Kentucky Kernel: October 7, 2021

BIG BLUE

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Thursday, October 7, 2021 est. 1892 | Independent since 1971

BBM: This year vs. last

Thursday, October 7, 2021

By Trinity Bratchett sports@kykernel.com

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats forward Jacob Toppin (0) dunks the ball during the University of Kentucky vs. Florida men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

As basketball season quickly approaches, so does the highly anticipated Big Blue Madness. Though the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, there are plenty of differences between last year’s and this year’s event.

In 2020, fans were not permitted to attend Big Blue Madness due to the pandemic.

Instead, the event was only featured on the SEC Network.

This year, Big Blue Madness will be held in-person in front of 20,000-plus Wildcat fans. The campout was canceled for the second year in a row, however. Tickets were available exclusively online for health and safety reasons, and they sold out

in less than an hour.

Regardless of vaccination status, masks are required to be worn by guests, staff and vendors. Rupp Arena will also be operating at full capacity — unlike last year’s home games, which were held at 15 percent capacity.

As Big Blue Madness approaches, here are some of the event’s festivities over the past seven years: In 2014, 2015 and 2017, special appearances were made by rapper and self-proclaimed “Kentucky Dad,” Drake.

In 2016, Big Blue Madness put a spin on the WWE as players and coaches utilized a jum-

botron and ramp. The Wildcats were introduced by Michael Buffer, a ring announcer for professional wrestling and boxing matches.

In 2019, coach John Calipari delivered a touching speech on his first decade of coaching at Kentucky, as well as what was in store for the future.

Like always, Big Blue Madness will be a preview of the men and women’s Kentucky basketball teams, but there may be some special surprises along the way.

The event will take place on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at Rupp Arena and will be televised on SEC Network.

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Kentucky basketball welcomes four new transfers

By Hunter Shelton sports@kykernel.com

Big Blue Nation is no stranger to learning a bulk of new names this time every year.

Head coach John Calipari and the Wildcats have been at the forefront of the “one-anddone” era of college basketball, showcasing the talent of the nation’s top freshman recruits for a season before letting them run free to the professional level.

Once again, many new faces will take the court at Rupp Arena as a Wildcat this season, as seven players will don Kentucky blue for the first time.

However, just three of those seven are beginning their collegiate careers. A record four transfers will play for Calipari and UK during the 2021-22 campaign.

Graduate student Kellan Grady, redshirt junior CJ Fredrick and fellow juniors Sahvir Wheeler and Oscar Tshiebwe all made the move to call Lexington their home for at least one season.

But what made the four choose Kentucky?

“I think I fit in really well with this team,” Grady said at a Kentucky basketball summer camp.

Grady, who spent four years at Davidson College, scored 2,002 points for the Atlantic-10 school, ranking sixth all-time in school history.

“Ultimately, I’m a scorer who can shoot the ball,” Grady said. “I think I can score at all three levels; mid-range game, floater and pull-ups, layups at the rim and from beyond the arc.”

When it comes to shooters, look no further than CJ Fredrick.

“I felt like this was the best opportunity for me,” Fredrick said at his high school alma mater in June.

Fredrick is familiar to the Bluegrass. The Iowa transfer is a graduate of Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky, and was named the 2018 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year.

In his two seasons at Iowa, Fredrick averaged 8.8 points per game while shooting at a 46.6 percent clip from threepoint range.

For Sahvir Wheeler, the Georgia transfer is already

feeling the love that attracted him to BBN. “Everyone just knowing my name, knowing where I come from, knowing the success I had, just showing their love and belief in me and how happy they are that I’m here, that’s been the biggest thing,” Wheeler said.

In his two-year career with the Bulldogs, Wheeler averaged 11.3 points and 5.8 assists. In his sophomore campaign, the 5-foot-10 guard led the SEC in assists and was top five in the nation in assists per game with 7.4. Wheeler also led the Bulldogs in scoring last season, averaging 14 points per game.

“I might not be the biggest, but I’m probably one of the strongest and fastest,” Wheeler said. “I guess two out of three, that’s not so bad.”

The lone forward of the group, Oscar Tshiebwe knows

what it means to play for the Wildcats.

“I call myself a warrior. I fight,” Tshiebwe said. “You want to be at Kentucky? You want to be successful? Then you’ve got to fight.”

