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Kentucky Wildcats

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Mitchell Heads to Kentucky for a Championship-Focused Fifth Year
sports2 days ago

Mitchell Heads to Kentucky for a Championship-Focused Fifth Year

Missouri star Mark Mitchell used the NCAA’s expanded five-year rule and a court-ordered transfer window to enter the transfer portal and commit to Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats for a championship-focused final season under coach Mark Pope. After discussions with his family and representation, he cited a fit with Kentucky’s system, the chance to compete for a title, and his versatility as a player who can contribute as a team-first leader in the SEC.

via On3|
#college-basketball-sec#fifth-year-eligibility#kentucky-wildcats
UK weighs TJ Harden as Backfield Boost
sports4 days ago

UK weighs TJ Harden as Backfield Boost

Kentucky is reportedly weighing TJ Harden, the former UCLA/SMU running back who rushed for 787 yards and 9 TDs for SMU in 2025, after a brief NFL preseason stint with Seattle where he was waived and entered the transfer portal following a Louisiana TRO that temporarily opened a fifth-year eligibility window. UK is one of four schools (Kansas, Baylor, Syracuse) evaluating Harden and has already added two junior college backs this summer, but depth at running back remains a concern. If Harden joins, he would bring proven Power Conference production and could bolster the Wildcats ahead of the Sept. 5 season opener vs Youngstown State.

via On3|
#college-football#kentucky-wildcats#running-back
Mitchell’s TRO Opens Fifth-Year Eligibility, Immediate Transfer Window
sports4 days ago

Mitchell’s TRO Opens Fifth-Year Eligibility, Immediate Transfer Window

A Kentucky-linked NCAA transfer case resulted in a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction for Missouri star Mark Mitchell, granting a fifth year of eligibility for 2026-27 and an immediate one-week transfer-portal window for the plaintiffs, along with relief related to pro contracts and practices; the ruling follows a Colorado stay and could spur more state lawsuits, with Kentucky likely among Mitchell’s first calls.

via On3|
#fifth-year-of-eligibility#kentucky-wildcats#mark-mitchell
Lee Boosts La Familia Ahead of TBT 2016 Showdown
sports1 month ago

Lee Boosts La Familia Ahead of TBT 2016 Showdown

Former Kentucky forward Marcus Lee has joined La Familia for The Basketball Tournament (TBT) 2016, boosting the Wildcats alumni squad as it prepares for a best-of-three opener against The Ville. The roster sits at ten after Reid Travis and Quade Green withdrew and Archie Goodwin cannot play Game 1 due to a scheduling conflict. La Familia’s GM Twany Beckham says the group is talented and ready to compete, with Lee bringing size and pro experience from UK (2013–16), Cal, and overseas, plus prior TBT stints with the Bluegrass Boys (2019) and the Aftershocks (2023).

via On3|
#basketball#kentucky-wildcats#la-familia
UK Wildcats alums land on 14 NBA Summer League rosters
sports1 month ago

UK Wildcats alums land on 14 NBA Summer League rosters

More than a dozen former Kentucky Wildcats are set to play in three NBA Summer League events this July, with 14 players on official rosters across the California Classic, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas; notables include Jacob Toppin (Hawks), Amari Williams (Celtics), Jaxson Robinson (Cavaliers), Bryce Hopkins (Nuggets), Ugonna Onyenso (Pistons), Keion Brooks Jr. (Pacers), Adou Thiero (Lakers), Brandon Boston Jr. (Bucks), Lance Ware (Knicks), Otega Oweh (Thunder), TyTy Washington Jr. (Magic), Devin Askew (Suns), Koby Brea (Suns), Andrew Carr (Trail Blazers); Jayden Quaintance is OUT due to a knee injury, with more UK players possible before Las Vegas begins.

via On3|
#basketball#college-basketball#kentucky-wildcats
Moreno projected as a likely first-round pick in 2027 NBA mock drafts
basketball2 months ago

Moreno projected as a likely first-round pick in 2027 NBA mock drafts

Early 2027 NBA mock drafts from ESPN, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, On3 and NBA Draft Room all project Kentucky seven‑foot center Malachi Moreno as a likely first‑round pick, with various outlets listing him around Nos. 20–31 (and in the 30s on ESPN’s board). Moreno, coming off an All‑SEC Freshman season, averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks in 22.6 minutes per game in 2025‑26 and chose to return to Kentucky to continue developing, aiming to solidify a first‑round selection next June.

