Author: Gabby Har

There were a lot of heroes in Kentucky’s 91-83 win over Missouri. Chief among them is Andrew Carr, who finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds and looked like the Andrew Carr who came through in the clutch in some of the Cats’ biggest wins this season. After only playing 11 minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, Otega Oweh erupted for 20 points in the second, taking his total to a game-high 22. Koby Brea’s threes were massive early on and Amari Williams helped the Cats withstand a late Missouri rally.

The veterans did their part in CoMo, but the freshmen also deserve credit. Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, and Travis Perry combined for nine points in the first half, stepping up when Lamont Butler and Otega Oweh got into foul trouble. Noah and Perry both hit threes during Kentucky’s 11-0 run midway through the first half, with Perry’s three giving the Cats the lead at the 9:07 mark. Chandler’s defense was key, and his three at the halftime buzzer pushed Kentucky’s lead to nine. He scored five more points in the second half to take his total to eight, just days after scoring a career-high 11 points vs. LSU.

“I thought Collin gave us — I thought the three freshmen were elite tonight,” Mark Pope said afterward. “There were three or four possessions where we were getting late in the shot clock, and they just stayed diligent and aggressive, like busting it, trying to get downhill to two feet in the lane, and then finding the next guy and busting to get to two feet in the lane, and then with two seconds left on the shot clock, finally making a play.

“I was getting nervous,” Pope admitted. “I was getting anxious. I’m like, ‘Guys, the shot clock’s running down!’ But they were, they were super poised. And the best thing was if they were going to make a mistake, they were going to make our mistake. I thought they were great.”

As Kentucky has battled injuries this season, Chandler, Perry, and Noah have all played more minutes. Oweh said today’s performance is proof that experience is paying off at the perfect time.

“That just shows the makeup of our team,” Oweh told Goose Givens after the game. “Even these past couple of weeks, and even the month, I would say, our roster has been kind of different. It’s been fluctuating in terms of people being injured and stuff like that. So a lot of the young guys had to grow up quick. So, that just shows that we’re much deeper now than the young guys, they’re ready to play, and they know what it takes to be out there and really contribute. Those young guys, they did a great job.”

Pope went a step further, telling Tom Leach that the freshmen executed Kentucky’s game plan even better than the veterans at times today. In the first half, Perry had a plus/minus efficiency of +10, Noah +7, and Chandler +4.

The Duke Blue Devils ended their regular season on a high note, securing a crucial win over North Carolina in Chapel Hill. This victory not only solidified their No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament but also strengthened their case for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday.

While Duke’s postseason aspirations remain the primary focus, a larger conversation looms in the background-Cooper Flagg’s future. The freshman sensation has been nothing short of spectacular, leading Duke in multiple statistical categories and firmly establishing himself as the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft.

While some reports have suggested that Flagg might consider coming back for a second season, NBA Draft expert Krysten Peek quickly shut down those rumors.

“Anyone who thinks he’s coming back to college for another year (miracle NIL be it) is completely delusional. Cooper’s had an unbelievable season. He’s ready for the NBA. He’s earned that No. 1 slot. Let’s stop the clickbait please,” Peek wrote.

March Madness is approaching, with the first starting with Selection Sunday on March 16, when 68 teams will play in 2025. This year’s headliner is the future first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft and future National Player of the Year, Cooper Flagg. Flagg will join Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson as the only rookies to win the award, but most importantly, he now has Duke as the No.

1 team in the nation. He is the best player on the best team, and he is on pace to become the first freshman in Division I history to lead his team in every major statistical category – points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Flagg ended the season with a win over hated rival North Carolina adding 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists, four block with season averages of 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4 assists.

During a hotly contested rivalry game against North Carolina, Flagg’s mother, Kelly, made headlines with her passionate response to the hostile behavior of UNC fans. After witnessing her son’s explosive second-half performance, Kelly was seen loudly admonishing Tar Heel fans. She later took to social media to denounce their unsportsmanlike behavior, calling their actions “classless” and highlighting the intense pressure her family, including her 18-year-old son and his teammates, faced throughout the contest.

