal Labissiere: 6’10.5″
- Nerlens Noel: 6’10”
- Enes Kanter: 6’9.75″
Best Standing Reach
- DeMarcus Cousins: 9’5″
- Dakari Johnson: 9’4″
- Willie Cauley-Stein: 9’3″
- Daniel Orton: 9’2.5″
- Nerlens Noel: 9’2″
Longest Wingspan
- DeMarcus Cousins: 7’5.75″
- Anthony Davis: 7’5.5″
- Daniel Orton: 7’4.25″
- Willie Cauley-Stein: 7’3″
- Marcus Lee: 7’3″
Shortest Wingspan
- Tyler Ulis: 6’2″
- Tyler Herro: 6’3.25″
- De’Aaron Fox: 6’6.5″
- Brandon Knight: 6’6.75″
- Doron Lamb: 6’6.75″
This was fun. Let’s do it tomorrow when the Strength & Agility numbers drop.
KSBar and Grille is the place in Lexington to catch University of Kentucky games (pre and postgame too) as well as other events such as the NBA Playoffs, UFC fights, the World Cup, MLB games, PGA tour events, and more.
KSBar might be known for their smoked wings but don’t miss out on the brisket platter, fried katfish, chicken and waffles, and the great assortment of burgers. Start off with the house chips loaded to the ceiling smothered with pulled pork or chicken straight off the smoker topped with the house BBQ sauce.
Head to the KSBar and Grille website ksbarandgrille.com to see a full menu and drink list.
Be on the look out for different specials and events.
KSBar and Grille is located at: 1030 South Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504
You can be a part of KSR’s Top 10 Tweets by using hashtags like #KSR #BBN or #KSRtop10. You can also nominate tweets by mentioning them with the hashtag. If we like what we see, it could be posted the next day.
If you are interested in sponsoring KSR’s Top 10 Tweets, please contact us at Via Email.
#10 Wildcat4Life
Nature Boy taking that hospital gown off heading to TMZ headquarters! Whooooooo! #KSR pic.twitter.com/pPlyYiLyMX
— Wildcat4Life (@BigBlueDog7) May 16, 2019
I, for one, am all for it. WOO!
#9 Kimberly Wright
.@UKBaseball Jack’s first UK baseball game! #GOCATS #BBN #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/huGCBDn28B
— Kimberly Wright (@kw07011985) May 16, 2019
What a great first game to go to! Also, you’re raising your kids right.
#8 Brock Engler
Let’s Go Big Blue! #BBN https://t.co/jDUckiUSy3
— Brock Engler (@BrockEngler) May 13, 2019
Dare I say, golf school?
#7 KY Clips
@KySportsRadio how quickly @ShannonTheDude forgot about your dance moves with Janet Reno. pic.twitter.com/LyDfNjwfAp
— KY Clips (@KY_Clips) May 16, 2019
This should be in a Smithsonian
#6 Not Jerry Tipton
College football season begins in 100 days. pic.twitter.com/BeHAaUJfrh
— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) May 16, 2019
But who’s counting right?……I NEED IT.
#5 Taylor Coots
The Alex Legion stuff ???Reality is stranger than fiction #KSR
— Taylor Coots (@taylorcootsKY) May 16, 2019
Not to date myself, but today was the first day I ever heard that story and MAN, do I need to know more.
#4 Susan V Mustain
Now this is a statue #weareuk #bbn https://t.co/urOgi7Bq3A
— Susan V Mustian (@susanvbm) May 16, 2019
The perfect statue doesn’t exs-
#3 Jake From State Farm
A live look at @KySportsRadio dance skills. @ryanlemond pic.twitter.com/xieF6FAhv4
— Jake From State Farm (@Fake_Jake_State) May 16, 2019
I see no differences.
#2 Owen
Talk of NCAA Football coming back got the creative juices going today. pic.twitter.com/PwUWl2IQ95
— Owen (@75toRupp) May 17, 2019
Why did you have to make me cry on a Thursday night, Owen? It’s beautiful.
#1 John Robic’s Hair
How have Ryan, Shannon and Drew never watched the greatest show ever, The Office?!?!?
I don’t know if I’m sad or mad!!@KySportsRadio @ryanlemond @ShannonTheDude @DrewFranklinKSR pic.twitter.com/Z9Cj39RXX3
— John Robic’s Hair (@JohnRobicsHair) May 16, 2019
WE NEED ANSWERS.
Follow me on twitter and tag me in one of your tweets for a chance to make KSR’s top 10 tweets: @BrentW_KSR
Earlier this week, the NCAA released a statement that they are now having a discussion about the allowing of student-athletes to profit off their own likeness.
Here is Nick Roush’s article on what was released.
The one big thing this can also mean is the revival of the college football and basketball video game titles. Here is what Drew had to say about that.
