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Men's Basketball

Kentucky vs. South Carolina: TV/Streaming Info, Keys to the Game, and Predictions

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Kentucky Wildcats Reed Sheppard dribbles out the clock against the Georgia Bulldogs in Rupp Arena.
© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off one of the most memorable regular season games in recent history, the impressive debut of Zvonimir Ivisic, the Kentucky Wildcats will turn look toward a road game against the South Carolina Gamecocks, another team that has outperformed expectations.

Finishing 4-14 in SEC play last season, the Gamecocks were selected to finish last in the SEC in the preseason.

But fast-forward to today, and they are 15-3 overall with a 3-2 SEC mark. Outside of a blowout loss to Alabama, their other two losses have come each by five points.

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Columbia is also a place where Kentucky has struggled under John Calipari. With just a 5-4 record, the Wildcats are just one win over .500 in Columbia and have lost two of the last three on the road.

Kentucky fell at home to these Gamecocks a year ago thanks to 26 points from star guard Meechie Johnson, so it’s safe to say defending him will be a big key to winning this game for the road Cats.

While the Gamecocks have one more win than Kentucky, their NET is just 61st right now. While good enough to make this a Quad I game for the Wildcats, it would, at best, put the Gamecocks on the NCAA Tournament bubble, so they really need a win like this to put themselves on the right side of the bubble.

The Wildcats may have the better roster, but this is shaping up to be the third straight war of a game they play on the road in SEC play, so don’t expect this one to be easy by any stretch.

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Here’s what to watch for when Kentucky faces South Carolina for a Tuesday night primetime affair.

Tempo Tempo Tempo

When the Cats debuted their new and improved offense, it was clear this offense was most effective when playing fast. As the season has progressed, John Calipari’s bunch have continued to play faster and faster.

As it stands, Kentucky is top 10 in possessions per game at nearly 78 per game. That is the fastest among all Power Six teams.

Their next opponent, South Carolina, plays among the slowest paces in Power Six basketball at 68 possessions per game. It’s helped them prevent every opponent thus far from reaching 80 points.

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Tuesday night will be a major clash of pace.

Fortunately, Kentucky has found success in speeding up their opponents nearly all season. For reference, the most points the Gamecocks have allowed this season is 77. Kentucky has scored more than that in all but one game this season.

Stay in Front of the Ball

The biggest complaint of this Kentucky team has been their defense, specifically staying in front of the ball. While they are improving, it’s still not where it needs to be. South Carolina has multiple guards that can take advantage of that, highlighted by Meechie Johnson and Ta’Lon Cooper.

Johnson is an aggressive guard who will look for his shot, averaging nearly 17 points per game. Cooper is one of the best facilitators in the SEC, averaging more than four assists per game. Both will force you to respect them inside and out, but Kentucky needs to put a heavy emphasis on limiting the drives.

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Big Z Part II?

When it was announced that Zvonimir ‘Big Z’ Ivisic had been cleared by the NCAA, there was little doubt that Calipari would put him in the game. However, no one expected that debut, not even himself.

“I was as surprised as all of you,” Ivisic told the media after putting up 13 points five rebounds, three blocks, two assists, two steals, a flagrant foul, two turnovers, and a technical foul in just 16 minutes, as he made sure to log just about every possible statistic imaginable. Kentucky also went on an 11-0 run in the first half with Ivisic on the court.

As well as he played, it was clear that Ivisic was playing out of position at times due to nerves and still needed to get some game conditioning. However, his footwork, defensive instincts, and fluidity were all apparent. His versatility will certainly earn him some playing time, but how much will that be with a loaded roster remains to be seen.

With Ivisic now in the lineup, Kentucky is just one player away from a complete roster, Adou Thiero, who has been dealing with back spasms and growing pains since late December, but it sounds like he could return very soon, which would be a major boost to Kentucky’s defense and rebounding.

