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John Wall Stole His Signature “John Wall Dance” from DeMarcus Cousins

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© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Believe it or not, John Wall’s signature dance at Big Blue Madness was actually supposed to be Demarcus Cousins’. The two discussed the behind-the-scenes story on Wall’s The Point Game Podcast.

“It wasn’t even supposed to be my dance,” Wall said. Cousins interrupted, saying, “That’s my dance bro!”

So what happened? According to Cousins, prior to being introduced he had just been “chewed” out by John Calipari to be professional and was also afraid of heights, and being raised on a platform.

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“I was like, ‘Yo, I’m about to go out here, I’m about to get jiggy out of here, get the crowd hype’” Cousins said. “Cal overhears me and chews my a** out. ‘When you go up there, you act like a professional. I don’t want to see any of that silly sh** ‘. I’m like, ‘Alright, cool, my bad.’”

Already hesitant, Cousins stepped onto a platform that raised him about 12 feet in the air, and his fear of heights ended any chance of dancing or celebration.

“I’m afraid of heights,” Cousins said. “They started raising that motherf*****, I’m like ‘Oh sh**, I’m literally about to sh** myself,’ because I’m like terrified… So the result is what you saw, which was me looking like I was scared sh**less.”

Wall took advantage of the opportunity and the rest is history.”They say don’t miss your blessing. Boy got there and got shook, I took over,” Wall said.

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With no resentment, Cousins believes Wall was the perfect person for the dance. “Honestly bro, you were the perfect dude for it,” Cousins told Wall. “There was no way I would have been able to carry that sh** like you did.”

BB Recruiting

Five-Star Transfer Prospect, Former Alabama Crimson Tide Forward Commits to Kentucky

Mark Pope continues to build on an impressive class of transfers with a commitment from forward Mouhamed Dioubate.

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Five-star transfer Mouhamed Dioubate commits to Kentucky,
Alabama Athletics

Mark Pope has officially landed his third transfer commitment for the 2025-26′ season in the form of junior forward Mouhamed Dioubate.

The commitment was announced on X (Twitter) by Dioubate himself, along with a graphic and a blue and white heart:

Dioubate, who spent the last two seasons playing for Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide, entered the portal less than a week before his commitment to Kentucky. Coach Pope and staff clearly had a circle around his name from day one.

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The 6’7″ forward averaged seven points, six rebounds, and a block, steal and an assist per game in his sophomore season, scoring with an incredibly efficient 62%/46% shooting split. His three-point percentage, the latter of the two, rose an astronomical 37% between his first and second seasons. Dioubate can do it all and is why he is ranked as five-star transfer prospect by EvanMiya.

He’ll bring a much-needed brand of physicality and aggression to a roster that desperately needed it this past year, too, specializing in dunking would-be layups and giving nightmares to opposing offenses.

Dioubate will join forward Kam Williams and guard Jaland Lowe in what is shaping up to become one of the highest ranked classes in the country, and with more than two weeks of the portal remaining, he likely won’t be the last.

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Men's Basketball

‘Cats Seniors Send a Message to Transfer Players: “Go to Kentucky”

In lieu of a tough tournament loss, Kentucky seniors put the spotlight on future teams, urging players in the portal to come to Lexington.

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Seniors from Mark Pope's first team at Kentucky advertise transfer to play for Kentucky.
Elliott Hess | UK Athletics

With the Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee still an open wound, two of UK’s seniors put their pain aside to urge any and all potential prospects in the transfer portal to come to Kentucky.

“Can I say something?” asked Lamont Butler as his final press conference as a ‘Cat came to a close, “I think it’s really cool we were able to set the culture for Pope’s first year… the bar is gonna be set high for the next people who come under Pope.”

“It’s gonna be fun to watch, for sure.”

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Lamont Butler, in spite of his injuries, was the heart and soul of Mark Pope’s inaugural Kentucky roster all year long; a floor general on the court and a spirited leader off it.

Andrew Carr, his fellow senior, got his two cents in on the matter, too. “If you’re in the transfer portal and you’re looking for a spot to go, go to Kentucky,” he said, flexing the front of his jersey.”

“I’ll tell you that much. Go to Kentucky.”

For having only been in the blue and white for one season (less than a year), Butler, Carr, and the rest of this year’s senior class exhibit the same love for the name on the front of their jerseys as any of the decades-past alumni do.

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Pope’s first class will be remembered for many things, mostly positive, but few stand out like their love for Lexington and the Big Blue Nation. A great omen for transfers and incoming players, undoubtedly, as well as a testament to the magic under the hardwood in Rupp Arena.

Truly a tradition like no other.

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BB Recruiting

Top 20 Transfer Prospect Jaland Lowe Commits to Kentucky

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Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe has committed to Kentucky.
Pitt Athletics

It’s been a rollercoaster week in the transfer portal for Kentucky. We have seen San Diego State Magoon Gwath change his mind at the last minute at stay with the Aztecs, and top target Yaxel Lendeborg commit to Michigan while remaining in the draft.

On Saturday morning, the Wildcats got their second commit of the portal season, Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe.

KY Insider reported on Thursday that the staff was recruiting other players with the prospect of playing with Lowe.

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Lowe was a top 100 recruit out of high school, committing to Jeff Capel and the Panthers. After two successful seasons in Pittsburgh, Lowe is a 4-star, top-20 transfer prospect (EvanMiya). He becomes the highest ranked commit for the Cats thus far.

In Lowe’s sophomore campaign last season, he averaged 16.8 PPG, 5.5 APG, and 4.2 RPG. As a playmaker, there are not many better, with an assist percentage of 31.2 percent. Some might see his shooting slits of 37.6% FG and 26.6% 3P and worry. While they are not great, he had to carry a lot of the burden on offense, with a usage rate of 30%.

Lowe will come to Kentucky with two years of eligibility remaining and will join Kam Williams in the ‘Cats portal class thus far.

Scouting Report (Sports Illustrated)

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He has natural lead skills as a game manager and passer, with the ability to be a primary point guard for an NBA team, even if it’s off the bench. He’s also a reliable 3-point and free throw shooter, boasting a smooth jumper with fluid mechanics and the ability to play off-ball. His overall offensive game needs to become more efficient during his sophomore season, but Lowe is a legitimate offensive engine as a combo guard. 

Although he’s not the biggest or strongest guard relative to his future peers at the NBA level, Lowe is crafty and has ways to combat that. He’s a smooth lefty who knows how to get to his spots and leverage any advantage he can create on the offensive end. His deep range as a shooter from beyond the arc extends the defense which allows him to create space for himself and teammates. 

On the defensive end, Lowe will need to show NBA scouts that he can play within a scheme and prove to be a good team defender. He lacks size, but has quick hands and can be pesky on the perimeter at times. That’s the side of the ball in which Lowe has the most to prove when it comes to draft stock. 

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