Kentucky
Andrew Carr is returning to form, and that’s crucial for Kentucky
Unfortunately, Saturday produced what was another tough loss for the Kentucky Wildcats to Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
For the Big Blue Nation, it’s never easy to endure a loss, but it’s especially difficult to accept when the Cats outplay their opponent for much of the game.
Despite a slew of things that went wrong down the stretch, there were several bright spots to lean on as Kentucky creeps toward the ever-important month of March.
For example, after scoring just four points on 1/4 shooting in UK’s 102-97 loss to Alabama on January 18th in Lexington, Andrew Carr reminded everyone of just how effective he can be when healthy.
This was a total 180 from UK’s first meeting with Alabama.
In that first matchup, the Wake Forest transfer was only able to go for 18 minutes scoring just four points while battling a bad back injury. This undoubtedly played a role in Grant Nelson going nuclear and pouring in a season-high 25 points.
However, things went much differently Saturday with Carr’s health playing less of a factor. The 6-foot-11 versatile big man scored 17 points on 6/9 shooting while grabbing three boards. He was hot from outside, making 3/5 from deep and forcing the Crimson Tide defense to guard multiple shooting threats.
Meanwhile, Bama’s Grant Nelson was completely shut down and only able to muster five points in just 15 minutes.
Prior to Saturday’s 96-83 loss, Kentucky was undefeated this season when Andrew Carr scored 14 or more points.
In what was probably UK’s best victory of the season, Carr shined, scoring 17 points in 30 minutes in a win vs. Duke in the Champions Classic.
His contributions will play a huge factor in how far Kentucky can go this postseason.
It’s not only Carr’s basketball ability that makes him a valuable asset, the graduate-student also brings experience and acts a stabilizing force on the floor.
It’ll be interesting to see if Andrew Carr can continue his terrific play when the Cats take on the Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday night in Norman.
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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