KSR Today: Practice gyms and starting quarterbacks

So much for a slow and easy start to the week, huh? We knew there could be some fireworks with two separate appearances for Mark Stoops coming off Kentucky’s loss to Ole Miss, all eyes on the quarterback position. Everything he didn’t say ended up being the story there, evaluating Zach Calzada‘s head-scratching play through two weeks and refusing to name a starter going into Eastern Michigan, but making it clear that Cutter Boley will get a real shot this weekend.

What we didn’t know is that we’d transition to Tuesday talking about game-changing news for the basketball programs in Lexington — kind of related, depending on how you look at it.

Mark Pope is getting a new practice gym

Remember that civil war between Stoops and John Calipari that started in the summer of ’22? A practice gym was the root cause of it all, Coach Cal saying the current facilities did not meet the ‘gold standard’ of Kentucky basketball and it was time to ‘push the needle’ on those conversations.

“You’ve got to be intentional. You’ve got to say, ‘We’re doing this.’ And the reason is this is a basketball school; it’s always been that,” Calipari said, describing a project that would be the centerpiece of campus and serve as a museum for diehards wanting to celebrate the winningest program in the sport’s history.

It became a basketball vs. football conversation that Mitch Barnhart said led to ‘an unproductive and unfortunate situation.’ He later said he never told Coach Cal no — he’d actually like to have one — but it couldn’t come at the snap of a finger because constructions are ’18- to 24-month processes.’

A few short years (and a coaching change) later, it’s time to start the clock. A new practice gym is coming, and it’s supposed to be spectacular.

The UK Board of Trustees is set to meet this week to potentially approve the pre-design and programming phases of a new multi-use facility on campus, anchored by basketball training.

Early details to know about the multi-use facility

Specifics on location and cost have not been finalized, but what we do know is that the world-class facility is expected to follow a healthcare-blended model used by the likes of the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers in their recently-built facilities or those currently under construction. It will include a UK HealthCare Sports Medicine ambulatory space and sports-related research space, giving athletes immediate access to top-tier training, rehabilitation and medical attention.

The facility will be an integral part of the entertainment district coming to campus, which was announced back in June, a “fan zone” including retail, dining, hotel and other entertainment options near Kroger Field.

The men’s basketball program would move into the new multi-use facility while conversations are ongoing regarding logistics for the women’s basketball program, which could opt to take over Historic Memorial Coliseum and the Joe Craft Center alongside the volleyball team for a women’s sports-dedicated complex that just completed an $85 million renovation.

We’ll learn more about construction plans and a potential timeline this morning in a meeting of the Champions Blue LLC Board of Governors.

“I know Cutter (Boley) is going to play.”

As we wait for those official updates from the powers that be over the next few hours, let’s get back on track with the evergreen drama no fan can ever get enough of: backup QBs deserving a shot.

Calzada went down with a shoulder injury against Ole Miss and his status is uncertain moving forward after missing practice to open the week. Healthy or not, Stoops didn’t shy away from his interest in Boley proving himself as he looks for clarity at the position, because the product up to this point has not been good regardless.

“Cutter got an opportunity to play in that game. He’s clearly going to get an opportunity in this game,” Stoops said. “I’m not going to say on Monday afternoon that he’s going to be the starter — because that’s not fair to Zach, either. I need to see his health and see what he’s doing. But I can clearly say that I know Cutter is going to play.”

Mark Stoops previews Eastern Michigan

Calzada vs. Boley stole the headlines for a man who hates headlines, but that position wasn’t the only thing discussed in his Ole Miss wrap-up and Eastern Michigan preview. We also heard about the good things Kentucky did with real positives to build upon, along with the news that standout DB DJ Waller Jr would also likely miss his second straight game due to injury, among other notes.

The offensive operation was ‘inexcusable’ at times, but the Cats had a chance to overcome those issues and nearly pull off the top-20 win. Should they get the passing game sorted out, there is still real optimism for Stoops.

A new KSR Football Podcast is live

How is the KSR crew handling the loss? Do they see eye to eye with Stoops after letting the dust settle a bit from Saturday? Nick Roush, Adam Luckett and Van Hiles came together for another hour-long KSR Football Podcast on Monday to get it all off their chests.

Will a QB change actually do anything? Was the glass-half-full approach simply coachspeak from Stoops? Hear it all from the experts.

And a new Sources Say Podcast will be live

It’s football season now, but we’re just a few short weeks away from basketball season ramping up — and Sources Say has plenty to talk about.

Tonight’s show at 8 PM ET will dig into the new practice gym plans and the latest intel on the start of fall practices from the Joe Craft Center. Also, our SEC Power Rankings entering 2025-26! Where do the Cats stack up in what is expected to once again be the best conference in college basketball? Join us tonight to find out.

Until then, check out last week’s interview with Alvin Brooks III where he talked about the program’s obsession with getting back to Indianapolis for the 2026 Final Four:

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It’s gonna be a busy day at KSR HQ. Lock in with us and have a happy Tuesday.