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Opposing Players to Watch

G Meechie Johnson, 6-2, 184 lbs

  • 16.7 PPG (7th in SEC)
  • 2.4 APG
  • 37% 3P

F B.J. Mack, 6-8, 270 lbs

  • 13.8 PPG
  • 5.3 RPG

G Ta’Lon Cooper, 6-4, 200 lbs

  • 9.3 PPG
  • 4.5 RPG
  • 4.3 APG (3rd in SEC)
  • 41.7% 3P (11th in SEC)

Kentucky Basketball vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Time: 7 PM ET on January 23rd
  • Location: Colonial Life Arena in Columbia (SC)
  • TV Channel: The SEC Network will have TV coverage of this game.
  • Online Stream: WatchESPN and the ESPN app.
  • Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens have the UK radio call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
  • Replay: WatchESPN and the SEC Network (check local listings).
  • Rosters: UK | SC
  • Stats to Know: UK | SC
  • KenPom: UK | SC
  • Team Sheets: UK | SC
  • Odds: ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Kentucky a 63.5% chance of achieving victory in Columbia. EvanMiya gives them a 63.8 chance at the win. Bart Torvik has it at 56%, while KenPom has it at 61%.
  • Predictions: Bart Torvik picks Kentucky to win in a one-score game, 79-77. Haslametrics and EvanMiya have the Cats winning 81-76 and 79-75, respectively. KenPom is going with an 80-77 victory, Kentucky!

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

Men's Basketball

Transfer Portal Tracker: Tracing Kentucky’s Involvement Thus Far

Mark Pope built a tournament roster almost entirely out of the transfer portal last season – where is he looking to repeat his success?

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Chet White | UK Athletics

Despite having only opened this past Monday, the transfer portal has already amassed enough players and prospects to fill out an entire league of their own. In this new era of NIL-fueled college basketball, programs, some of which are actively participating in the NCAA Tournament, are scrambling to sift through the masses and find pieces for their next roster.

Mark Pope, who built this Sweet 16 Kentucky team almost entirely out of the transfer portal last year, is no stranger to the process. In fact, he’s already landed a transfer in Kam Williams, a freshman wing from Tulane. You can learn more about him here.

In addition to coaching the ‘Cats towards a historic tournament appearance this year, Pope and his staff have already made waves in the transfer market as well. Here’s a list of players they’ve either already contacted, or are expected to.

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Dedan Thomas Jr.

A point guard out of UNLV, Thomas Jr., at this stage, seems like the other most likely possibility to land in Lexington. With two years of eligibility left, a 16/5/2 average split and one of the best catch-and-shoot efficiencies in the country (95th percentile) Thomas Jr. would look to fill the hole left by Lamont Butler’s graduation and the ominous possibility of Kerr Kriisa’s transferring.

Either way, he’s a high-level scorer with a lot of room to grow; he’d have a spot on the roster either way. Thankfully for Kentucky, the interest isn’t a one-way ordeal. UK is reportedly one of his top schools, with a zoom meeting between Coach Pope and Thomas Jr. happening as soon as later this week. ‘Cats fans should keep a close eye on this one as the portal grows ever more populated.

Magoon Gwath

Gwath, a 7’0″ big from San Diego State and reigning Mountain West defensive player of the year, is a name that many have attached Kentucky too early on in this transfer portal process. Just about every report has the recruitment coming down to UK and Michigan, with no clear indicator of preference in either direction.

If he does land in Lexington, Gwath brings nearly three blocks per game, solid shooting numbers across the board, and three years of eligibility remaining to grow through. He’s easily one of the most intriguing prospects in the portal, and would be a pitch-perfect fit in Pope’s notoriously big-centered offense.

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Silas Demary Jr.

The recruitment of Demary Jr. is the most interesting, and fastest moving, on this list. Just a few days ago on a zoom call with the Georgia guard, Pope reportedly asked what his plans for dinner were, in jest. The joke led to a dinner with Demary and, apparently, a scholarship offer, too.

While that may seem like a hasty decision on the surface, a talent like Demary’s is a rare find in the transfer portal. In his sophomore year in the SEC, the 6’5″ guard averaged 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, leading the Bulldogs to wins over multiple ranked opponents, Kentucky included. His athletic frame and offensive upside make him a solid candidate to fill Lamont Butler’s shoes, and if Mark Pope has his way, it won’t be long before pen hits paper on this one.

Alvaro Folgueiras

While Robert Morris is a name that many Kentucky fans would be happy to forget, perhaps landing this forward transfer would work to wash away those memories. Alvaro Folgueiras nearly averaged a double-double for the Colonials this past season, and with two years of eligibility remaining, he could serve as a (potentially) solid replacement for Andrew Carr with added longevity. Not to mention his 41% stroke from long range, which fits the Pope offense to a tee.

Kentucky has been involved from the jump, and with that spot in the rotation inevitably opening up, Folgueiras finding his way to Rupp next season bares a distinct plausibility.

