KSR Today: College Football Signing Day Eve and more Kentucky Basketball
Good morning, Big Blue Nation. How are we feeling? Still down on Saturday’s outcome? Me too. I landed in Lexington yesterday to sleep off the grind that was New York City where we had tons of fun outside of the basketball. Kentucky fans were everywhere and in good spirits until Kentucky stole everyone’s joy Saturday night.
Tomorrow, Kentucky returns to Rupp Arena to host Florida A&M in a meaningless bounce-back game; until then, here’s what’s topical on this Tuesday, December 20. A reminder, you have only a few more days to get your Christmas shopping done. I’m talking to myself there.
John Calipari to “tweak” Kentucky’s rotation
Last night on his call-in radio show, John Calipari’s segment was brief before he handed over the responsibility to three of his players, but he did mention changes coming to Kentucky’s rotation before he stepped away. A new “tweak,” Calipari told Tom Leach.
“Today was a day that I made it clear what roles are,” he said Monday night. “Probably going to change the starting lineup and have a couple of guys — we’re gonna have a couple of things different.”
He added, “We got some guys that are probably playing a little bit too many minutes. They’re still gonna play. Let me just say this as a coach for young people, you don’t just go and blow it all up and think that it’s not going to affect kids mentally. You can’t. But you can challenge guys by saying, ‘You’re coming off the bench.’ The bench is the best teacher there really is.”
Based on those comments and the play on the court, it’s pretty clear Jacob Toppin will take on a smaller role and Chris Livingston will see more opportunities. It’s frustrating that this has been clear for a long time now and Calipari is selling it as a new “tweak” in December, but at least he is finally making changes rather than talking about making changes after the last few games, if he actually makes the changes. Lance Ware will likely get more looks, too.
John Calipari says a tweak to the starting lineup is coming
Jacob Toppin and Oscar Tshiebwe to preview tomorrow’s game
Calipari will again let his players speak for the team when Jacob Toppin and Oscar Tshiebwe represent the team in today’s press conference to preview tomorrow’s game versus Florida A&M. The two seniors will speak to the media around lunchtime so check back here on KSR for a recap of all they have to say about the team’s struggles and returning to Rupp Arena tomorrow night to host the Rattlers.
Matt Jones on the state of Kentucky Basketball
On KSR’s Monday morning radio program, Matt Jones spoke for the first time since Kentucky lost to UCLA with a 16-minute monologue on the current state of Kentucky Basketball. Matt’s remarks summed up how many fans feel about John Calipari and how Kentucky has lost its edge in college basketball.
Have a listen:
Coming up at 10 AM, I’ll join Matt on the show from KSBar and Grille to talk more about the Cats.
Kentucky still ranked in the Top 25
The Associated Press released its new update to the rankings on Monday and Kentucky Basketball is a still a top-25 team despite all of the negativity around the fan base. The Wildcats came in at No. 19 in the new poll, a six-spot drop from a week ago.
| Team | Record | Points | Previous |
| 1. Purdue (40) | 11-0 | 1502 | 1 |
| 2. UConn (21) | 12-0 | 1482 | 3 |
| 3. Houston | 11-1 | 1374 | 5 |
| 4. Kansas | 10-1 | 1290 | 8 |
| 5. Arizona | 10-1 | 1269 | 9 |
| 6. Virginia | 8-1 | 1195 | 2 |
| 7. Texas | 9-1 | 1064 | 7 |
| 8. Tennessee | 9-2 | 1024 | 6 |
| 9. Alabama | 9-2 | 1021 | 4 |
| 10. Arkansas | 10-1 | 1004 | 10 |
| 11. Gonzaga | 9-3 | 895 | 15 |
| 12. Baylor | 7-2 | 873 | 11 |
| 13. UCLA | 10-2 | 871 | 16 |
| 14. Duke | 10-2 | 819 | 12 |
| 15. Mississippi St. | 11-0 | 623 | 17 |
| 16. Illinois | 8-3 | 528 | 18 |
| 17. Wisconsin | 9-2 | 432 | 22 |
| 18. Indiana | 8-3 | 408 | 14 |
| 19. Kentucky | 7-3 | 370 | 13 |
| 20. TCU | 9-1 | 358 | 21 |
| 21. Virginia Tech | 11-1 | 297 | 24 |
| 22. Miami | 11-1 | 208 | 25 |
| 23. Auburn | 9-2 | 118 | 19 |
| 24. Marquette | 9-3 | 116 | – |
| 25. Arizona St | 11-1 | 98 | – |
Tomorrow is college football’s early signing period
Not just a time for basketball, tomorrow is college football’s early signing day when Kentucky’s targets can put the pen to paper to make their spot in the Class of 2023 official. Mark Stoops’ new class currently ranks 34th overall with 15 verbal commitments, plus more in the transfer portal waiting to announce their moves to Lexington.
To get caught up before Wednesday, read Nick Roush’s recruits on commitment watch.
Vince Marrow to call plays in the bowl game, says Vince Marrow
Kentucky Football answered the media’s questions on Monday and one of the big takeaways was who will call plays during the Music City Bowl. And according to Vince Marrow, he will be the one holding the play-call sheet after offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello was dismissed following the regular season finale. “I’m calling the plays,” Marrow said.
The Big Dog is 1-0 as a play-caller at Kentucky with the lone victory coming in the 2020 Gator Bowl against NC State before Liam Coen was hired (the first time). The Wildcats rushed for 288 yards in that game.
Marrow also suggested Nashville native Destin Wade will get some looks as Kentucky’s QB in the Music City Bowl.
The Rams were officially eliminated from the NFL Playoffs last night
Green Bay beat LA on Monday Night Football and now the Rams are officially out of the playoffs, meaning Liam Coen will be free to come on home after the Jan. 8 season finale.
Blue Johnson!
KSR will show you more of Ian Jackson later today
From the world of basketball recruiting, Ian Jackson is On3’s No. 2 overall player in the 2024 class and KSR watched him play for his Cardinal Hayes High School up in the Bronx over the weekend. John Calipari was also there and you can feel like you were there too when the highlight package and interview go up on KSR’s YouTube channel later today.
KSR’s YouTube channel has a lot more to come
In addition to the Ian Jackson video, KSR’s booming YouTube channel has more from the trip to New York City, more from Kentucky’s loss to UCLA, and lots to come surrounding college football’s early signing period. So if you haven’t already, hit subscribe for all of those things plus more press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.
Happy Birthday, De’Aaron Fox!
Lonzo Ball’s dad is 25 years old today. Let’s celebrate with memories of happier times around Kentucky Basketball.
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