Flagg’s impact extends beyond individual games. At the beginning of the season with 17 years old, he set an ACC freshman record with a 42-point performance against Notre Dame and routinely posts multiple 20-point double-doubles. His performances have not only vaulted Duke to the top of the AP Top 25 poll, but also positioned the Blue Devils as a formidable March Madness contender. With his sights set on a future as the likely first overall pick in the NBA Draft, expectations are high for his continued success. The mission for Duke is clear: win the program’s first championship in more than a decade and begin the legacy of head coach Jon Scheyer.

Duke is emerging as one of the nation’s elite teams, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg and the upcoming NCAA Tournament. As the pressure mounts, Flagg’s on-court leadership will be crucial to Duke’s deep run in March Madness. The Blue Devils‘ impressive season, bolstered by Flagg’s record-breaking performances, has set the stage for an exciting postseason. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can keep the momentum going and lead Duke to a championship. In a season defined by historic accomplishments and fiery rivalries, the future looks both challenging and bright for Cooper Flagg. As Duke prepares for the high-stakes battle of March Madness, Flagg’s next few games will not only solidify his individual legacy, but could also determine the fate of one of college basketball’s most promising teams.

In an exciting moment for Duke basketball, Cooper Flagg has officially set a new milestone, breaking the program’s all-time games played record. With **138 games and counting**, Flagg’s incredible consistency and dedication have etched his name in the history books of one of college basketball’s most prestigious programs.

Flagg, known for his remarkable skill, leadership, and resilience, has become a cornerstone of the Blue Devils’ success over his career. His commitment to the team and the game has made him a fan favorite, and this record-breaking achievement only adds to his legacy at Duke.

Throughout his time with the Blue Devils, Flagg has played in countless memorable moments, contributing to the team in various ways—whether with electrifying plays on offense, lockdown defense, or his unrelenting work ethic that sets the tone for the team. His journey to 138 games is a testament to his durability and passion for the game, and he’s done so while maintaining a high level of performance in one of the most competitive environments in college sports.

As the Blue Devils prepare for the rest of the season, Flagg’s leadership on and off the court will continue to be invaluable. Fans have been quick to celebrate the achievement, reflecting on some of Flagg’s greatest moments, from game-winning shots to his stellar defensive plays that have made him an unforgettable part of Duke basketball lore.

So, Blue Devils fans, this is your chance to celebrate one of the program’s all-time greats! Drop a 🎉 in the comments to congratulate Cooper Flagg and share your favorite moments from his incredible career at Duke. Here’s to many more milestones for this incredible player!

In an unprecedented move, Indiana Hoosiers basketball star Malik Reneau has signed a lifetime contract with the university valued at a staggering $500 million. The deal, believed to be the largest ever in college basketball history, has sent shockwaves through the sports world. The agreement ensures that Reneau will remain with the Hoosiers for the entirety of his career, with substantial incentives tied to performance and team success.

The contract is a game-changer, not just in terms of its financial magnitude but also for the precedent it sets in the rapidly evolving world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights in college athletics. Reneau, who has shown immense potential in his early seasons, is seen as the centerpiece of Indiana’s program moving forward. The deal, which was finalized this week, has sparked debates about the future of college athletics, as universities increasingly turn to financial power to lock in their top players.

However, the announcement has already sparked controversy. Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has publicly called for a thorough investigation into the deal, questioning the legality and fairness of such a massive financial commitment to a single player. “This sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine the integrity of college sports,” Venables said in a statement.

With both excitement and concern surrounding Reneau’s lifetime deal, the landscape of college athletics may be on the brink of a major transformation. As investigations unfold, all eyes will be on Indiana and the potential ripple effects of this groundbreaking contract.

In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the basketball community, Mark Pope, the highly successful head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, has decided to leave his post and accept a lucrative contract offer from an NBA team. Pope’s unexpected departure has shocked fans, players, and analysts alike, leaving many to question the impact on Kentucky’s future.

Pope, who had rejuvenated the Wildcats’ program since taking over as head coach, has enjoyed remarkable success with his ability to recruit top-tier talent and lead the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Under his leadership, Kentucky returned to prominence, with many regarding him as one of the brightest minds in college basketball.

While the identity of the NBA team that made the offer remains undisclosed, sources close to the situation suggest it was a high-profile franchise with championship aspirations. Pope’s move comes at a time when the NBA is increasingly looking to college basketball for fresh coaching talent, seeking leaders who can connect with young players and bring a modern, high-paced style of play to the professional level.

