Day one of the third Nike EYBL session — hosted in Indianapolis — of the 2024 season is officially in the books, and KSR had boots on the ground for all of it.

Even though there were only four sets of games (a small amount compared to the rest of the weekend), there was still plenty for us to learn. College coaches were allowed to watch live and in person. Several of Kentucky’s top targets showed out for them, too. We’ve already dropped a couple of interviews from these performances with more on the way. LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony even made appearances at the Pacers Athletic Center. It was a big crowd with plenty of high-level basketball.

And it’s only going to get crazier on Saturday, with games beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST and ending at 6:30 p.m. EST. There’s a lot more basketball in store and we’ll be covering it all on the website and over on KSBoard. While you wait, dive into our top takeaways from Friday’s opening session.

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Mark Pope was in the building

And he wasn’t the only one. When KSR traveled to the first Nike EYBL session last month in Memphis, there were no college coaches. Due to NCAA rules, they are only allowed to attend AAU events during certain days throughout the spring/summer. This weekend in Indy marks the first stretch of days that coaches can sit baseline and watch their top targets in person.

Joining Mark Pope in Indy was assistant Jason Hart. We arrived just in time for the start of Friday’s games and we quickly spotted Pope and Hart roaming the crowds. Pope was — as you might have guessed — constantly being stopped by his fellow coaches and plenty of fans (not limited to Kentucky ones, either). But he was front and center to check out the likes of Caleb Wilson, Jasper Johnson, AJ Dybantsa, Jerry Easter, and more. Hart also made the rounds, sometimes joining Pope and sometimes going off on his own to watch other prospects.

Admittedly, having Pope and Hart to follow around made life much easier for us — we had a clearer idea of who the Kentucky staff was focusing on. But it was also quite strange to see some of the coaches across the country now representing different colors. We saw Orlando Antigua in an Illinois hat, Kenny Payne and Chin Coleman rocking Arkansas gear, and Eric Musselman in a red shirt with a giant USC logo on the front.

It was… weird (No, John Calipari did not make the trip). But it does make for a more exciting atmosphere. Not to say the players didn’t take the games as seriously in the first two sessions, but there is certainly an added sense of competition with the likes of Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina watching the action unfold.

— Zack Geoghegan

Will Riley dropped FORTY-TWO points

In what might have been the most impressive individual performance I’ve ever seen on the AAU circuit, Kentucky target Will Riley exploded during his first game in Indy. I had the chance to watch him impress in Memphis a few weeks ago, but this was another level of elite shot-making.

Riley, a 6-foot-8 wing ranked No. 9 overall in the 2025 class by On3, dropped 42 points in a dominant 100-60 win for UPlay over Team Durant. He missed just one shot, going 15-16 from the field. The lone look he missed came with roughly two minutes left in the game and the outcome already decided. Riley canned all five of his three-point attempts and went a perfect 7-7 from the line. He also chipped in five assists and two rebounds with just one turnover.

It didn’t matter how he got his points either. Whether it was spinning his way into the lane, pulling up from deep, or finishing tough shots at the rim, Riley was giving out buckets to the rotation of defenders that Team Durant unsuccessfully tossed his way. He dared the opposition to bite on his pump fakes (which he sometimes pulled from near-halfcourt — that’s how hot he was) and then left them in the dust when he darted into the paint.

I’m really not sure how else to describe his performance. My vocabulary doesn’t contain the words that would do it justice. Kentucky is high on his list and a visit to Lexington will happen at some point. A reclass to 2024 remains on the table, too. He’s a name to keep a close eye on.

— Zack Geoghegan

Jasper Johnson caught fire and refused to cool off

The five-star guard has found himself at a unique intersection of blue-chip status and local legacy standout as a Lexington native and son of a former Kentucky football star. That’s a beautiful situation for Mark Pope, who has made it clear he is looking to keep the best high school talent in the state while also recruiting Burger Boys capable of playing anywhere. Jasper Johnson is both — or will be when the selection committee names him a McDonald’s All-American next cycle, rather.

He proved that yet again in Indianapolis, exploding for 20 points while adding three rebounds, one assist and one block in 31 minutes to open the event. It was among the best performances for Johnson in recent memory, knocking down tough, pro-level shots over and over again at all three levels and doing so with ridiculous efficiency. He caught fire and refused to cool off, looking the part as the No. 10 overall prospect and No. 1 combo guard in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking.

Pope can’t take the best player in Kentucky every single year just because — the scholarship numbers add up quickly, certainly after a few seasons. Johnson doesn’t fit that token in-state category, though, but rather the “one-and-done, Burger Boy” category Pope said he’d continue to recruit at his introductory press conference. He’s a top priority in the rising senior class, and for good reason.

— Jack Pilgrim

AJ Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes combine for 52

The Oakland Soldiers have formed a juggernaut on the EYBL circuit, the No. 1 prospects in both 2025 and 2026 teaming up to create the most dominant two-man duo in the country, a continuation of their time together at Prolific Prep this past season in high school.