via On3|
#2027-nba-draft#basketball#first-round-pick
Quaintance Knee Issue Won’t Haunt Career; Clean-Up Could Come Before NBA Debut
sports2 months ago

Quaintance Knee Issue Won’t Haunt Career; Clean-Up Could Come Before NBA Debut

A top knee doctor says Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance’s knee isn’t expected to be a long‑term concern ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft; a secondary evaluation suggests a potential cleanup procedure to address the injury, which could sideline him for up to six months but would aim for a durable, long NBA career. His ACL is intact, and the move could gap his rookie season, though it helped secure his No. 20 selection by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 draft after predraft workouts.

via On3|
#basketball#jayden-quaintance#kentucky-wildcats
Oweh’s Draft Stock Surges as Mock Drafts Eye Bulls Fit
sports2 months ago

Oweh’s Draft Stock Surges as Mock Drafts Eye Bulls Fit

Kentucky’s Otega Oweh is rising in NBA mock drafts after a strong NBA Draft Combine, with CBS Sports projecting him at No. 38 to the Chicago Bulls (via a trade). Other outlets vary, placing him later (e.g., 43 to the Nets, 50–56 range) as teams weigh medicals and his two-way potential, while teammate Quaintance also climbs. In short, Oweh’s improved athleticism, scoring, defense and spot-up shooting have him trending toward a first-to-second-round selection.

via On3|
#chicago-bulls#jayden-quaintance#kentucky-wildcats
Kentucky’s Quaintance and Oweh spark NBA Draft chatter
sports2 months ago

Kentucky’s Quaintance and Oweh spark NBA Draft chatter

Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance and guard Otega Oweh are the focal point of NBA mock drafts as the Wildcats finalize their roster; Quaintance is projected to go somewhere in the late first to early second round (roughly Nos. 16–23) with his stock affected by medical evaluations after knee issues, while Oweh is viewed as a second-round to late-second-round prospect (around Nos. 43–57) or possibly undrafted, with outlets varying on his ceiling; the piece lists several projections and notes Kentucky could have at least one player drafted in Quaintance ahead of the two-night draft on June 23–24.

via A Sea Of Blue|
#kentucky-wildcats#mock-drafts#nba-draft
UK defensive lineman Nic Smith dies at 20, no foul play suspected
sports2 months ago

UK defensive lineman Nic Smith dies at 20, no foul play suspected

University of Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith, 20, was found dead in a residence hall with authorities indicating no foul play; he had not appeared in a game for the Wildcats and was set as a redshirt freshman. Smith, a former Walnut Grove High School athlete in Georgia, was part of UK’s Community Leadership and Development program and was nicknamed “Happy” and “Big Happ.” The investigation continues in coordination with the coroner’s office and university officials.

via New York Post|
#college-football#kentucky-wildcats#nic-smith
Kentucky Wildcats Mourn Loss of Nic Smith, Redshirt Freshman Defensive Lineman
sports2 months ago

Kentucky Wildcats Mourn Loss of Nic Smith, Redshirt Freshman Defensive Lineman

The University of Kentucky announced the death of Nic 'Happy' Smith, a redshirt freshman defensive lineman from Longville, Georgia. Smith was a sophomore in the Community Leadership and Development program and redshirted last season. UK coach Will Stein expressed heartbreak and said the team will support one another as they honor his memory, with resources available through the Office for Student Success.

via WDRB|
#college-football#kentucky-wildcats#nic-smith
Kentucky football mourns the loss of Nic Smith at 20
sports2 months ago

Kentucky football mourns the loss of Nic Smith at 20

Kentucky announced the death of 20-year-old redshirt freshman defensive lineman Nic Smith, nicknamed 'Big Happ,' describing him as a happy, friendly teammate. A three-star recruit from Loganville, Georgia, Smith was in Kentucky’s Community Leadership and Development program and is survived by his parents and six siblings. The university and head coach Will Stein offered condolences and asked for privacy as the team and community grieve.

via On3|
#college-football#football#kentucky-wildcats