Fans of the Wildcats are reeling from the announcement, as Pope had become synonymous with Kentucky’s basketball identity. The Wildcats will now look for a replacement who can continue the momentum Pope built, although expectations will be high for his successor to fill some very big shoes.

In a statement, Pope expressed his gratitude to Kentucky’s loyal fanbase, players, and staff, citing the opportunity to coach in the NBA as a “once-in-a-lifetime” career move. He said, “I’ll always carry the pride of the Wildcats with me, but this new chapter is something I couldn’t pass up.”

Kentucky’s athletic department now faces the daunting task of finding a new head coach who can continue the Wildcats’ winning tradition.

Class of 2025 forward Bryson Tiller will announce his college decision on Nov. 10, 247Sports national analyst Eric Bossi reported on Tuesday.

IU is one of four schools vying for a commitment from the Atlanta product.  His announcement will come on the Sunday before the start of the Early Signing Period.

Tiller narrowed his recruitment a few weeks ago to Indiana, Georgia Tech, Auburn and Kansas.

The 6-foot-9 Tiller is a 4-star and currently the No. 21 overall player in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Average.

Playing for Overtime Elite in his hometown, he averaged 12.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in 2023-24.

Tiller took an official visit to Indiana in December when Indiana faced Kansas.

“The atmosphere (at Indiana) was amazing,” Tiller told The Daily Hoosier in February. “How they play is amazing. They run an NBA style. Coach Woodson obviously has years of experience. It was a really good visit. I enjoyed my time there.”

Tiller’s visits to his other finalists have all been more recent.  He took a total of three visits to Kansas, including two over the last few months.

Thus far, the Hoosiers have one commit in the 2025 class, in-state forward Trent Sisley, who is playing this season for Montverde Academy.  2025 in-state guard Braylon Mullins announces his commitment on Wednesday, with UConn being the expected destination.

Not often has Kentucky been the under-dog at the SEC tournament, but that is where Mark Pope and this team finds itself heading to Nashville

For years, the SEC Tournament was Kentucky’s playground. From 2015 to 2019, the Wildcats rattled off 13 consecutive wins in the event, collecting four championships in five seasons. But lately, Nashville has become a house of horrors. Since their last SEC Tournament title in 2018, Kentucky is just 1-5 in the event, suffering losses to the likes of Mississippi State, Vanderbilt (twice), and Texas A&M. By the time the Wildcats take the floor in Bridgestone Arena this March, it will have been three full years since their last SEC Tournament victory.

John Calipari never made it a secret that he wasn’t a big believer in the conference tournament. He routinely downplayed its importance, viewing it as more of a hassle than an opportunity. When Kentucky was a dominant force, he could afford to take that stance, as deep NCAA Tournament runs overshadowed whatever happened in Nashville. But as the SEC field has grown stronger and Kentucky basketball’s postseason struggles have mounted, the tournament has become more than just a glorified tune-up—it’s now an essential proving ground.

Enter Mark Pope, a coach who sees the event in an entirely different light. “This is why you play, ultimately,” Pope said. “We’re here to win. We do all this work to win. That’s why we’re here, is to go win, especially the University of Kentucky; here, nothing less than that is acceptable.”

That mindset is a stark contrast to Calipari’s dismissive approach, and it might be exactly what Kentucky needs to rediscover its edge. Pope understands what Kentucky basketball means: a championship mentality every time the Wildcats step on the floor, whether it’s November, March, or anywhere in between.

It took Kentucky from 2009 to 2016 to lose five SEC Tournament games under Calipari. Since 2019, they’ve already matched that total. A program that once struck fear into the rest of the league now finds itself as just another participant in Nashville. The numbers tell the story:

The last time Kentucky played in an SEC Tournament final was 2019. Since then, programs like Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas A&M have taken control of the event while Kentucky has floundered.

For years, Calipari’s messaging to fans and media was the same: the SEC Tournament doesn’t matter. In his mind, seeding for the NCAA Tournament was more important, and the risk of injury or fatigue outweighed any benefit of making a deep run in Nashville. But that philosophy didn’t just affect how the fans viewed the event—it impacted the players as well.

