Men's Basketball

Three Things To Watch For and TV Info for Kentucky’s Exhibition vs. Kentucky State

Published

4 years ago

November 2, 2022

Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics

We are now less than a week away from the start of the college basketball regular season, but the Kentucky Wildcats have one more exhibition game to prepare themselves for one of the toughest schedules in the country.

This time against in-state school, Kentucky State. The Thorobreds (yes, that is how the school spells it) are a Division II school located in Frankfort, KY.

The Thorobreds have played Kentucky in two preseason exhibitions in the Calipari era, most recently in 2019 (losing by 32) and in 2015 (losing by 53) before that.

Kentucky State is coached by alum Jamaal Jackson, who is in his seventh season as head coach. In his time with the Thorobreds, they have become one of the best up-tempo in their conference, averaging 84.5 points per game in his first season.

Let’s look at some things to watch for on Thursday night.

Will the offense have a better performance?

Scoring 56 points is not an ideal performance for modern-day college basketball, let alone against D-II Missouri Western State. With that said, the Wildcat’s offense may not be much better on Thursday.

The Wildcats will be without Oscar Tshiebwe as he continues to sit out as a precaution from a minor knee procedure – should be ready for the season opener – but will probably be without Sahvir Wheeler due to a minor knee injury from Sunday’s exhibition.

While neither of these losses should carry over into the regular season, it will keep Kentucky’s two biggest offensive pieces from a season ago off the floor.

On Sunday night, Jacob Toppin and CJ Fredrick were the only two players to score in double figures. While both will be key pieces on offense, others need to step up including Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, and Antonio Reeves, who combined for just 16 points.

Who will step up at point guard?

As previously mentioned, Sahvir Wheeler sustained a minor knee injury in Kentucky’s last exhibition game on Sunday, the same knee that he injured prior to the Blue-White scrimmage that caused him to miss the scrimmage and a few days of practice.

Multiple reports have since come out and Wheeler is expected to be “fine” but it is probable that he will miss Thursday’s exhibition as a precaution. If that is case, who will step up at point guard?

The obvious answer is Cason Wallace. Kentucky’s highest-ranked incoming freshman got plenty of run on Sunday and performed well finishing with nine points, seven rebounds (leading rebounder), two assists, two blocks, and two steals.

With Calipari still experimenting with lineups, don’t be surprised to see Antonio Reeves play some point as well. Reeves played the position at Illinois State and averaged 20.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game last season.

If Calipari calls on Reeves, he told Kentucky Sports Radio on Tuesday, he would be ready for it.

“I’m comfortable, knowing I played point guard last year at Illinois State. I have a lot of experience with it, so yeah, if he does put me at that position, I’ll be ready.”

The Sky Is NOT Falling

Prior to the game, John Calipari tweeted this.

Excited to get back on the court with our team tonight. We have told them they will be evaluated in these three areas:

1. Defense – on and OFF the ball
2. Rebounding – defensive and offensive
3. Sprinting

This is how they can separate themselves on the court!!— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) October 30, 2022

In hindsight, you could see there was not a lot of premium put on offense and that was shown in the performance. It is okay to be disappointed in the way the team performed against Missouri Western State, but the sky is not falling.

The Wildcats were experimenting with lineups and were without the reigning National Player of the Year, who will attract attention and open up the floor for the rest of the team. Not to mention, there was some good to see. Notably, CJ Fredrick’s three-point shooting, Jacob Toppin’s much-improved offense, and a good defensive performance.

On Thursday, I would expect to see more of the same with two starters sitting out due to injury and with the team helping Damion Collins grieve the loss of his father.