One reason for the discontinuing was the court case on the basketball side of the deal. Ed O’Bannon v. NCAA is a court case that was settled in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in which former UCLA and 1995 NCAA Champion power forward Ed O’Bannon pursued a court case with the NCAA over the college basketball video game. O’Bannon’s likeness appeared in the game under the UCLA Legends squad. Not only was he trying to fight for himself but for the thousands of student-athletes who were currently in school and having their likeness being used for NCAA profits. This in itself goes against Sherman Antitrust Laws and the NCAA’s own definition of “amateurism.”
A revival to the video game industry in the NCAA aspect is something to look forward to. Imagine picking up a copy of NCAA Football 2020 this summer and being able to play as the Kentucky Football team. Taking shots down the field with Terry Wilson as he throws that perfect pass to Lynn Bowden Jr. for the Touchdown, and like in the past Spring Game, kicking 50-plus yard field goals with Chance Poore.
Although you can download updated rosters created by users in the NCAA Football 2014 title, the graphics update alone will make this a best selling game of the year in the sports gaming world.
What has me thinking is that this can mean big deals with shoe companies and the NCAA student-athletes. When reading all of this, players may have the opportunity to seek deals with brands such as Nike and Adidas while in college. Also, the possibility of NCAA college football and basketball stars having shoes named after them.
This is a step in the right direction for the NCAA as a response to all of the scandals that have opened up in recent years.
If this ever became a thing for the NCAA, there are two positives to this that can go a long way.
One way is allowing these players to see profit first hand in a controlled space. In 2012, an ESPN 30 for 30 showed us a real glimpse of what it is like for players coming straight out of college with no financial training and going bankrupt. It is titled Broke. While watching this casually on Netflix one night, it got me thinking of how this can be resolved. With the possibility of the NCAA allowing players to make money in college from big-named shoe deals, they can also be coached about what to do with that money.
That is what college is for right? Setting students up for success in the future? This can help prevent the number of athletes going bankrupt. When looking up some statistics about the number of athletes going bankrupt this is what I found. According to a CNBC article, sixty percent of NBA players within their first five years out of the league end up bankrupt and 78% of NFL players face financial loss within two years post-retirement. Can you imagine what these numbers would be if student-athletes found money in college but are required to take financial courses while in school to help them control their money?
Now, the viral postings on social media with players buying their family members cars and houses are great, but having money to bring families out of poverty and set future generations up for success is even better.
The second reason I see this being an alley to pursue the NCAA is what this means regarding the scandal that is actually happening underground. What is happening to colleges such as Louisville, Kansas, and Arizona is not illegal, it is being settled underground and away from the public that makes it worse. If the NCAA goes on ahead with shoe companies contacting student-athletes with contracts, this can be handled in a way where no one is going to prison and does not look bad for the NCAA. A win in both columns.
The notions the NCAA is hinting at this week is a step in the right direction in sports in 2019. However, this does not seem like a short-term discussion by any means, but allowing the student-athletes to seek money off their own likeness is the way to go for everyone to be happy.
(Photo via Kyle Terada)
Back on April 15, former Kentucky star DeMarcus Cousins fell to the floor with a non-contact left quad injury in Golden State’s opening-round Playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.
At the time, initial reports claimed that the injury was “serious” and there was “significant concern” that he tore it.
A little less than a month later, new reports surfaced that while the former Wildcat did indeed tear his quad, he was making incredible progress and that there was a chance he could return to action in the Western Conference Finals.
“DeMarcus Cousins — if he maintains his recent progress from a torn quad — is on course to make a return to the Warriors’ active roster during the Western Conference Finals,” Marc Stein of the New York Times reported.
While that was certainly a positive report for a player whose injury luck has been tough over the last year and a half, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr slowed down the hype of Boogie’s return this evening.
“DeMarcus is coming along, he’s starting to do some work on the floor” Kerr said. “He’s not exactly close to playing in a game, but he’s making good strides with his rehab.”
Here was the entire clip:
"He's not exactly close to playing in a game."
Steve Kerr shares an update on DeMarcus Cousins (left quad) ahead of Game 2 in the WCF. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/otL0W6gSyJ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 17, 2019
The Warriors PR department then released an official injury update on Cousins, saying that the former Wildcat has “progressed to on-court work, but is still not ready for live action.”
He will be re-evaluated again in one week.
Depending on what happens in Golden State’s current Western Conference Finals matchup with the Portland Trailblazers, it’s looking like Cousins will be returning to action for the NBA Finals.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
While John Calipari hasn’t finalized his roster for the upcoming 2019-20 basketball season, the Kentucky head coach has already found his core group of favorite recruits for the following season.
One of those prospects? 2020 five-star wing BJ Boston.
For the past several months, it seemed to be a two-horse race between Kentucky and Duke for the 6-foot-6 prospect, with the Blue Devils being the rumored favorite.