Tshiebwe, a transfer from West Virginia, averaged 11.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in 31 starts as a freshman, his only full season with the Mountaineers.

After leaving Morgantown, the Democratic Republic of the Congo native feels right at home in Lexington.

“I felt like [West Virginia] was a place God didn’t want me to be for a long time,” Tshiebwe said. “So I’m in a good place now and I’m thankful.”

While all four players' reasons for transferring to Kentucky are different, their goal is the same: bring another championship to Lexington.

I call myself a warrior. I fight. You want to be at Kentucky? You want to be successful? Then you’ve got to fight.

- Oscar Tshiebwe

Thursday, October 7, 2021

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MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats guard Davion Mintz (10) attempts to block a shot during the University of Kentucky vs. Notre Dame basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Editors picks:

Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball

By Hunter Shelton and Barkley Truax sports@kykernel.com

What record will Kentucky finish with this season?

Men’s: • Hunter — This Kentucky team’s ceiling could call for more than 25 wins.

However, if we’re facing the reality that this group could struggle at parts of their schedule, 18-20 wins could be more in the cards. Neutral site matchups with Duke and Ohio State, as well as a trip to Lawrence, Kansas, to take on the Jayhawks and a renewal of the rivalry with Louisville highlight the non-conference slate, while the SEC is arguably the toughest it’s been in years. No road game is going to be an easy win for the Cats, and a loss or two early on seems likely. A 22-9 record feels like a solid medium between the best and worst case scenarios.

• Barkley — 23-8. With Duke, Kansas, Ohio State, Alabama twice, Tennessee on the road and an overall tough SEC slate in 2021, Kentucky won’t have an easy regular season run. John Calipari has put his team in a position to be successful after bringing in transfers Kellan Grady, CJ Fredrick, Sahvir Wheeler and Oscar Tshiebwe and another top-10 recruiting class — not to mention bringing back key players like Davion Mintz, Keion Brooks, Dontaie Allen and others. This team is deeper and more experienced than any that Calipari has coached while in Lexington. The pieces are in place for Kentucky to take a huge leap forward after its 9-16 season in 2020.

Women’s: • Hunter — 21-7. The experience that this squad is going to carry with them into the season will take them far.

Trips to Bloomington, Indiana and Louisville will prep the Wildcats for a challenging SEC schedule. Rhyne

4 | kentucky kernel

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats forward Dre'una Edwards (44) tries to grab a rebound during the UK vs. Georgia women's SEC Tournament basketball game on Friday, March 5, 2021, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Howard will win this team multiple games by herself. Her fellow starters will contribute the production necessary for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament this season. Depth may be an issue, but Kentucky should be able to match up with just about anyone they come across this year.

• Barkley — 19-8. Kentucky returned most of its core that fell to Iowa in the Round of 32 last season. The potential No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, Rhyne Howard, anchors her team with 19.9 career points per game. Her supporting cast, composed of Dre’Una Edwards, Blair Green, Treasure Hunt and Jazmine Massengill, who will

likely make up the starting five, will give Kentucky every chance to be successful this season. Their starting lineup is stacked and will be one of the SEC’s deepest, but they run thin on the bench. If role players such as Robyn Benton, Olivia Owens and Nyah Leveretter can step up when their number is called, the sky's the limit for Kentucky women’s basketball in 2021.

Where will Kentucky end up at the end of the season? (SEC, NCAA)

Men’s: • Hunter — Given the landscape of

college basketball, it seems more and more teams are reaching the standard that Kentucky has kept for so long. It would be shocking to see a John Calipari-coached team miss the NCAA Tournament two years in a row, so it’s safe to say that they’ll make it that far.

Any team can get hot and make a run in The Big Dance, so you can’t rule out a run to New Orleans for the Final Four. With that being said, making it out of the first weekend and into the Sweet 16 would feel a little less sour to BBN this season given what occurred last go-round.

See PICKS on page 16

Year two:

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Kyra Elzy looks to improve on unexpected first season as head coach

By Barkley Truax sports@kykernel.com

Kentucky women’s basketball head coach Kyra Elzy knows what success looks like in Lexington.

Elzy has brought a much-needed facelift to the program after her successful first season at the helm. She jump-started her head coaching career in 2020, taking over for former head coach Matthew Mitchell after his sudden retirement post-brain surgery. Prior to landing the head coaching gig, she was an assistant on Mitchell’s staff for eight years from 20082012 and 2016-2020.

