KSR Today: Has the Chaos in Kentucky Concluded?

The Sweet 16 tips off tonight. I bet most Kentucky fans did not anticipate so much would happen in this state over the last week. Maybe the basketball on the hardwood tonight will finally settle down the silly news off the court and around the state.

Rather than rehash everything that’s happened over the last week, let’s discuss what’s happened over the last 24 hours, then look ahead to what’s next.

Barnhart and Calipari Speak

The uncertain status between the Kentucky basketball coach and the athletic director has weighed over the fanbase for days. We learned the two are moving forward together on Tuesday. Last night the two spoke publicly on a ton of topics. If you didn’t watch the conversation on BBN Tonight, we got you covered.

• Mitch Barnhart compares relationship with John Calipari to a marriage
• Barnhart talks legacy of John Calipari and exit strategy
• High Points: Portal Complains, Stubbed Toes and a WWE Belt

Hopefully, last night’s sit-down ended the saga that’s been an exhausting sprint over the last six days and folks can slowly start to move on to the offseason. That’s not to say people will accept the results any sooner, but maybe we finally will get some time to catch our breath. You can exhale with a new edition of Sources Say.

Louisville Finally Found a Coach

In the middle of the Kentucky craziness, chaos consumed the Louisville coaching search. It did not reach Tennessee-Greg Schiano levels, but it was certainly close. Since their top two targets turned them down, a myriad of names were leaked left and right, each more ridiculous than the last. Hours after Bob Huggins threw his name into the mix and Richard Pitino backed out, Pat Kelsey emerged as the man for the job.

You probably haven’t heard of the Charleston coach before, but you need to know he worked for Chris Mack and Dino Gaudio, making the result of this search even more hilarious. Also, look at this guy.

Louisville’s new coach pic.twitter.com/LhIaOPwZw4

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) March 27, 2024

The state of college basketball in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is not in a great place. Maybe today is finally the day we can all move forward.

Kentucky Introduces Kenny Brooks

Another coaching search concluded and today marks the first of the Kenny Brooks era for the Kentucky women’s basketball program. A year after taking Virginia Tech to the Final Four, he’ll take over a program in need of new life as the Wildcats prepare to open up a rejuvenated Memorial Coliseum in the fall of 2024. The press conference begins a 4 pm and will be streamed on all of the Kentucky women’s basketball team’s social media platforms.

Sweet 16 Schedule

If you can stay up late, you should be rewarded with some high-quality basketball. The battle between Illinois and Iowa State in the East Region should be fantastic. Take a closer look at each of the four games on tonight’s slate.

7:09: (6) Clemson (+7.5) vs. (2) Arizona, CBS
7:39: (5) San Diego State (+10.5) vs. (1) UConn, TBS
9:40: (4) Alabama (+4.5) vs. (1) North Carolina, CBS
10:10: (3) Illinois (+1.5) vs (2) Iowa State, TBS

Kentucky Spring Football Resumes

A day after picking up a big-time commitment from Tucker Kattus, the Wildcats return to action on the gridiron. Brad White and the Kentucky defense will be speaking to Adam Luckett and other members of the media this morning. We’ll be talking about it all when 11 Personnel returns at 1 pm EST on the KSR YouTube Channel.

NIL News for Kentucky Football

There have been collective roll-outs and endorsements, but something big appears to be on the horizon. Matt Jones teased the news and Vince Marrow gave it his stamp of approval. What could it be? Hopefully, we’ll know more around lunchtime.

Kentucky has an SEC Coach of the Year

Tim Garrison was named SEC Co-Coach of the Year after guiding UK Gymnastics to one of its best seasons ever. They were ranked as high as No. 3 nationally and finished third overall in the SEC Championships, the best in school history. It’s the second straight season he’s earned Coach of the Year honors from the league.

Three Wildcats earned All-SEC honors: Raena Worley, Arianna Patterson, and Isabella Magnelli. Kentucky begins its quest for an appearance in the NCAA Championships in Arkansas on Wednesday, April 3.

UK Softball in Action

Rachel Lawson’s Kentucky softball team welcomes No. 13 Alabama to John Cropp Stadium. After getting swept in Gainesville, a couple of wins over the Crimson Tide are just what the Wildcats need to get back on track. First pitch is set for 6:30 pm EST.