AJ Dybantsa is the top rising senior in the nation, a long, athletic and skilled wing with generational upside. Between his shot-making, control, pace and feel beyond his otherwordly physical tools, there’s really not much more you could ever want in a recruit. He went for an impressive 21 points on 6-9 shooting, 1-3 from three and 8-10 at the line while adding four assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block in 26 minutes in a blowout win.

Yet somehow, he wasn’t even the most impressive player on the floor. That honor goes to Louisville native Tyran Stokes, a physically imposing forward with guard skills. He went for an absurd 31 points on 12-17 shooting and 4-4 from three while adding eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and zero turnovers in 27 minutes. It was about as close to a perfect performance you could draw up, the 6-7, 225-pound forward bulldozing his way to the rack with ease while knocking down shots from deep. He’s got a combination of size and raw skill you just don’t come across often, making him a walking mismatch for poor souls hoping to slow him down.

Pope and Jason Hart were in attendance oohing and ahhing each play the duo made on the floor together, drooling over the idea of having the five-stars go back-to-back with each other in Lexington.

— Jack Pilgrim

SPEEDWAY, Ind. — With the turbocharger boost increased to qualifying levels, Colton Herta was the quickest car on Fast Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the 108th Indianapolis 500.

The No. 26 Andretti Global Honda set a fastest lap of 234.974 mph. That lap was tow-assisted. On the non-tow speed chart, Herta was 10th fastest at 233.084 mph.

IndyCar defines a lap to be assisted by a car disturbing the air in front of them with a tow if a lap is completed within 10 seconds of another car on track.

“Seemed to be lacking a little bit of speed I think on our own,” Herta said. “Obviously the fast lap was a tow lap. Nice to be quickest, but doesn’t really mean much for qualifying. I think we have a little bit of speed to find, unfortunately, but I think there’s a chance if we do everything right, we should be able to make the Fast 12.”

NASCAR Cup Series racer Kyle Larson was second fastest in his No. 17 Arrow McLaren/Hendrick Chevrolet with a tow-assisted lap of 234.271 mph. Larson was 15th fastest on the non-tow chart at 232.695 mph.

“Today went a lot smoother,” Larson said. “Just more so as planned. Where yesterday did not. I thought with the weather being — the forecast being good, I would get lots of laps, but did not. Was pretty frustrated with things yesterday.

“Yeah, it all went smooth and was good to just get some reps with the boost and feeling all that. Yeah, happy with how it all went.”

Larson’s car needed to have the engine changed, which kept the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion in Gasoline Alley for much of the day.

Josef Newgarden was third fastest on the speed chart at 234.260 mph and that lap was the fastest lap on the non-tow speed chart. Newgarden is the defending Indianapolis 500 winner.

“It’s always interesting to see how this shapes up,” Newgarden said. “Friday is one deal, and then tomorrow is going to be where it really comes together and you’re going to see where the field truly stacks up. But I think today is a good indicator, and we feel like we’re in a decent spot. We’re definitely in the mix, which is great to see. We’ve been working the last four years to try and get back into the mix in qualifying.

“Really proud of the team. I think they’ve built fast cars. That’s what happens when you’re quick in qualifying here. It’s about a team effort and building fast cars. It doesn’t matter how good you are. You can’t will the car faster through ability. It is a team effort at Indianapolis.”

Nolan Siegel had the only accident of the day as the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda spun exiting turn 2. The car hit the outside retaining wall and turned upside down, landing on the roll hoop and the left sidepod about halfway down the back straight. Siegel was seen and released from the medical center.

“I had one snap of oversteer in the middle that I caught and then turned back in and spun and I’m not exactly sure why,” Siegel said. “Disappointed, feel bad for the team that’s been working so hard for so long for this and just kind of threw it away. So not at all happy about that one but we’ll move forward and see if we can get back out and qualify for the race tomorrow.”

After qualifying ended, each Indianapolis 500 entry drew their position in the qualifying order. Entrants were called up one-by-one in the order of their position on the Fast Friday speed chart.

Kyle Kirkwood was the eighth driver to draw a spot in the qualifying order and he drew the first coin, so he will be the first driver to qualify on Saturday.

The qualifying order for the 108th Indianapolis 500:

Following a practice session from 8:30-9:30 a.m. ET, qualifying will begin at 11 a.m. and will go until 5:50 p.m. with the broadcast ending 10 minutes later.

All on-track sessions will air live on Peacock.

The 2024 Indianapolis 500 is coming soon. The drivers from the IndyCar Series will seek auto racing’s greatest prize at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Here’s what fans should know, including the race date and time, how to get tickets, who won last year’s race, what’s happening at the track throughout May, and much more. More details will be available as the race nears.

When is the Indy 500?