She was tagged as interim head coach in November last year. After a 6-0 start to the season, Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart removed her interim title and offered Elzy a contract extension through the 2025-26 season as head coach.

The six-straight victories to start the season are the second most for a first-year coach in program history — her efforts awarded her the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Spaulding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I NCAA Rookie Coach of the Year.

Kentucky remained in the Associated Press Top 25 all season long, never dipping below No. 20. With Elzy calling the shots, the Wildcats also took down five ranked opponents (Indiana, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Ten-

nessee and Georgia) — back-toback wins against Arkansas and Mississippi State in late December and early January were the program’s first against top-15 teams since 2013.

Those wins earned Elzy her first espnW National Coach of the Week while Kentucky earned United States Basketball Writers Association Team of the Week honors in the same week.

Kentucky was also one of 10 teams with at least four victories over ranked teams entering the NCAA tournament, where they entered as a four seed and eventually fell to the No. 5 seeded Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round.

While 2020 was Elzy’s first time entering the tournament as a head coach, she’s been to seven different NCAA tournaments in her nine seasons with Kentucky, including two Elite Eight appearances and was a part of Kentucky’s 2012 SEC Championship staff.

In her two stints with Kentucky, six of Elzy’s teams have won over 20 games and has an overall record of 205-87 with the Wildcats. Those nine seasons have seen three SEC Players of the Year (Victoria Dunlap, A’dia Mathies and Rhyne Howard) come through Lexington with 42 total players earning SEC honors.

Most of those accomplishments came with Mitchell at the helm, and Elzy will look to carve out her own legacy as head wom-

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats head coach Kyra Elzy talks to her team before the University of Kentucky vs. Tennessee women's basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

en’s basketball coach.

Despite not compiling a top25 recruiting class for Kentucky’s 2021-22 season, it’s obvious athletes want to play under her. Elzy played a pivotal role in bringing high-profile transfers into the program such as 2019 PAC-12 Freshman of the Year Dre’Una Edwards and former five-star recruits Chasity Patterson, Olivia Owens, Robyn Benton and Jazmine Massengill and sending Evelyn Akhator and Makayla Epps to the WNBA in 2017 —

the first time Kentucky had two players selected in the same draft in program history.

The fact that recruits and transfers want to play under Elzy stems from her own playing days.

An Oldham County-native, Elzy scored over 3,000 points and 1,700 rebounds in her career before taking her talents to Knoxville, Tennessee, to play under the most successful women’s basketball coach of all time, Pat Summit.

While playing for Summit,

Elzy was a part of the 1997 and 1998 NCAA Championship squads and was the first Lady Vol to ever earn her master’s degree while still playing — which in some cases, is more important to parents of recruits than the oncourt successes.

Her history in Lexington and throughout her playing career, for that matter, have given her the winning mindset needed to lead a program like Kentucky as she heads into year two of her head coaching career.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Remembering Terrence Clarke

By Scott Clarke sports@kykernel.com

Terrence Clarke, born and raised in Boston, was killed in a car accident on April 22, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. He was 19 years old. It has been almost six months since the former Wildcat was tragically killed, but his presence and legacy still live on not only for UK Basketball but the Lexington community as well.

Immediate reaction came from the basketball world, as many professional players — including the likes of LeBron James, Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell — proclaimed their shock and sorrow. A candlelight vigil was held outside the Wildcat Coal Lodge for Clarke a day after this death, an emotional moment for fans, students and his teammates.

Photos of him playing, cheering on his teammates and getting ready during pregame introductions were hung up outside the Lodge.

There was a common denominator within all the pictures: he was smiling ear to ear.

Clarke was one of the best high school prospects people have seen. He got to the rim with ease and could explode off the floor to finish not just through contact, but over it as well. He ended up reclassifying to the class of 2020, bypassing his senior year where he ranked as the No. 8 high school prospect in the country, according to 247Sports.

In addition to his basketball skills, the thing that stuck out most in Clarke’s film was the emotion with which he played.

He wasn’t afraid to talk trash, yell and get under the opponent's skin.

He looked like he was having the time of his life out on the court.

Whenever someone saw Clarke play, they were bound for a show.