When the season starts, expect this team to look much more reminiscent of the team from the Bahamas.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Kentucky State Thorobreds

Time/Date: 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022
Location: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
Online Stream: WatchESPN, ESPN+, SEC Network+, or the ESPN app
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the UK radio network call on WLAP-AM 630, WBUL-FM 98.1, and the UK Sports Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | KS
Live Stats

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

Related Topics:Antonio Reeves Cason Wallace Chris Livingston CJ Fredrick Damion Collins Jacob Toppin Kentucky State Oscar Tshiebwe Sahvir Wheeler

Men's Basketball

Jersey Numbers Revealed for 2026-27 Kentucky Basketball Team

Published

4 days ago

June 8, 2026

Tristan Pharis

Kentucky basketball's new-look roster has its numbers. See every player's jersey assignment for the 2026-27 season and what it means for the Wildcats.

It’s been an exciting weekend for Kentucky basketball. In addition to Mark Pope getting a commitment from his highest-ranked prospect in his career, 2027 top-10-ranked wing Ryan Hampton, this coming season’s roster arrived on campus this weekend.

As they prepare to get their first workouts in the Joe Craft practice facility, with practice set to start later this month, player lockers are ready for them. In a social media video posted by assistant coach Mo Williams, player numbers were revealed for this upcoming season.

Of the returnees, Braydon Hawthorne is the sole player to make a change in number, choosing #2, the number he wore in high school and was taken by Jasper Johnson last season.

As for the incoming players, the majority of them are wearing numbers that have been worn in recent seasons. However, Ousmane N’Diaye is choosing #19 and will be the first player since Willie Rouse in 1954 to sport the number.

Player numbers listed below:

Zyon Hawthorne #0
Jerone Morton #1
Braydon Hawthorne #2
Kam Williams #3
Mason Williams #4
Zoom Diallo #5
Trent Noah #9
Alex Wilkins #10
Franck Kepnang #11
Ousmane N’Diaye #19
Justin McBride #21
Milan Momcilovic #22
Malachi Moreno #24
Reece Potter #33

Also posted on A Sea of Blue.

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Earns Commitment From No. 6 Prospect in 2027 Class Ryan Hampton

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2026

Kai McClelland

Photo via UK Athletics

How about a Sunday boom in the recruiting world for you BBN?

Ryan Hampton, the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2027 class, has officially committed to the University of Kentucky! This is Mark Pope’s first top-10 prospect that he’s earned a commitment from.

Hailing from Rockwall, Texas, Hampton recently took an official visit to campus with his family, which began on Friday, June 5 and spilled into Sunday, June 7, his commitment day.

The five-star wing averaged 21.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during the most recent EYBL Circuit, playing for LivOn and Nightrydas.

Hampton was the first recruit in the 2027 to officially visit with the Wildcats, and now he’s the first to call their shot early and choose the blue and white.

Pope has signed Milan Momcilovic, the No. 2 ranked transfer, and Hampton, his first top-10 high school prospect just in the past week.

It’s been a crazy week for recruiting, with the narrative around Pope’s ability slowing fading as the top guys continue to be attracted to the Kentucky brand.

Men's Basketball

Rankings Roundup: Where Kentucky Basketball Stands After the NBA Draft Deadline

Published

1 week ago

June 5, 2026

Tristan Pharis

ESPN, CBS, FOX, and other national media have all released Kentucky basketball preseason rankings after the NBA Draft deadline. Here's the full breakdown — and what it means for BBN.

IMAGN

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats have been a hot topic of debate this college basketball offseason.

Things didn’t start off great, as Kentucky only had two commitments for the first three weeks of the portal period and missed on multiple targets, including Rob Wright and Donnie Freeman. That gave opportunity for critics to voice their opinion on Mark Pope and his roster building, including the national media.

There are certainly valid criticisms, such as the pursuit of Tyran Stokes, despite all signs pointing to him signing with Kansas, which he ultimately did, for months. In the weeks since, Kentucky has recovered to build a roster that has even upgraded in some areas from last season. They retained Malachi Moreno and finished with the second-ranked portal class, which features Milan Momcilovic, one of the best players in the portal.

Let’s see where the national media has the Wildcats at this point in the offseason.