The 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2024.

What is the Indy 500 start time?

The green flag is scheduled to drop at 12:45 p.m. ET on May 26. But there’s a lot happening on the track before the race begins.

Indy 500 tickets

Here’s what seats are available at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Officials report that just a few seats remain.

What is the Indy 500 race day schedule?

Tickets start at $50

Public gates open at 6 a.m., and there is a celebrity red carpet, prerace on-track activity and the infield Snake Pit concert.

When is Carb Day at IMS for the Indy 500?

Tickets start at $45

Friday, May 24: Gates open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; practice is 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; pit stop contest is 2:30-4 p.m. George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Gin Blossoms and Kid Quill are playing the Carb Day concert starting at 4 p.m.

When is Legends Day at IMS for the Indy 500?

Tickets start at $20

Saturday, May 25: Gates open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; full-field autograph session 9-10 a.m.; public drivers’ meeting 10:30-11 a.m. Riley Green will headline a downtown concert at Everwise Amphitheater in White River State Park that evening.

Why is the Indy 500 so famous?

The Indy 500 quickly caught on after its inaugural race in 1911 as a way to test drivers, engineers and cars, which had been under mass productions for just a few years. French auto maker Peugeot joined several U.S. companies by entering cars starting in 1913, and members of the Chevrolet came from Switzerland, founded a car company and won the race in 1920. It has been a destination race since.

How many laps is the Indy 500?

200 laps on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. The track is flat on the straightaways, with gentle 9.2-degree banking in its four turns.

How much does it cost to enter the Indy 500?

In 2024, there are 27 full-time IndyCar Series cars that require up to $10 million to run for a full season. For cars competing only in the Indy 500, it’s believed the cost to in the $1 million-$2 million range.

Is the Indy 500 sold out? How do I get Indy 500 tickets?

Indy 500 tickets for 2024 are available here. The Speedway doesn’t reveal attendance figures, but in recent years the crowd has been estimated at 300,000, though a complete sellout is rare.

Indianapolis 500 winners

75 drivers from 12 nations, representing five continents, have claimed race wins. Josef Newgarden of the United States won in 2023. The full list of race winners is here.

Indianapolis 500 milk

Indy 500 winners drink milk. Louis Meyer did so first in 1936, asking for buttermilk after crossing the finish line in steamy conditions. Drivers celebrated with milk intermittently until the mid 1950s, when milk producers became a race sponsor. A gulp from a bottle and a large pour over the winner’s head have been a tradition since.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum

The museum, located inside the 2.5-mile oval, is closed for renovations. The plan is to reopen in April 2025.

Indy 500 vs. Formula 1

The cars that compete in the Indy 500 are part of the IndyCar Series, a North American open-wheel series. Formula 1 is a worldwide series. Cars competing in the Indy 500 exceed 240 mph on the straightaways at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. F1 cars don’t reach such speeds because they race on road and street courses with frequent turns. Here’s more on the differences between the series.

Is Indy faster than NASCAR?

Stock cars can top 200 mph, but they don’t reach the speeds Indy cars reach. Joey Logano earned the pole position at the 2024 Daytona 500 with a lap of 181.947. Here’s more on the differences between the series.

Kyle Larson is attempting the Indy 500-NASCAR ‘Double’

The 2021 NASCAR Cup champion is willing to race almost anything with wheels, and this is his first chance in the IndyCar Series. He plans to race 500 miles in Indy, then travel to Charlotte, N.C., to race 600 miles in a Cup car. That’s 1,100 miles total, if he completes the task. Here’s his schedule between Indy 500 and NASCAR duties.

Indy 500 Snake Pit

This year’s lineup of EDM stars includes Excision, Dom Dolla, Gryffin, Sullivan King and Timmy Trumpet.

But why the Snake Pit? It used to be more of an informal title of an infield area where almost anything – anything – could happen. Though Speedway officials made the facility more family friendly, the name lives on in the concert.

What is the Indy 500 pace car?

A Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, the 21st iteration of the famous Chevy sports car, will lead the field of 33 to green. It’s Chevy’s 35th 500 pace car overall (dating to 1948).

Celebrities at the Indy 500

∎ Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings is the 500 Festival Parade grand marshal on Saturday, May 25. Catchings has led child literacy efforts and opened businesses in Indianapolis.

∎ Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem for the second time. The “American Idol” winner and actress also sang the anthem in 2015.

How long does the Indy 500 take?

Helio Castroneves completed the 2021 race at 190.690 mph and in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 19.38 seconds, the fastest in race history. Four of the past six races have taken between 2:50 and 3 hours. The more caution-flag laps, or red-flag stops, the longer it takes.

Speed reading: Here are the fastest races in Indy 500 history

What channel is the Indy 500 on?

NBC broadcasts the race, but it’s unlikely to air live in the Indianapolis area.

Viewing/listening options: NBC | Peacock | SiriusXM

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