Clarke committed to Ken-

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MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats guard Davion Mintz (10) is lifted up after winning the game with a last minute 3-pointer during the University of Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt men's basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 77-74.

tucky on Sep. 14, 2019. He was the fourth player in the Class of 2020 to commit to the Wildcats, joining Brandon Boston Jr., Cam’Ron Fletcher and Lance Ware. Big Blue Nation was ecstatic, knowing they were getting an elite talent.

Coming into the season, expectations were high for the team, as it was loaded with talent.

Things took a sharp turn as they started the year 1-6, with Clarke having to sit most of the year with a nagging foot injury.

Clarke would finally suit up for Kentucky’s SEC Tournament first round game, where the Wildcats ultimately lost to Mississippi State 74-73, ending the nightmarish season for Kentucky. Clarke would only play seven games for the Wildcats.

Before the season started, the basketball world knew Clarke would be a typical “one-and-done” at UK. He was a first-round talent whose skills translated to

the modern NBA, but sitting out most of the year saw his stock start to drop while sitting on the sidelines.

It would have been understandable for Clarke to withdraw himself from the team during the middle of the season to help get himself ready for the draft. After all, his dream was to play in the NBA. However, Clarke stayed on the sidelines, cheering on his teammates as they struggled to win games.

After a big play, he would be one of the first ones on the sideline screaming, letting his teammates know he was there for them — something that junior forward Keion Brooks Jr. felt last year.

“A lot of times Terrence was the light in my life. A lot of times where I might’ve been feeling down . . . Terrence came around the corner with that huge smile of his,” Brooks Jr. said.

Terrence could not make an impact with his play, so he made

sure he made his impact with his smile and joy during rough times, which helped not just the team, but Big Blue Nation get through the team’s worst season since 1926-27.

After the season, Clarke announced he would be hiring an agent and entering his name into the 2020 NBA Draft. He moved to Los Angeles, working out daily with former teammate and fellow NBA draftee Brandon Boston Jr. On April 21, 2021, both him and Boston Jr. announced they had signed with Klutch Sports, an agency whose clients include LeBron James, Ben Simmons and former Wildcat Tyrese Maxey.

His dream was finally coming true.

On the way home from a workout the next day, Clarke was involved in a fatal car accident.

The basketball world mourned, sending prayers to his family.

Clarke was not just a regular basketball player — he was a

celebrity. He had over 250,000 Instagram followers at the time of his death. Even the casual basketball fan knew who Terrence Clarke was. He was joyful, energetic and caring. He loved to live life and it showed, on and off the court, something that sixth-year senior guard Davion Mintz saw every day.

“I really want everyone to understand how happy a person like Terrence was," Mintz said.

"All of us on the team last year wondered, like, ‘Why is this dude always happy?’ It seems like everything is going wrong for him and he’s just still smiling. Little did we know he was just being happy for his last moments."

That’s just who Clarke was.

He was an extraordinary basketball player, but more than anything he was an extraordinary person. He touched everyone he crossed paths with, according to head coach John Calipari.

“I think that is part of the reason why you see unbelievable magnitude of heartache today from everyone across our game and our country,” Calipari said.

“Terrence had that spirit about him that rubbed off on every single person that was fortunate to cross paths with him. He was the person everyone wanted to be around and the guy everyone gravitated to.”

Clarke would have been 20 years old on Sept. 6. For his birthday, the current UK team, some of which never shared the same court as him, organized a public kickball game at Woodland Park in Lexington to celebrate. At the conclusion of the game, participants gathered in a circle to sing happy birthday to him.

The legacy of Terrence Clarke will live on with this 2021-22 team, as it will for future teams to come. His stamp on the basketball program and the Lexington community will carry on.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

One last time?

Kentucky and Duke kick off Mike Krzyzewski’s farewell season

By Jaron Centers sports@kykernel.com

Kentucky and Duke: the names alone instantly evoke memories of two of the most storied programs in college basketball.

Once again, the two blue bloods will face off under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden in New York City. This time around, however, the stakes are a little higher, not necessarily for the players but for the coaches. John Calipari and Mike Krzyzewski will potentially be coaching their last contest against each other.

Krzyzewski, popularly known as “Coach K,” will lead Duke one last time this upcoming season, as he announced his retirement in June after coaching the Blue Devils for 41 years. In that time, the Naismith Hall of Famer accumulated five National Championships, 12 Final Fours and 1,170 wins — the most of any coach in Division I men’s basketball history.

Calipari gave a statement looking ahead at the matchup, recognizing Krzyzewski’s decorated career at Duke.

