Saturday News and Views

Today was a celebration.  A celebration for the 61 student-athletes that put “student” before “athlete,” completing their degree with commencement ceremonies at Rupp Arena.  To all those that made the long walk today, congratulations.  Alex Poythress only needed three years to do it.  Bud Dupree could have started his NFL career at the Steelers Rookie Mini-Camp.  Instead he honored a promise to his mother, finishing his degree, and even bringing the Steelers with him.

For some, it took a lot longer.  After leaving UK early to help his family with an NBA paycheck, Kelenna Azubuike returned to earn his degree.  Phil Simms only had a degree from Southern High School until today.  The New York Giants’ Super Bowl MVP quarterback went back to Morehead State after 35 years to earn his college degree.

Congrats to all who made the walk, and good luck to all those (like me) who hope to do so in the near future.

John Wall didn’t play today against the Hawks

But the Zards still got it done against the #1 seed in the East, thanks to this shot by old man Paul Pierce.

Wall told ESPN sideline reporter Chris Broussard that he hopes to be back to dribbling a basketball in the next two or three days.

UK Baseball falls to Georgia

After beating the Dawgz 6-2 yesterday, Georgia opened a serious can of whoop ass on the BatCats this afternoon, blowing them out 12-3.  An important late season series, they need your support tomorrow at noon at The Cliff.

Woo Went Wild

Yes my Tall Ass did made it on the Stage pic.twitter.com/FjWp0vseI5

– Łukasz Obrzut (@lukasz_obrzut) May 9, 2015

Take me to this concert, PLEASE.

Matthew Mitchell Lands the Nation’s #1 JUCO

Evelyn Akhator is pretty good at basketball.  How good you ask?  Like JUCO player of the year good.  The 6’3 Lagos, Nigeria native averaged 21 points and 16 rebounds last year.  Impressive to say the least. After the bad news surrounding Makayla Epps, Matthew Mitchell comes through with a spectacular summer pickup.

UK Women’s Soccer Alum is Makin’ Moves

It wasn’t that long ago that Arin Gilliland was breaking hearts at The Bell.  She’s doing the same in the pros.  The 8-overall draft pick in the NWSL Draft had her first professional assist today for the Chicago Red Stars.  The first of many, I am sure.

TPC is Getting Interesting

Rory is making moves, shooting 3-under on the back nine to get within 4 shots of the leader, Chris Kirk (-10).  Pretty much the entire field – except for Tiger –  is within striking range, including Louisville native Justin Thomas.  Thomas set a TPC record today with 10 birdies.  I don’t think I’ve hit 10 birdies in my lifetime, and he did it in a day.  WOW. He also did this:

Justin Thomas’ hook off 8th tee kicked off the trees and right into this woman’s cup holder in her chair #ThePLAYERS pic.twitter.com/wdXvFT37J5

– Chris Parenteau (@WJXTChris) May 9, 2015

An early Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms of the BBN. I’ll see y’all in the morning.