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Reed Bailey

Bailey, similar to Foulgueiras, is a stretch four from a smaller school who would bring high-level offensive capabilities to the Wildcats next season. While he only has one year of hoops left, Bailey nearly averaged 20 points per game last season on 48% shooting. Put lightly, he’s a lethal scorer.

And at 6’10”, there are few players of his size that move as quickly and efficiently as he does. Pairing Bailey with a center who can dominate the glass and hold down the fort defensively would give Kentucky the kind of versatility in the paint that leaves opposing teams helpless on either end. Luckily for ‘Cats fans, Kentucky is heavily rumored as a suitor so far.

Keyshawn Hall

“They’ve had number one draft picks, and they’re the number one fanbase in the country. It’s sold out every night,” said Hall, a soon-to-be senior guard from the UCF Knights. Hall (6’7″, 235) averaged 19 points and seven boards this past season, making himself a highly touted transfer in spite of arguably subpar shooting percentages.

Even so, the physical talent is hard to deny, and there are few offensive systems built to refine a player to the same extent as Mark Pope’s. With a zoom call set for Monday, March 31, it appears that Pope and his staff are ready to have a conversation with Hall, at the very least.

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Abdi Bashir Jr.

Bashir Jr., a Monmouth guard that has garnered at least a base level interest from Kentucky, called his potential suitors the “bluest of blue bloods.” A good sign for Kentucky folks who may be high on him as a prospect.

Averaging a 20/3/2 split, it’s hard not to be a little intrigued, even given his 37% shooting metric. Bashir has two years of eligibility remaining, too, giving him an edge over many players entering their final year in terms of improvement and longevity.

Taylor Bol Bowen

Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen, whom Kentucky is reported to have visit on April 1st, is one of the more versatile prospects to have entered the portal thus far.

At 6’10”, Bowen is an agile big with a reliable pull-up jumper, averaging almost as many rebounds as he does points. With two, if not more, pieces in their front court leaving after this season, a player like Bowen has obvious potential for the Wildcats.

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Josh Dix

While Dix’s ultimate destination may be the muddiest on this list, one interesting factor in his portal journey demands the BBN’s attention. When it was announced on social media that the 6’6 guard from Iowa was entering the transfer portal, Evan Turner, former NBA player and Big Ten extraordinaire, replied “He’s going to Kentucky.”

So while we don’t know much about Dix and his ties to Kentucky beyond that tweet, it’d be hard not to turn your head at such a statement. Dix’s scoring ability (15 PPG on 51% shooting) would be a welcome addition to any team, though, and it’s safe to assume that he’ll at least look the way of the blue and white.

Yaxel Lendeborg

UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg may be the most broadly coveted transfer currently in the forward, exhibiting versatility on both ends of the floor and, standing at 6’9″, providing the best of both world as a sort of middle-man who fits in anywhere on the floor.

While Kentucky is already confirmed to be in contact, what team isn’t for a player who averaged 18/11/4? The battle for Lendeborg will likely be the most intense of them all, though the ‘Cats being involved this early is certainly a good sign.

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Far From Over

These are just the names that, so far, seem to be clouded in blue smoke. But with 1,200+ athletes in the portal already, where the team will actually end up is completely and utterly unpredictable.

If fans can trust anyone with the matter, it’s Mark Pope, who said in an NCAA Tournament press conference, “I think guys have seen the massive success that our transfers have had this year, and I expect that we’re going to have great success recruiting the portal.” Coach isn’t playing coy.

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Men's Basketball

Malachi Moreno, The Future Kentucky Big Man

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Top 2025 center Malachi Moreno has committed to play for Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats.
UK Athletics

On Friday, March 28, the Kentucky Wildcats’ season ended after the Tennesee Volunteers routed them by double-digits in the Sweet Sixteen.

One of the main reasons the Wildcats lost that game was due to their poor rebounding, more specifically, their offensive rebounding. 

The Vols grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, doubling the amount Kentucky had. 

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Although Amari Williams did his part on the boards all year, averaging 8.5 rebounds per game, Kentucky will have to replace the center with another glass cleaner, who can also chip in offensively.

Lucky for Big Blue Nation, he’s already been replaced. 

Malachi Moreno, the 6-foot-11 center from Georgetown, Kentucky, committed to Head Coach Mark Pope and the University of Kentucky on Aug. 16, 2024. Ranking as the top player in the state for the class of 2025, and as a top three overall center in the country, Moreno showcased why he’s so highly regarded in this year’s KHSAA Sweet Sixteen tournament. 