“To think that November

STAFF FILE PHOTO Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks with media during an interview at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, April 3, 2015, in Indianapolis.

Personally, he has challenged me as a coach and a recruiter. The respect I have for Mike and all that he has done for our game and coaches goes so far beyond the battles we have had on the court over the years. Our game is not what it is today without a lifetime of dedication and love Mike has put into it.

- John Calipari may be the last time I ever coach against Mike Krzyzewski is hard to believe,” Calipari said. “For as long as I can remember, Coach K has been synonymous not only with Duke, but with college basketball. His benchmark of excellence for nearly 50 years has pushed all of us.”

Calipari commemorated Krzyzewski’s contributions that reach beyond the game.

“Personally, he has challenged

me as a coach and a recruiter,” Calipari said. “The respect I have for Mike and all that he has done for our game and coaches goes so far beyond the battles we have had on the court over the years.

Our game is not what it is today without a lifetime of dedication and love Mike has put into it.”

Calipari has a chance to even the all-time record between the coaches on Nov. 9, as Krzyzewski has won two of the three

matchups between them. Kentucky leads the series all-time against the Blue Devils, 12-10.

The possible final battle between the legendary coaches is once again set to be competitive, as both teams are expected to rank in the top-15 nationally.

Kentucky looks to hit the reset button following a lackluster 9-16 season plagued by a lack of experience and chemistry.

Duke, after a disappointing

13-11 season, seeks to stand at the top of the ACC once again.

The Blue Devils bring in the No. 5 overall recruiting class headlined by five-star freshman Paolo Banchero, the No. 2 overall player in 2021, per 247Sports. Returners Jordan Goldwire, Jeremy Roach and Mark Williams will be key in Coach K’s final campaign.

The “Cats and the Blue Devils” matchup will be the first since 2018, when Duke defeated Kentucky in dominating fashion, winning 118-84 in Indianapolis.

The Nov. 9 matchup will kick off the 2021-22 college basketball season at the annual Champions Classic.

After a tough year for the world of sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hype builds as college basketball fans can look forward to a somewhat normal season. The season opener will pin two of the most storied programs and legendary coaches against each other: Kentucky and Duke, Calipari and Krzyzewski, facing off in the Big Apple — with a little more pride on the line.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Get to know:

2021-2022 women’s basketball roster

By Cole Parke sports@kykernel.com

It’s almost basketball time in the Bluegrass once again, and this year’s women’s team is ready to make a splash. This year comes fresh off the heels of an 18-9 season that abruptly came to an end in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Cats lost three seniors in the offseason, but in their place are four new transfers who are set to fill the void. With a mixture of experienced players and younger raw talent, the Wildcats have a lot of variety on their roster this season.

Meet the team:

Olivia Owens - 00 • Year: Redshirt Junior • Hometown: Albany, New York • Position: Center • 2020-2021 Stats: 4.4 PPG 2.8 RBG 0.2 APG • About: At 6-foot-4, Owens is the tallest Wildcat on the roster and is likely to be a strong paint presence for opposing teams to worry about. The 2020 campaign was her first opportunity to show her skills in college.

Her career has been hampered by injuries prior, so she’ll be looking to grow and build off of the year prior while filling a much needed role for the Cats.

• Fun Fact: Owens racked up six points, three rebounds, and a steal all in the first five minutes of Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament game against Idaho State.

Robyn Benton - 1 8 | kentucky kernel

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF UK warms up before the UK vs. Florida women's SEC Tournament basketball game on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

• Year: Senior • Hometown: Conyers, Georgia • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 6.6 PPG 2.5 RBG 1 APG • About: Benton, an Auburn transfer, had a strong junior year playing in all but one game for the Cats while averaging 18 minutes on the court. She has an aggressive style of play that will make her a strong asset on both offense and defense. She also led the Wildcats in assists

twice and steals in four games last season.

• Fun Fact: Benton scored a season-high 15 points on her birthday at Rupp Arena last season against Alabama.

Jazmine Massengill - 3 • Year: Senior • Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 5.1 PPG

2.6 RPG 3.3 APG • About: At an even six-foot, Massengill was a strong defender for the Wildcats in 2020 with 10 blocks and 17 steals on the season. She led the Wildcats in blocks three times and had one in the Cats tournament win over Idaho State. She proved to everyone that this former Lady Vol is a key piece of Kentucky’s team now, and that doesn’t look to change in her senior season.

