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Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope: Transfer portal news, 2024 roster, targets, recruits by top UK insiders

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Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope: Transfer portal news, 2024 roster, targets, recruits by top UK insiders


The Kentucky Wildcats are one of the most storied programs in college basketball. That’s why the hiring of Mark Pope sent shockwaves following John Calipari’s departure after Kentucky failed to make it past the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year. The Wildcats haven’t won a national championship since 2012, but fans are hoping Pope can be the coach to end Kentucky’s title drought. Pope has the experience needed to lead the Wildcats to the promised land, having won a national championship as a player at Kentucky in 1996. However, Pope’s biggest undertaking will be rebuilding a Kentucky basketball roster following the mass exodus of players after Calipari’s departure.

Pope has already hit the college basketball transfer portal hard and has multiple commitments in the Class of 2024, but there’s still plenty of work to be done on the Kentucky basketball recruiting trail. If you love the Wildcats, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.

The team of insiders at CatsPause.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.

The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.

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Kentucky basketball roster departures 

Pope had to hit the ground running when he was named Kentucky’s new head coach since several members of last year’s Kentucky basketball roster have departed Lexington. Forward Zvonimir Ivisic is the first player to follow Calipari to Arkansas, and guard/small forward Adou Thiero followed after playing his past two seasons with Coach Cal. Aaron Bradshaw joined Ohio State, and guard Joey Hart will be on the Ball State roster next season. Point guard D.J. Wagner will follow Calipari to Arkansas.

Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Ugonna Onyenso have all made the final decision to declare for the Draft. Kentucky will also be without top scorers Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves next season since both players graduated. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster changes. 

Kentucky basketball news, roster

Pope and his staff have had quite a bit of success rebuilding Kentucky’s roster through the transfer portal. They’ve signed eight players in the transfer portal, including two centers in Brandon Garrison and Amari Williams. Garrison was productive at Oklahoma State as a freshman, averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He knocked down 57.2% of his field goals and was disruptive on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 1.5 blocks and 0.8 steals per game.

Williams was an effective scorer for Drexel last season, ranking second on the team with 12.2 points per game on average. He also led the Dragons in rebounding (7.8) and blocks (1.8) per game. Williams made 51.7% of his field goals, so he and Garrison will both be reliable scoring options for the Wildcats in the post next season. Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster additions. 

How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates

Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news. 

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Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.

*Terms: This offer is only available for new members who sign up for a CatsPause annual subscription. After the first year, subscription will re-bill on an annual basis at the regular rate. 247Sports.com reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Please write support@247sports.com with any questions you may have.





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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026


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The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.

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Cash Ball

02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 6-3-0

Midday: 9-6-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 5-7-6-0

Midday: 5-2-6-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season

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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season


On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.

In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.

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Jan 24, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope claps after a possession during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)

In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.

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Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope shakes hands with Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari prior to the game at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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Kentucky hits the road at Texas

This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.

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Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope argues with an official during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Which game could be a trap?

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We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.

Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July


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  • Kentucky state law permits fireworks use unless prohibited by local ordinances.
  • In Louisville and Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are illegal, but smaller items like sparklers are allowed.
  • Certain fireworks are banned in Louisville if their labels include words like “explosive,” “rocket,” or “firecracker.”
  • Safety officials advise keeping water nearby, not relighting “dud” fireworks, and never allowing children to ignite them.

Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.

Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?

Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.

Are fireworks legal in Louisville?

In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.

If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.

But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

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Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky

How to use fireworks safely

The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:

  • Use fireworks outdoors.
  • Obey local laws.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
  • Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
  • Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
  • Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
  • Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.



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