Over the last two days, however, the Wildcats have received four consecutive Crystal Ball picks, including one from 247 Sports Director of Basketball Scouting Jerry Meyer and Duke insider Andrew Slater.
At the recent Nike EYBL event in Atlanta, Boston told KSR that while his recruitment is open, there are four schools recruiting him the hardest right now.
“I would say Duke, Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida,” he said. “I think that’s it.”
When asked about the Wildcats and what the UK coaching staff is telling him right now, Boston said that they want him to go out and give it his all every time he steps on the floor.
“Kentucky, they’re a good coaching staff,” he said. “They’re telling me to come in and compete every game, to have a high motor, and just be ready when I get out on the floor.”
The five-star prospect added that he loves Kentucky because of how focused they are on winning in Lexington, something he is definitely interested in when he gets to college next year.
“I love how Coach Cal, all of the coaches and players, they all hold each other accountable,” he said. “They just want to win.”
In his official scouting report over on 247 Sports, Jerry Meyer highlights his length, athleticism, and “natural feel for the game.”
A long athlete who is still growing. Has good athleticism and a natural feel for the game. Lack of strength needs to improve, especially to be effective long term on the defensive end. Terrific scorer who is effective at all three levels. Has a nose for the ball and the length to be a dangerous rebounder. Has tremendous upside, which makes him a potential lottery pick.
Watch some of his most recent highlights during his time on the Nike EYBL circuit this spring here:
(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)
The unofficial expected decision date came and went with no announcement for 2019 five-star forward Jaden McDaniels yesterday. While we still don’t have an update on the when, we are now seeing a trend of picks on his Crystal Ball on 247 Sports.
This afternoon, recruiting analysts Andrew Slater and Chad Lykins submitted back-to-back predictions in favor of the Washington Huskies.
While Slater and Lykins, both Duke recruiting insiders, haven’t maintained elite track records similar to that of Evan Daniels or Josh Gershon (both plus-90% prediction rates) on the Crystal Ball, they are still known for being solid sources in the world of high school basketball recruiting.
Despite two consecutive picks, Kentucky still holds the overall lead with 46% of picks, followed by Washington at 23%, undecided at 23%, and San Diego State at 8%.
Prior to the Washington picks, three consecutive “undecided” predictions came in from Daniels, Gershon, and Arizona insider Jason Scheer over the span of 24 hours. This comes after the Wildcats maintained an overwhelming lead on the recruiting service, including picks from Daniels, Gershon, Slater, and Jerry Meyer, among others.
Daniels also went on his podcast, The Sidelines with Evan Daniels, and said that while it’s definitely close, he’d likely lean Washington ever-so-slightly right now.
“This time last week, I thought for certain that he was going to Kentucky. I fully believe that that was what he was going to do.” he said. “I do think things have changed. When you’re dealing with 17 and 18-year old kids, minds change. His recruitment wasn’t done. Kentucky had met with him at Nike Hoop Summit, and then Washington went back and met with him, he’s from Washington. I think they’re very much a player in this, Washington. It’s a battle between Washington and Kentucky. As of today – Thursday – I lean toward Washington slightly, but I would not be surprised either way.”
While the momentum is seemingly shifting back in Washington’s favor, that’s not stopping some future Kentucky Wildcats from doing their part in the home stretch of this recruitment.
Both Tyrese Maxey and Dontaie Allen made their pitches to the five-star forwards on Instagram this morning:
Last night, I wrote what hoped to be a last-minute recruiting update on McDaniels based on some of the conversations I had with folks throughout the last two days. To catch up on that, you can read it here.
I’m so ready for this recruitment to be over.
Photo by UK Athletics
It’s not every day a former KSR podcaster gets their own bobblehead, let alone one that’s six-feet tall. Today, UK unveiled a life-size bobblehead of former baseball coach Keith Madison at Kentucky Proud Park, the first of nine life-size bobbleheads that will honor current members of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame with baseball ties. Jeff Abbott, Collin Cowgill, Dom Fucci, Andy Green, Jim Host, Ellis Johnson, Jeff Keener, Terry Shumpert and Brandon Webb will also be honored with life-size depictions of themselves around the concourse.
The bobblehead is made of fiberglass, stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 175 pounds. It will be on display on the playground area just inside the left field gate on the concourse level starting with this week’s series against No. 2 Vanderbilt.
Before co-hosting the KSR Baseball Podcast with Trey Hunstman, Madison coached at UK for 25 years, winning a program-record 723 games, which currently ranks as the fifth-most in SEC history. In 25 years, Madison coached 85 players who were drafted or signed professional contracts, including 51 who were selected in the first 25 rounds of the draft and 14 who reached the major league level. He had nine All-Americans, 44 all-SEC selections and in 1988 led the program to its first NCAA Tournament berth in 38 years.
I think we need some of these of the KSR staff around the KSBar patio, don’t you? Congrats, Coach!
Photo by UK Athletics