• Fun Fact: Massengill played AAU ball in Chattanooga with

fellow Wildcat Rhyne Howard.

Blair Green - 5 • Year: Senior • Hometown: Harlan County, Kentucky • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 5.7 PPG 1.9 RPG 0.8 APG • About: One of the few players See WBR on page 9

Thursday, October 7, 2021

WBR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

on this year’s roster to play all 27 games last season, Green established herself as a key member of the Wildcats in 2020.

She’s a versatile athlete with a high basketball IQ who is great from the perimeter while also able to create offense off the dribble. She shot 44 percent from the field in 2020, ensuring opposing defenses won’t be able to let their guard down while she’s on the court.

• Fun Fact: Green was a finalist for Miss Kentucky Basketball in high school.

Rhyne Howard - 10 • Year: Senior • Hometown: Cleveland, Tennessee • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 19.9 PPG 6.8 RPG 2.8 APG • About: One of the highest touted Wildcats going into the season, Howard’s statline speaks for itself. On top of that, she’s a gold medalist for Team USA’s U19 team, and has led the Wildcats in scoring 54 times, rebounding 46 times, assists 29 times, steals 30 times and blocking 31 times. Heads are going to turn when she gets on the court, and she will likely be one of the first picks in the 2022 WNBA Draft.

• Fun Fact: Howard was unanimously named National Freshman of the Year after having one of the best rookie seasons in Kentucky history.

Jada Walker - 11 • Year: Freshman • Hometown: Richmond, Virginia • Position: Guard • 2019-2020 Stats (High School Junior): 26.3 PTS 5.9 Steals per game

54% from field • About: Kentucky’s lone freshman, Walker is an energetic point guard who should immediately bolster the depth of the team. She’s aggressive on both ends of the court with impressive stats on offense and defense. A proficient scorer, Walker shot 54 percent from the field her junior year and led her team to the Class B Championship game.

• Fun Fact: Walker is the daughter of AnnMarie Gilbert, the current head coach for Detroit Mercy women’s basketball.

Treasure Hunt - 12 • Year: Sophomore • Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 3.7 PPG 2.1 RPG 0.7 APG • About: Hunt is an athlete expected to take some strides this season. She had a strong freshman season for the Cats with two 10-plus double-figure scoring games and leading the team in assists, steals and blocks once each. Her versatility allows her to efficiently play and excel at multiple positions on the court.

She’s looking to have a breakout sophomore season.

• Fun Fact: Hunt helped lead the FBC United travel team to an undefeated league championship run on the Under Armour circuit.

Erin Toller - 20 • Year: Sophomore • Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 2.2 PPG 0.4 RPG 0 APG • About: Though her stats don’t immediately pop off the page, Toller was a solid piece of the Wildcats’ roster in the five

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats guard Rhyne Howard (10) lays up the ball during the University of Kentucky vs. Ole Miss women's basketball on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Kentucky.

games she played in 2020. She was a strong 3-point shooter in high school, having made 84 shots from beyond the arc in her senior year and surpassing 1,000 total points across all four years. Toller can be expected to blossom into a somewhat bigger role this season with more minutes on the court and experience under her belt.

• Fun Fact: Toller won two game MVP honors at the Battle of the Bridges Tournament.

Nyah Leveretter - 21 • Year: Sophomore • Hometown: Blythewood, South Carolina • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: 1 PPG 1.9 RPG 0.1 APG • About: Leveretter is another player who should make big strides this season. She averaged 10-plus rebounds per game in high school and led the Cats in rebounding against Marshall last season. She also has a 45

percent career shooting percentage, making her equally as dangerous away from the board.

With more experience and training from the offseason, she should grow into a strong piece for this Wildcats team.

• Fun Fact: On top of being a volleyball star in high school, she also led her basketball team to two state tournament final fours in South Carolina.

Emma King - 34 • Year: Junior • Hometown: Stanford, Kentucky • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 0.4 PPG 1 RPG 1 APG • About: One of the few in-state talents on the roster, King is a proficient free throw shooter, a skill which should be invaluable to the Wildcats in tight situations. She shot 83.9 percent from the line her senior year of high school, making 104 free throws out of 124. She was 2-2 from the line in Kentucky’s tournament game against Idaho

State to make her free throw percentage 100 percent for 2020.