Kentucky routinely entered the SEC Tournament with a disinterested energy, and the results reflected that. The Wildcats lost in the quarterfinals in 2021, 2023, and 2024, and when they did win a game in 2022, they followed it up with a flat semifinal performance against Tennessee. That year, they carried that same lackluster effort into the NCAA Tournament, where they suffered one of the most humiliating losses in program history to 15-seed Saint Peter’s.

That’s why Pope’s perspective is so refreshing. Kentucky basketball isn’t about cherry-picking when to care about games—it’s about winning every time they step on the floor. Pope understands that the SEC Tournament isn’t just another weekend; it’s a statement opportunity. It’s a chance to show that Kentucky is still the standard in the conference.

If Pope’s words translate into action, Kentucky could finally return to its rightful place atop the SEC Tournament. It’s no longer an event they can take for granted. It’s a proving ground, a battle, and most importantly, a title they need to reclaim. With Pope at the helm, Kentucky’s mindset is shifting—and it might just be what gets them back to cutting down nets in Nashville if not this year, soon.

The Cats were a little all over the place at times. A little Jekyll and a little Hyde, but they were always fun to watch. See how each player graded out for the entire regular season.

The 2024-2025 regular season slung the Kentucky Wildcats through a whirlwind of soaring highs and gut-punching lows, a gritty proving ground where players either rose like legends or wrestled with doubt. Injuries tested their steel, unsung heroes stepped into the spotlight, and every dribble carried the weight of adversity—here’s how each Wildcat stacked up as we slap report card grades on their rollercoaster ride.

Kerr Kriisa (Guard)

• Stats: 17.33 MPG, 4.44 PPG, 2.44 RPG, 3.78 APG, 0.44 SPG, 0.22 BPG, 1.00 TO, 1.11 PF
• Grade: C+
• Analysis: Kerr Kriisa’s season was marred by a foot injury that kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season. When healthy, Kriisa showed flashes of being a key energy guy, but his limited availability hindered his overall impact.

Koby Brea (Guard)

• Stats: 27.03 MPG, 11.23 PPG, 3.16 RPG, 1.23 APG, 0.52 SPG, 0.32 BPG, 0.42 TO, 1.39 PF
• Grade: B+
• Analysis: Brea was a consistent offensive contributor, especially during the stretches where Kentucky dealt with injury troubles. His efficient shooting and ability to provide scoring off the bench were valuable, though his defense lagged at times. He has shown great growth in being a two way player, while also keeping the sweetest jump shot in college basketball.

Andrew Carr (Forward)

• Stats: 23.60 MPG, 10.20 PPG, 4.83 RPG, 1.77 APG, 0.60 SPG, 0.60 BPG, 0.87 TO, 2.00 PF
• Grade: B-
• Analysis: Andrew Carr’s performance was a rollercoaster. When healthy, he was a solid forward option capable of rebounding well and scoring efficiently. However, his injury issues limited his effectiveness. His play against Missouri late in the season was a glimpse of his potential, and a reminder that when healthy, he may just be the X factor.

• Amari Williams (Center)

  • Stats: 22.45 MPG, 11.00 PPG, 8.68 RPG, 3.10 APG, 0.52 SPG, 1.26 BPG, 2.35 TO, 2.23 PF
  • Grade: A
  • Analysis: Williams proved to be a force in the paint. His rebounding and shot-blocking were crucial for Kentucky’s interior defense, while his offensive contributions made him a consistent double-double threat. A triple double, and several huge games showed just how great he can be. Occasional turnover issues were his only drawback this season.

  Lamont Butler (Guard)

  • Stats: 26.22 MPG, 11.87 PPG, 2.83 RPG, 4.39 APG, 1.65 SPG, 0.22 BPG, 2.09 TO, 2.65 PF
  • Grade: B
  • Analysis: Butler was a key piece for the Wildcats, particularly down the stretch. His playmaking and defensive intensity stood out, especially when Kentucky needed stability with other guards injured. His turnover rate, however, was higher than ideal and his shooting went away during the later part of the season.

