LEXINGTON – For many of John Calipari’s Kentucky basketball tenure, it will have been troublesome to think about a five-star freshman arriving on campus as one thing of an afterthought.
However for brand new Wildcat wing Chris Livingston, that may be the case.
Kentucky’s projected 2022-23 roster is headlined by veterans with Nationwide Participant of the Yr Oscar Tshiebwe, two-time Southeastern Convention assists chief Sahvir Wheeler, profession 46.6% 3-point shooter C.J. Fredrick and uber athlete Jacob Toppin all again. Illinois State switch Antonio Reeves averaged greater than 20 factors per sport final season. 5-star freshman guard Cason Wallace is considered because the workforce’s finest NBA draft prospect and most definitely choice to tackle a featured position within the backcourt.
It’s troublesome to seek out room for Livingston in a projected beginning lineup as of now, however how shortly he adapts to varsity basketball could possibly be the distinction in Kentucky turning from workforce to an elite one.
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“For the final two years, it’s been fairly up and down together with his consistency and his motor, however the expertise is all there, the instruments are all there,” 247Sports nationwide basketball analyst Travis Branham stated. “He can rating. He’s a proficient passer… His bounce shot has improved.”
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The unsure expectations for Livingston as a freshman is evidenced by a dip in his recruiting rankings during the last yr.
Again in September 2019, Livingston debuted because the No. 3-ranked prospect within the 247Sports Composite class of 2022 rankings, which common the scores of the key recruiting companies. He remained within the prime 5 for 2 years.
However as a substitute of shifting up the record as a number of of the gamers in entrance of him reclassified to graduate highschool early and enroll in faculty basketball, Livingston’s rating dropped over the course of his senior yr. He arrived at Kentucky earlier this month because the No. 11-ranked prospect within the class, in line with the 247Sports Composite.
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He’s ranked fifteenth in 247Sports in-house rating. ESPN ranks him twelfth within the class. Rivals ranks him tenth.
“He has all of the talent and all of the expertise,” Branham stated. “His manufacturing and every little thing is all the time decided on if he’s going to play with a motor that day or not.”
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Billed as one of the best participant to return from Akron, Ohio since LeBron James, Livingston performed his senior season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia.
Taking part in for a similar prep college that despatched Keldon Johnson, Doron Lamb, Rajon Rondo, Ron Mercer and others to Kentucky, Livingston averaged 17.1 factors, eight rebounds and two assists per sport. He shot 33.3% from 3-point vary (24 for 72).
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At Oak Hill, Livingston performed alongside two different top-100 prospects within the class of 2022 and five-star 2023 Duke dedication Caleb Foster. That have taking part in with different prime prospects may assist him alter at Kentucky, however Calipari’s observe file suggests he won’t reply nicely to an inconsistent motor from Livingston.
If Kentucky’s Corridor of Fame coach can push the suitable buttons to supply constant effort from Livingston, he could possibly be a distinction maker for the Wildcats.
Livingston is taken into account a streaky 3-point shooter, however his bounce shot could possibly be helped by having a degree guard like Wheeler create beauty for him. Fredrick, who missed all of final season with a hamstring damage after transferring from Iowa, and Reeves might need the within observe to the third spot within the beginning backcourt alongside Wheeler and Wallace due to their 3-point capturing prowess, however neither can match Livingston’s different bodily presents.
At 6-foot-7 and 210 kilos, Livingston presents an intriguing choice as a small-ball 4 able to stretching the ground past the arc, however Toppin and sophomore Daimion Collins are the favorites to begin alongside Tshiebwe within the frontcourt.
Kentucky Wildcats:Will switch Antonio Reeves be UK’s go-to scorer or a bench choice?
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Whereas he faces extra competitors for minutes than Kentucky’s common five-star recruits, the presence of these veterans may assist Livingston’s growth by reducing the strain to be a direct sport changer. ESPN nonetheless currenylprojects Livingston as a first-round decide within the 2023 NBA draft regardless of the uncertainty about his position.
The vary of outcomes for Livingston as a freshman is extensive however with the ability to be affected person with a participant with that a lot expertise needs to be fairly the posh for Calipari and Kentucky.
“If Chris rises to the event like he can, then he’s going to be a productive man who will rating the basketball, who will make some pictures,” Branham stated. “He’ll defend, he’ll rebound, he’ll get out in transition. He simply has that expertise and skill to influence the sport in all kinds of the way if he’s going to be decided to do it on any given day.”
E-mail Jon Hale at jahale@courier-journal.com; Comply with him on Twitter at @JonHale_CJ.
Kentucky celebrates 100 years of state parks at Old State Capitol
Published 3:30 pm Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Kingdom Come State Park Photo by Joe Asher
The front steps of the Old State Capitol, on West Broadway in downtown Frankfort, was the site of an event to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kentucky State Parks System.