EvanMiya

Roster Ranking Range: 8-13

Kentucky Roster Outlook

Milan Momcilovic completes Mark Pope's roster, an absolutely massive add. Kentucky should now be around a top-10 roster in the preseason according to https://t.co/cegyfz96ax.

Don't sleep on Malachi Moreno, he's could have a massive sophomore year for UK. pic.twitter.com/bPvwZmSGwK— Evan Miyakawa (@EvanMiya) June 2, 2026

ESPN

17. Kentucky Wildcats

Previous ranking: Unranked

Momcilovic’s commitment dramatically changes the Wildcats’ 2026-27 outlook, giving them the best shooter in the country and a legitimate focal point on offense. Transfer guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins are both dynamic off the dribble, and Momcilovic’s gravity and spacing will make them far more effective. Malachi Moreno‘s decision to withdraw from the NBA draft was another massive boost for Pope; Moreno is a potential first-round pick at this time next season. International prospect Ousmane N’Diaye and returnee Kam Williams should battle for a starting spot. The offensive potential of this group is as high as any team in the country.

Projected starting lineup

Zoom Diallo (15.7 PPG at Washington)
Alex Wilkins (17.8 PPG at Furman)
Milan Momcilovic (16.9 PPG at Iowa State)
Ousmane N’Diaye (9.8 PPG for Cremona in Serie A)
Malachi Moreno (7.8 PPG)

CBS Sports

17. Kentucky

Previous Ranking: NR

This ranking is based on the Wildcats returning one of the top six scorers — specifically Malachi Moreno — from a team that finished 22-14 and advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic, Washington transfers Zoom Diallo and Franck Kepnang, Washington State transfer Jerone Morton, James Madison transfer Justin McBride, Providence transfer Alex Wilkins, four-star prospect Mason Williams, and international prospect Ousmane N’Diaye.

FOX Sports

25. Kentucky

Previous Ranking: NR

Big Blue Nation was starting to worry that Kentucky wouldn’t have a top-25 roster. The late addition of Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic changes that. He was the top-ranked transfer available in May, and Kentucky landed him.

The retention of Malachi Moreno, who averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game last season, is also huge. He’s due for a breakout year. A projected starting five of Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Momcilovic, Ousmane N’Diaye, and Moreno looks very solid and should have Kentucky firmly in the top-25 conversation.

Aaron Torres

15. Kentucky Wildcats

Key Returnees: Malachi Moreno, Kam Williams, Braydon Hawthorne (redshirt), Trent Noah
Key Additions: Milan Momcilovic (transfer), Zoom Diallo (transfer), Alex Wilkins (transfer), Justin McBride (transfer), Jerone Morton (transfer), Franck Kepnang (transfer), Ousmane N’Diaye, Mason Williams, Zyon Hawthorne
Key Departures: Otega Oweh, Jayden Quaintance (NBA Draft), Collin Chandler (transfer), Jaland Lowe (transfer), Brandon Garrison (transfer), Denzel Aberdeen (transfer), Jasper Johnson (transfer), Mo Dioubate (transfer), Andrija Jelavic (transfer)

It took Mark Pope a little longer to finalize his roster than anyone (including Mark Pope) would’ve hoped. But he has his team, and I’ve got to say: I think it has a chance to be really good. And transparently, the pieces fit much better than they did a year ago.

The big splash was the most recent one, as the Wildcats added transfer star Milan Momcilovic. The former Iowa State star averaged 16.9 points on nearly 49 percent three-point shooting this year and should be able to continue to put up big stats in Pope’s system. Malachi Moreno could be a national breakout star after a productive freshman season and a very productive NBA Draft cycle where he was talked about as a buzzy, fringe first-round pick. And I personally believe the transfer backcourt of Zoom Diallo (Washington) and Alex Wilkins (Furman) fits better than most.

Finally, don’t sleep on returnees Kam Williams and Braydon Hawthorne (who redshirted this past year) as high-upside wings that can knock down shots.

For all the criticism of Pope this off-season — including by me

Also posted on A Sea of Blue.