Good morning, BBN!
Yesterday seemed like the official tip-off to the college basketball season in Lexington, as the media were invited in for their first conversations with Mark Pope and the new Kentucky Wildcats roster. With pro day scheduled for tonight and our first live look at the team on the court, we were able to take away quite a few things from the festivities at the Joe Craft Center. Let’s take a look at a few.
Jayden Quaintance remains on schedule
One of the most exciting new players on this roster is Arizona State transfer
Jayden Quaintance. Although he is no stranger to the BBN, his time frame to return to the court still remains a mystery.
“He’s breaking every record known to humankind about his rehab. It’s unbelievable,” said Coach Pope.
Sounds like JQ will be suiting up for games sooner rather than later.
Pope wants to go to a 40-game schedule
He has talked about this before, but he brought it up once again today. A lengthened schedule seems like it will be happening sooner rather than later. Glad to see Pope is pretty solid on wanting to see this happen.
Pope calls the thing with Kelsey “a big nothing.”
That really got the rivalry juices flowing. Sounds like the message boards made it out to be a lot more than it was.
Oh well.
The recruiting process is more fun
After year one in Lexington, there has only been one question that still has not been answered…. could Pope and his staff land the major recruits? Well, if the list of players considering the Cats in the 2026 class says anything, we will likely have that answer soon. However, Pope is having a great time and having more fun.
“The process is even more fun than it’s ever been. I continue to say that the most important part of this process for us is not finding the best, highest-ranked player. You’d be shocked at how many times we end up mutually walking away because we know what Kentucky is. Finding the right player here doesn’t amount to just going to find who someone is ranking the highest. You can’t know that until you get deep into the recruiting process.”
Sounds like Pope is ready to make his mark in the class and going forward.
Basketball is almost here, folks. Let’s go!
Tweet of the Day
Some good news may be coming for the Cats!
Headlines
Brooks and Cats hope to build on strong year one- UK Athletics
Should be a fun year two.
Kentucky gaining momentum with Tyran Stokes- KSR
Could the Cats land the No.1 overall player?
Mark Pope striving to be a top-10 defense- Cats Pause
Would put the Cats right into the top-tier contender status.
The story of Mo Dioubate’s journey to Kentucky- KSR
A great read to get you fired up for basketball season.
Andrija Jelavic cleared by the NCAA- Cats Pause
Kassie O’Brien names SEC freshman of the week- UK Athletics
A big week for the freshman setter.
Mark Sanchez now facing felony charge- ESPN
Well then.
LeBron James second decision: What could it be?-CBS
We find out today.