• Fun Fact: King grew up a Kentucky fan and always dreamed of being a Wildcat one day.

Dre’Una Edwards - 44 • Year: Redshirt Junior • Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: 9.7 PPG 6.1 RPG 1.2 APG • About: Edwards displayed serious potential during the Cats’ tournament run. She scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds in Kentucky’s win over Idaho State and also scored 16 points with five rebounds and three steals in their loss to Iowa in the second round. If she can maintain that level of play, she’ll become a real difference maker for the Wildcats.

• Fun Fact: Edwards is a former PAC-12 Freshman of the Year from her tenure with the Utah Utes.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

The Cats are back PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CLUBB

As basketball season in the Bluegrass quickly approaches, fans of Kentucky basketball look forward to a more “normal” season with a packed Rupp Arena filled with cheering spectators. Only time will tell if this season will be as win-filled as Cats fans hope.

To the right: Kentucky Wildcats guard Dontaie Allen (11) and Kentucky Wildcats guard Davion Mintz (10) walk to the sideline during a timeout during the University of Kentucky vs. Florida men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks to Kentucky Wildcats forward Jacob Toppin (0) on the sideline during the University of Kentucky vs. Alabama men's basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

10 | kentucky kernel

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Kentucky Wildcats guard Davion Mintz (10) fights for a layup during the University of Kentucky vs. Louisiana State University men's basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky Wildcats forward Jacob Toppin (0) passes the ball to Kentucky Wildcats guard Davion Mintz (10) during the University of Kentucky vs. Louisiana State University men's basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky Wildcats guard Dontaie Allen (11) shoots a jump shot during the University of Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt men's basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

'I'm really excited.'

Wildcats move on from last season's losses

By Hunter Shelton sports@kykernel.com

The 2020-21 college basketball season spelled disaster for the Kentucky Wildcats.

What was set to be another year of excitement and winning quickly turned to a season that most fans will painfully remember as one of the worst in the storied John Calipari era.

Kentucky finished the season 9-16, losing in the first round of the SEC Tournament and failing to make the NCAA Tournament field.

Calipari’s teams had built a bit of a reputation for starting the season slower than most but managing to pick up the pace and find their final form as March rolled around.

Fans were struggling to stay optimistic for a turn-around, fol-

lowing a six-game losing streak after winning their season opener. The 1-6 start for UK was the worst in the program’s history in 94 years.

The beginning of SEC play saw the Wildcats win their first three games, giving Big Blue Nation reason to believe that the team was turning the corner.

A swift three-game losing-streak would suggest otherwise. The Cats would go on to finish conference play 8-9.

It’s safe to say that Kentucky and its fanbase aren’t used to losing seasons. In the last century, UK has finished the season with a losing record just four times.

There are plenty of reasons to point towards the cause for the down season for Kentucky, whether it be coach Calipari, the departure of long-time assistant Kenny Payne or the toll that the

COVID-19 pandemic took on the team, just to name a few.

For Calipari, he, like all of the Kentucky fanbase, is ready to look past what was an abysmal 2020-21 campaign: “My thing is I’m moving on,” Calipari said in September. “I’m not looking back. I don’t have a rearview mirror. I’m looking forward.”

BBN will attempt to do the same as they prepare for another incoming group of talented players, ready to make their mark in Rupp Arena.

Four transfers and three highly touted freshmen join eight returning players to make up the 2021-22 roster.

The new-look group contains a mix of youth and veterans that have succeeded at lower and higher levels of college basketball. With two graduate transfers

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My thing is I’m moving on. I’m not looking back. I don’t have a rearview mirror. I’m looking forward.

- John Calipari and seven juniors, this team will rank amongst the oldest that Calipari has had during his tenure in Lexington.

“We have options,” Calipari said. “I’m really excited.”

Unofficial pre-season rankings from platforms such as ESPN and USA Today have placed Kentucky anywhere from eighth to 15th, not expecting another down season from the Wildcats.

Kentucky’s first opportunity to showcase their talent will take place on Sunday, Oct. 10, for Pro Day. Just five days later, the infamous Big Blue Madness will commence. The Cats will play a Blue-White game, as well as two exhibitions, as they prepare for a colossal clash in their regular season opener, taking on the Duke Blue Devils on Nov. 9 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Across the (By)Line: LSU Tigers

By Barkley Truax

Stats:

sports@kykernel.com

The “Across the (By)Line” series will give Kentucky football fans an in-depth look at their opponent for this week — from the mind of the opposing school’s sports editor.