The Old State Capitol, which now serves as a museum, played a significant role as a backdrop in establishing the Kentucky State Parks system. In 1924, State Geological Surveyor Dr. Willard Rouse Jillson, who led the first state parks commission, delivered a historic speech there to members of the General Assembly in which he underscored the importance of acquiring and preserving natural parks for the enjoyment of future generations.
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In 1926, Pine Mountain, Natural Bridge, Fort Harrod and the now-closed Blue and Gray were recognized in the legislative record as the first four Kentucky State Parks.
Gov. Andy Beshear told the gathering there are numerous state parks sites that attract visitors from across Kentucky and beyond.
“Natural Bridge, where people come to see the famous rock formation and hike the Red River Gorge. Or Pime Mountain, where there is nothing more beautiful than hiking Chain Rock in the fall. Or Cumberland Falls, which houses our Niagara of the South, where you can see the luminous moonbow, one of the few places in the world where people can witness this miraculous and wonderful sight.”
Kentucky is now home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses, with breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world.
Along with their natural, historic and economic significance, Gov. Beshear has used Kentucky State Parks and their dedicated teams to respond to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters by opening their doors to Kentuckians during difficult times.
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“For a century, Kentucky State Parks have served visitors from within the Commonwealth and beyond, imprinting memories on generations of children who have grown up to bring their own families to visit,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Parks are integral to tourism, while also supplying jobs and supporting nearby businesses such as restaurants, retail and recreational facilities.”
For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
In a recent article, ESPN predicted who will start for the Kentucky basketball team this season, and it seems like they got it wrong.
Coach Mark Pope brought every player in to fit a certain role. Some of these roles include being a facilitator, elite defender, or scorer. Based on what these roles look like, it seems like there is only one starting lineup that makes sense.
ESPN predicted the starting lineup for Kentucky to include Kerr Kriisa at PG, Otega Oweh at SG, Jaxson Robinson of SF, Andrew Carr at PF, and Amari Williams at C. While ESPN does seem to have the three, four, and five correct they are off on the two guard positions.
What would make the most sense with the roster would be for Lamont Butler and Koby Brea to start. Kriisa and Oweh are two elite players, but their roles are better suited to coming off the bench. Butler is going to be the lockdown defender and facilitator who will start for the Wildcats. He will get the ball to the scorers while shutting down the opposing team’s guards.
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Brea needs to be in the starting lineup so he can get the game started with some made threes, as this will hopefully spark the offense.
It just doesn’t seem to make sense to start Kriisa and Oweh, as Kriisa will be the scorer and facilitator off the bench, and Oweh will be the slasher who will also lock down opposing guards. All of these players are great and deserve starting minutes, but Butler and Brea starting makes the most sense for this 2024-25 Kentucky roster.
The front steps of the Old State Capitol, on West Broadway in downtown Frankfort, was the site of an event to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kentucky State Parks System.
The Old State Capitol in downtown Frankfort served as a backdrop for the 100th anniversary of state parks in Kentucky celebration Monday. (Photo by Tom Latek, Kentucky Today)
The Old State Capitol, which now serves as a museum, played a significant role as a backdrop in establishing the Kentucky State Parks system. In 1924, State Geological Surveyor Dr. Willard Rouse Jillson, who led the first state parks commission, delivered a historic speech there to members of the General Assembly in which he underscored the importance of acquiring and preserving natural parks for the enjoyment of future generations.
In 1926, Pine Mountain, Natural Bridge, Fort Harrod and the now-closed Blue and Gray were recognized in the legislative record as the first four Kentucky State Parks.
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Gov. Andy Beshear told the gathering there are numerous state parks sites that attract visitors from across Kentucky and beyond.
“Natural Bridge, where people come to see the famous rock formation and hike the Red River Gorge. Or Pime Mountain, where there is nothing more beautiful than hiking Chain Rock in the fall. Or Cumberland Falls, which houses our Niagara of the South, where you can see the luminous moonbow, one of the few places in the world where people can witness this miraculous and wonderful sight.”
Gov. Andy Beshear applauds 100 years of state parks in Kentucky during a ceremony Monday. (Photo by Tom Latek, Kentucky Today)
Kentucky is now home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses, with breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world.
Along with their natural, historic and economic significance, Gov. Beshear has used Kentucky State Parks and their dedicated teams to respond to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters by opening their doors to Kentuckians during difficult times.
“For a century, Kentucky State Parks have served visitors from within the Commonwealth and beyond, imprinting memories on generations of children who have grown up to bring their own families to visit,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Parks are integral to tourism, while also supplying jobs and supporting nearby businesses such as restaurants, retail and recreational facilities.”
For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
