Thursday's Top 10: John Calipari goes to Washington

Where in the world is John Calipari? Washington D.C., apparently. This morning, Cal took a Twitter video from a hotel lobby, telling fans he’s headed to the Capitol to do some “special things”:

Big day ahead! pic.twitter.com/XWPh6oPQ1r

– John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 20, 2017

What are those special things? One of them is watching his friend Kelly Knight Craft be confirmed as the US Ambassador to Canada:

Our new ambassador to Canada. pic.twitter.com/0zBnoz5qPj

– John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 20, 2017

Congrats, Kelly. I’m sure Cal will post plenty more from his trip to Washington, so stay tuned. In the meantime, here’s today’s Top 10.

1. Last night, Cal was in Philadelphia

This is another big recruiting weekend and Cal started things off in Philadelphia at the UAA All-American Camp, where he watched 2018 big men Moses Brown and Naz Reid and 2019 stars Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine. Cal has yet to extend an offer to Brown, but could soon should things not go well with UK’s primary target at center, Bol Bol.

2. Naz Reid says he wants to take an official visit to Kentucky

Adam Zagoria spoke to Reid last night, and even though the 6’9″ power forward doesn’t have an offer from Kentucky yet, he said he’s been in touch with Tony Barbee and hopes to land one soon. He also wants to visit Lexington.

“They just definitely want me to be the best version of me,” Reid said of the Kentucky coaching staff. “If I can keep that consistent 110 [percent] battle effort, then the sky’s the limit.”

Want more recruiting talk? Check out Nick’s extensive update from last night.

3. I can’t stop watching this video of Jonny David playing “Basketball Hero”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWvYCBNlCIL/

Back at home, the current team is hard at work in summer workouts, and I can’t stop watching this video of Jonny David playing with the “Basketball Hero” machine last night (nicknamed so because it’s like Guitar Hero). It’s oddly fascinating.

4. More #HorseWithTheCats is on the way

Yesterday, Rex Chapman squared off against PJ Washington and Quade Green for the latest installment of the #HorseWithTheCats series. KyWildcatsTV should release the final versions of the videos soon, but here’s a sneak peek from @KentuckyMBB:

Little preview of @pjwashington_25 playing some #HorseWithTheCats. Finished versions coming soon! pic.twitter.com/axv8T2Bv9p

– Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 19, 2017

5. The new deal between UofL and the Yum Center will be announced today

Last night, we first got word of a new deal between the University of Louisville and the Yum Center, which should apparently loosen the stronghold the university has over the arena’s finances. Under the amended lease, UofL will pay the arena authority $2.5 million each year for debt payments. Most interestingly, the deal was apparently made behind Tom Jurich’s back in what is being called a “shift in power” from the athletics department to the president’s office. As you might imagine, that didn’t go over well:

SOURCE: Many UofL coaches enraged over Greg Postel's "shift in power" as he stiff arms Tom Jurich in Yum deal https://t.co/pNlCEbEKaS

— Terry Meiners (@terrymeiners) July 19, 2017

Right now, the UofL Athletics Association is learning about the deal, which will then go to the Board of Trustees for approval. Should it pass, the arena authority will announce all of the details to the public. In the meantime, feel free to laugh at this:

Just read @CardChronicle story on the horribly proposed Yum Center lease. Cards fans show your support by retweeting #TomsLouisville! pic.twitter.com/XicCEFJMEE

— John Ramsey (@JohnRamseyUofL) July 19, 2017

6. Details on Rajon Rondo’s deal with the Pelicans

Word that Rondo is headed to the Pelicans broke last week, but yesterday, Shams Charania reported that Rondo’s one-year deal is worth $3.3 million. With DeMarcus Cousins set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, this is a make it or break it year for the Pels. Will Rondo help or hurt?

7. I love this interview with UK’s 13-year-old football recruit

Over the weekend, you may have seen the picture of the 13-year-old 6-6 350 lbs. football recruit at one of UK’s camps. KSTV caught up with him, and it turns out he’s probably the most likable 13-year-old ever.

He’s 6’6′, 350 pounds….and he’s still in middle school. @LGonTV will have more with UK recruiting target Kiyaunta Goodwin this week. pic.twitter.com/GOv0YnB0od

– KSTV (@KSTV_Sports) July 17, 2017

Speaking of KSTV, major congrats to TJ Beisner and his son, Tyler. Tyler, a wide receiver at North Oldham High School, just got an offer to walk on at UK in 2018. Simply awesome. If you don’t know Tyler’s story, I suggest you take some time and read this today.

8. The Open begins

The British Open (aka The Open) begins today at the Royal Birkdale and action is already underway. You can watch live on the Golf Channel and see all of the tee times here, but the only thing you really need to know is Kent Bulle tees off at 10:54 a.m. alongside Haotong Li and Haydn McCullen. His cheering section is ready:

Go get ’em, Kent!

9. Interested in sponsoring one of KSR’s UK Football photo galleries?

10. Today on KSR: Matthew Mitchell

Cue up the Kelly Clarkson! One of our favorite guest hosts takes over the mics in one hour.