  • Jaxson Robinson (Guard)

    • Stats: 28.04 MPG, 13.04 PPG, 3.50 RPG, 1.71 APG, 0.58 SPG, 0.46 BPG, 0.92 TO, 1.88 PF
    • Grade: B+
    • Analysis: Robinson was Kentucky’s most reliable scorer throughout the season. Even when injuries ravaged the lineup, he continued to put up points. His three-point shooting and overall offensive efficiency were critical to the team’s success, his wrist just couldn’t hold out long enough to get a run in the NCAA tournament.

    Otega Oweh (Guard)

    • Stats: 28.06 MPG, 16.16 PPG, 4.65 RPG, 1.58 APG, 1.55 SPG, 0.52 BPG, 1.35 TO, 2.58 PF
    • Grade: A+
    • Analysis: Oweh emerged as Kentucky’s most dynamic offensive player. His scoring ability and defensive tenacity made him invaluable, particularly in big games. He delivered clutch performances against highly-ranked opponents and displayed impressive consistency for most of the season. The only drawback is he does get lost defensively at times, while other times he is a lockdown defender.

    • Brandon Garrison (Forward)

      • Stats: 17.43 MPG, 5.93 PPG, 3.97 RPG, 1.93 APG, 0.73 SPG, 0.67 BPG, 1.20 TO, 1.97 PF
      • Grade: C
      • Analysis: Garrison was a reliable rotation player who provided solid minutes off the bench. His passing for a forward was a pleasant surprise, and he contributed on both ends of the court when called upon. He also was very inconsistent and struggled to stay under control at times.

      Colin Chandler (Guard)

      • Stats: 9.20 MPG, 2.28 PPG, 0.88 RPG, 0.72 APG, 0.60 SPG, 0.08 BPG, 0.76 TO, 1.08 PF
      • Grade: C+
      • Analysis: Chandler’s limited minutes made it difficult to have a significant impact, but he had moments where he displayed potential as a contributor. More consistency and opportunity could elevate his role in the future, as we have seen over the last 2 weeks. Chandler is rounding in to form at the right time.

      • Trent Noah (Forward)

        • Stats: 10.84 MPG, 2.58 PPG, 1.95 RPG, 0.37 APG, 0.11 SPG, 0.05 BPG, 0.37 TO, 1.11 PF
        • Grade: C+
        • Analysis: Noah’s impact was minimal for stretches of the season, and then as injuries piled up, he showed up in big moments. His defensive presence needs improvement to see more playing time, but there were real flashes there.

        Travis Perry (Guard)

        • Stats: 9.25 MPG, 2.61 PPG, 0.79 RPG, 0.57 APG, 0.39 SPG, 0.04 BPG, 0.68 TO, 0.93 PF
        • Grade: C
        • Analysis: Perry had a limited role but showed flashes of scoring ability. He was beaten too easily on defense, and his shot never really found rhythm.

Overall, the Wildcats showed tremendous potential despite injuries and inconsistency. With postseason play looming, big blue nation will hope every player raises their game. Agree with us, or think we are way off base?

In a stunning move, Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, has secured a record-breaking contract extension with the team. The Vikings announced today that O’Connell has agreed to a five-year extension worth $12.5 million, locking him in as the franchise’s leader through the 2031 season.

This unprecedented deal comes as a surprise to many, as O’Connell’s previous contract was set to expire after the 2025 season. The extension, which is the largest ever for a Vikings head coach, underscores the team’s belief in O’Connell’s leadership and vision. Under his guidance, the Vikings have seen significant improvement, making the playoffs in his first season as head coach in 2022, and continuing to show promise in the 2023 season.

O’Connell, who took over the team in 2022 after serving as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, has been instrumental in revitalizing the Vikings’ offense. His offensive schemes have been lauded for their creativity, and his ability to develop quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a major factor in the team’s recent success. The Vikings finished the 2022 season with a 13-4 record, and while they faced challenges in the playoffs, the team has remained optimistic about the future under O’Connell’s leadership.

Speaking about the new deal, O’Connell expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue working with the team and fans, stating, “I’m honored to lead this incredible organization and am excited for what’s ahead. We’re building something special here, and I’m committed to delivering a championship to Minnesota.”

The record-breaking extension is a clear signal that the Vikings are fully invested in O’Connell’s future, as they aim to build a perennial contender in the NFC.