He averaged 15.5 rebounds in Great Crossing’s four state tournament games this past week, to go along with 21 points per game and 4.3 blocks per game.

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Moreno helped Great Crossing win its first ever KHSAA Kentucky High School State Championship on March 29, where he tallied another double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds. He won the MVP award for the entire tournament.

With a true sign of character, he jumped into his school’s student section to celebrate a historical championship win in Lexington. 

The very next morning, he immediately jumped on a plane to attend the McDonald’s All-American Game alongside fellow Kentucky signee Jasper Johnson in Brooklyn, New York.

The big man followed up Travis Perry as the second straight UK signee to be named Kentucky Mr. Basketball and to win the state title before they touch the court as a Wildcat the following year.

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The young star was sought after by a number of schools, choosing the Wildcats over Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Ohio State. 

When he committed to the Wildcats, he was quoted comparing himself to Kentucky’s finest.

”I would probably compare myself to Anthony Davis or Karl Anthony-Towns,” said Moreno. “Those are some of the guys I try to model my game after.” 

Pope spoke highly of Moreno, and told UK Athletics why he fits the mold of a Kentucky superstar.

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”He has a ferocity around the rim in terms of ball protection and he is willing to engage physically,” said Pope. “He is going to grow into an elite-level shooter, and, more important than all of those incredible things, is that he gets a little teary-eyed when he walks into Rupp Arena because he knows what this place is.” 

Moreno later added on what it means to be a Wildcat.

“Growing up in Kentucky, you always wanted to put on that Kentucky uniform,” said Moreno. “Just being able to go there and wear ‘Kentucky’ across my chest means the world to me.”

When one door opens, another closes. Moreno, Great Crossing Head Coach Billy Hicks, and his team were forced to reflect on the journey they’ve experienced.

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”I mean, my goodness, six years of our program, to be able to celebrate a state title is absolutely an unbelievable accomplishment,” said Hicks. ”When I got this job, I was at Scott County Middle School before and both Malachi and Gage played for me when they were sixth graders.”

Moreno was asked about playing on Rupp Arena’s court once again, and if he had given any thought about being in a Wildcat jersey sooner, rather than later.

“It’s definitely a surreal moment,” said Moreno. “I wanted to end my high school career on this floor holding a big ole trophy. I know it wasn’t my last time on this floor, but it was my last time in a Great Crossing uniform.”

Quoting Kentucky’s Andrew Carr with a smile, Moreno jokingly said “Coach, you’re gonna have a hard time getting this jersey from me.”

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His high school career was nothing short of spectacular, breaking numerous school records such as most points in a single game and winning the school’s first ever championship.

Now, with his glory days behind him, Moreno will set foot inside of Rupp Arena very soon, but this time, as a Kentucky Wildcat. 

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Men's Basketball

Kentucky Guard Kerr Kriisa Enters Transfer Portal

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After one season with the Wildcats, Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa enters the transfer portal.
Jordan Prather | IMAGN

The first domino of the Kentucky basketball offseason has fallen, as Kerr Kriisa has entered the transfer portal after receiving a medical redshirt.

Kriisa was an early fan favorite due to his energetic style of play and outgoing personality, but he appeared in just nine games for Kentucky this season after suffering a Jones fracture, which ultimately ended his season. He averaged 4.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds.

Kriisa has released a statement:

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“To Coach Pope and the UK Coaching staff – It has been an absolute dream to play for the University of Kentucky. Thank you for your continued support.

To my teammates – I am so thankful for the relationships we’ve formed during my time at Kentucky, and I will keep those friendships for a lifetime.

To BBN – Your unending support of me and my team has been amazing. Playing at Rupp Arena in front of huge crowds has been a dream come true. I will always cherish my time in the Bluegrass state, and I wish Kentucky basketball all the best in the future.”

His last moment in a Kentucky uniform, was him getting back to play defense with that Jones fracture, and that says a lot about who Kerr Kriisa is.

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Following the Wildcats’ Sweet Sixteen loss to Tennessee, he was in tears when talking to KY Insider.

“We brought the joy back to Kentucky,” Kriisa said. “To watch a group play, that plays for each other. That would take a bullet for each other. I’m just so sad.”

Krissa loved this team and he gave it all for the Cats when he was on the court this season.

Kriisa enters the portal with one year of eligibility remaining.

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