Author: Mark
— Former Kentucky basketball star Sean Woods is officially returning to the sidelines this summer—but this time, he’s leading a new kind of Wildcat team. Woods has been named head coach of La Familia, the University of Kentucky’s official alumni squad competing in the 2025 edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT), a high-stakes, winner-take-all competition with a $1 million prize on the line. After serving as an assistant coach for La Familia during their impressive semifinal run last year, Woods now takes over as head coach with his sights set on going all the way. A key member of Kentucky’s…
In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, the nation’s No. 1 recruit has committed to Virginia Tech, choosing the Hokies over powerhouse programs such as Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas Tech. This unexpected commitment is a significant coup for Virginia Tech and a testament to the recruiting prowess of head coach Brent Pry. While the identity of the top-ranked recruit remains undisclosed, the commitment underscores the growing appeal of Virginia Tech’s football program. The Hokies have been making strategic moves to bolster their roster, including securing four-star wide receiver Matthew Outten, who chose Virginia Tech…
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has been named the 2025 Big Ten Coach of the Year, marking the fourth time he has received this prestigious honor. At 70 years old, Izzo becomes the oldest recipient of the award since its inception in 1977. In his 30th season at the helm, Izzo led the Spartans to a remarkable 26–5 overall record and a 17–3 mark in the Big Ten Conference, securing the program’s 11th regular-season conference title under his leadership. This achievement ties him with legendary coaches Bob Knight and Ward Lambert for the most Big Ten regular-season titles in…
In a bold and passionate endorsement, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope made headlines with his resounding confidence in five-star guard Jasper Johnson, a standout from the 2025 recruiting class. Pope’s comments not only underscore his belief in Johnson’s talent but also signal the kind of leadership and energy he brings into the new era of Kentucky basketball. “I feel like I was born to coach you,” Pope told Johnson during the recruitment process — a line that clearly struck a chord with the young star. That emotional connection played a significant role in Johnson’s decision to commit to the Wildcats,…
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is excited about the roster he’s built for the 2025–26 season, featuring 10 new additions: six from the transfer portal, three high school recruits, and one international player. Combined with returners like Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, and potentially Otega Oweh (if he withdraws from the NBA Draft by May 28), Pope believes this team has the makings of something special. In a segment with Michelle Knezovic, Pope offered 30-second scouting reports on each newcomer: Braydon Hawthorne: A 6-9 player with a 7-3 wingspan and growing; he can shoot, handle the ball, and make…
Mark Pope, head coach of Kentucky Basketball, is emphasizing more than just talent in his recruiting approach—he wants players who fully embrace the unique culture and experience of playing at Kentucky. Since taking the job last year, Pope has assembled a strong and deep roster, combining ten newcomers with four core returners from the team that reached the Sweet 16 last March. But beyond skill and athleticism, Pope is focused on “fit” — recruiting players who genuinely appreciate what it means to be a Kentucky Wildcat. In a recent interview with Matt Jones on Kentucky Sports Radio, Pope explained that…
As Mark Pope prepares for his second season at the helm of Kentucky basketball, he’s taking a candid look back at year one — a campaign that brought both historic highs and frustrating near-misses. Despite guiding the Wildcats to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019 and tying an all-time record for most top-15 wins in a single season, Pope isn’t content. In his own words, the team “failed at our job” by not hanging a championship banner. Pope recently spoke with Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), outlining both the successes and the shortcomings of his debut season. One of the…
In the ever-evolving landscape of basketball, it’s rare to find a player who seamlessly blends old-school grit with modern finesse. But according to Alabama standout Mark Sears, that’s exactly what Mo Dioubate brings to the court. In a recent interview, Sears didn’t hold back his praise, comparing Dioubate to none other than NBA legend Dennis Rodman — with a twist. “He’s like a skilled Dennis Rodman,” Sears said. “He has that same motor, that same hunger for rebounds, but he’s also got touch, timing, and the ability to score.” Standing 6’7″ with a wingspan that disrupts passing lanes and stifles…
In the face of unimaginable devastation, Big Blue Nation once again proved why it’s more than just a fanbase — it’s a family. After an EF-4 tornado tore through parts of Kentucky, leaving 19 people dead and thousands more without homes, BBN and UK Athletics rallied to make a difference. UK football’s Jager Burton and basketball’s Trent Noah led a powerful tornado relief drive at Kroger Field in Lexington on May 23-24. What began with an empty equipment truck — typically used to haul football gear — ended with a trailer bursting at the seams with essential supplies bound for…