Previewing Kentucky-Louisville baseball, a look at where things stand with Class of 2017 players arriving on campus and Governor's Cup updates.
Plus, the Phoenix Suns were amazed with Malik Monk's range and could the Sacramento Kings really trade both first round picks to make sure they land De'Aaron Fox?
That and much more in today's CatsIllustrated.com Newsstand.
2017 CLASS UPDATE
"On Tuesday at the Governor's Cup Luncheon, Mark Stoops said most but not all of players in Kentucky's Class of 2017 would be joining the program in the near future, if they haven't already.
Wondering who he might be referring to?
We try to piece everything together."
COMMITMENT
"Shortly after Poore's commitment he told CatsIllustrated.com that he committed because, 'UK believed in me and pulled the trigger first. I believe in them and have a great opportunity starting my freshman year and looking forward to competing for the starting role.'
Poore has said that Kentucky has recruited him to handle all of the kicking duties (placekicking, kickoffs, punts, etc).
'Toured the new facilities, stadium and campus,' he said. 'Loved it all. Felt like home and knew it would work out for me.'"
BASEBALL PODCAST
Derek Terry comes on the CatsIllustrated.com podcast for a baseball-only edition. The discussion covers a look back at the Lexington Regional that was, a preview of UK-Louisville and where Nick Mingione now has the program.
SCHEDULE SET
"Kentucky announced its entire 2017-2018 out-of-conference schedule on Tuesday afternoon.
The majority of the out-of-conference games were announced but today UK confirmed games and dates against Utah Valley, Vermont, East Tennessee State, Troy, Fort Wayne and rival Louisville. All of those newly announced games will take place at Rupp Arena.
The annual Bluegrass Battle against the Cardinals will take place on Friday, Dec. 29th on CBS. No time has been set."
BLUEGRASS RIVALRY
"This was back during the ACC baseball tournament, when Louisville was struggling to score against Florida State, and a woman wearing red shouted out a plea to her Cardinals.
“We need more points!”
Oh, dear. Well, it’s the state of Kentucky. They’re pretty hoop-minded."
LINK: Kentucky, Louisville prepare for Bluegrass showdown in Super Regionals
ADEBAYO UPDATE
"One thing was apparent watching Kentucky power forward Bam Adebayo this past college basketball season.
He can definitely run and jump at an NBA level.
A walking highlight reel, Adebayo lived at the rim with more than 100 dunks in 38 games for the Wildcats, who saw their season end in the Elite Eight round to eventual national champion North Carolina."
LINK: Kentucky PF Bam Adebayo works out for Pistons, says he can also shoot
"Is Bam Adebayo the answer to the Indiana Pacers problems from last season, or does he represent a future that rebuilds around Myles Turner?
While his one year in college certainly looks promising, his résumé is short enough to give teams pause before taking him too early in the first round. Whoever takes Adebayo must work to expand on the skills we’ve seen from him and either improve or minimize his most obvious flaws."
MONK WORKS OUT FOR SUNS
"Teams can never have enough shooters. In the NBA. In the NCAA. High school.
The saying fits for all levels of basketball.
In the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are the perfect example. With two of the best shooters in the game in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, they’ve put themselves in position to win their second championship in three years."
LINK: With an eye toward shooting, the Phoenix Suns work out Malik Monk
"“What’s your shooting range?”
“I don’t have any,” Monk said, his smile wide. “As soon as I walk in the gym.”
So how does your range compare to Stephen Curry’s?
“Mine is further than his,” Monk replied."
LINK: Phoenix Suns wowed by Malik Monk's shooting range
"There's an expression Martin Brody makes the first time he spots Jaws. The muscles in his face freeze. His eyes retreat from their surface. The cigarette he's been smoking dangles loosely from the corner of his mouth. He looks as if somebody stabbed him in both cheeks with needles full of Novocain.
I imagine this is the expression now on the face of anybody who began the NBA Finals thinking the Sixers should draft Malik Monk at No. 3 overall.
LINK: Malik Monk may be safe choice for Sixers at No. 3, but he's the wrong one
"First and foremost Monk is an explosive scorer, capable of taking games over in an instant. His full array of shot-making skills were on full display in Kentucky’s early season non-conference game against the eventual champion Carolina Tar Heels. Monk went head-to-head with UNC’s Justin Jackson and provided the best individual performance for the entire NCAA season scoring 47 points. That point total also places him atop the Kentucky record books for most points scored in a single game by a freshman."
FOX CLIMBING
"If teams account for the projection of Fox as an average shooter from 3-point range, he will continue to leap up the draft board as a top prospect available.
In fact, recent reports indicate teams may be interested in trading up to select Fox. One franchise linked to the point guard is the Kings, who have already met with him."
LINK: Fox climbing draft boards and teams may trade up for him
"The Sacramento Kings may have decided on their point guard of the future: Kentucky freshman De’Aaron Fox.
And according to ESPN insider Chad Ford’s latest mock draft, there’s talk within the organization to trade the No. 5 and No. 10 picks to move up in the draft to ensure that Fox is in a Kings uniform next season."
LINK: Report says Kings willing to trade both of its picks for Fox
GOVERNOR'S CUP UPDATES
"UK football coach Mark Stoops and Louisville coach Bobby Petrino held a press conference at the Governor's Cup Luncheon on Tuesday. Here are the main takeaways from Stoops' portion."
LINK: Quick hitters on the big items from Stoops' appearance
BEST-CASE SCENARIO
"With a pitching staff nearly in shambles after pitching 36 innings in three days, UK baseball coach Nick Mingione met with his staff in the locker room prior to Monday’s game and thought of the best-case scenario.
Regular weekend starter Zach Logue, closer Logan Salow and SEC Pitcher of the Year Sean Hjelle were the three names the coaches settled on to give the Wildcats their best chance to advance to a super regional for the first time in school history."
LINK: With pitching staff depleted, 'best-case scenario' led UK to regional win
RECRUITING GIANTS
"It took until the calendar hit June, but we now have every top-100 prospect off the board. On Saturday, the lone remaining five-star in the high school class of 2017 finally committed. His name is Brian Bowen and he's going to play at Louisville next season. (An outcome basically no one predicted less than two weeks ago.)
On Monday, the final domino fell when four-star point guard Tremont Waters, who was originally committed to Gorgetown, flipped to LSU. With the final two pieces locking into place, we can now evaluate the cream of the recruiting crop this year.
Specifically, the top two. You know who I'm talking about."
LINK: UK and Duke are the best in recruiting, but Arizona isn't too far behind
GAME TIMES SET
"Louisville will host the super regional that pits the Cats and Cards against one another after both programs took care of business in the home regionals they hosted in recent days.
Friday and Saturday's games will begin at 12 p.m. ET.
The teams are guaranteed to play on Friday and Saturday because the super regional is a best-of-three series with a trip to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., on the line. If a third game is required, that will also take place at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday."
OFFER RUNDOWN
"The summer camp season is nearly upon us and that will bring a wave of news and scoop on plenty of 2018, 2019 and 2020 recruits. But before those camps Kentucky's coaches have been sending out a round of new offers.
Recently, the Cats have offered some of the nation's top prospects from the 2019 and 2020 classes."
LINK: UK offers some of the nation's most talented underclassmen
WHAT YOU'RE SAYING
"Read all about what Kentucky fans are saying on the biggest Big Blue Nation topics right here in Best of the Boards.
It's our periodic look at the top fan takes here at CatsIllustrated.com, home of the largest, most active communities of Kentucky fans online."