This week: This week: The Reveille, Reed Darcey, LSU

Kentucky

What’s the feel around the program and fanbase after that tough loss to Auburn?

Reed: Everyone is frustrated. The fanbase was stoked for the 8 p.m. kickoff against Auburn to hear Death Valley back for the first time, really, since Joe Burrow's last home game. Because LSU led for most of the game and Auburn didn't take the lead until the end, I think fans are still trying to process what happened. It's a confusing time — we're all trying to figure out where LSU belongs in the SEC, post-national championship. Will it be without Ed Orgeron? Just a gut feeling: it really feels like it will be, barring a miraculous turnaround. Which is unbelievable, considering the state of the program less than two years ago.

I get the general feeling that LSU is better than their record shows. Do you feel the same?

Reed: No. I think this team has some deep-rooted problems that will take a long time to solve. To name a couple: • One: The offensive line has been a huge disappointment. The talent simply isn't there, which shouldn't be the case because the starters are veterans. Only recruiting will solve the problem. That will take a couple years, at least.

• Two: The coaching staff is not in sync with the offense. LSU spent five timeouts on Saturday night — four of them were to prevent delay of game penalties. That's inexcusable, especially the most egregious one, which came on the final drive right

JACK WEAVER | STAFF Kentucky defensive back Tyrell Ajian (23) celebrates after a tackle during the University of Kentucky vs. Florida football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

after a kickoff when the offense needed a touchdown to win. It's no secret Orgeron and his coordinators poorly managed the locker room and failed to communicate with the players in 2020. To see that issue pop up again the following year in a crucial moment was discouraging.

Is it fair to say LSU is the underdog coming into Saturday’s game?

Reed: You bet. I saw an early line that had Kentucky as three-point favorites — that feels about right. Congrats to the Wildcats for making their Student Media Poll debut at No. 17! LSU didn't receive a single vote for the top-25. It'll be tough for them to pull out a win on the road.

What’s LSU’s biggest strength offensively? Defensively?

Reed: The biggest strength on offense is receiver Kayshon Boutte. He's the real deal. He and Max Johnson have a nice

chemistry. Smooth route-runner, weapon in the red zone, improving on contested catches and nice open field speed. He'll probably be a first-round pick.

Defensively — the defensive line. Entering the Auburn game, they were one of the best in the country. They were near the top of the country in sacks and tackles for loss. It's a deep veteran group on the interior with some young legs on the edge. Bo Nix embarrassed them last week, so expect them to be extra motivated to bounce back against Kentucky.

What’s your overall opinion on the Kentucky football program through five games in 2021?

Reed: They have my attention. After I saw how Florida played Alabama, I was high on the Gators — taking them down is a big deal. Shoutout to Mark Stoops for turning the program around. I'm excited to learn more about them on Saturday. But Georgia will still win the SEC East.

•W ill Levis — 73-118, 989 yards, eight touchdowns, six interceptions.

• Wan’Dale Robinson — 29 receptions, 467 yards, three touchdowns.

•C hris Rodriguez Jr. — 104 rushes, 612 yards, four touchdowns.

• J J Weaver — 15 tackles, 11 solo, four sacks, one interception.

•D eAndre Square — 38 tackles, 23 solo, one sack.

LSU •M ax Johnson — 113-181, 1,469 yards, 16 touchdowns, four interceptions.

• Kayshon Boutte — 30 receptions, 436 yards, nine touchdowns.

•C orey Kiner — 32 rushes, 166 yards, two touchdowns.

•D amone Clark — 55 tackles, 36 solo.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Notable games: Men’s basketball

By Hunter Shelton sports@kykernel.com

Duke (Season opener)

• When: Nov. 9 • Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City • 2020 record: 13-11 (Did not make the NCAA Tournament) • Last matchup: No. 4 Duke defeated No. 2 UK 11884 (Nov. 6, 2018) • Notes: This is the final season for legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Three starters return to the Blue Devils, headlined by junior forward Wendell Moore Jr. Duke brings in the No. 4 recruiting class including top-10 freshman Paolo Banchero. Similar to UK, this year comes with a lot of uncertainty, but the talent is visible with Duke.

The Blue Devils pose a challenging first test for Kentucky.

Ohio State (CBS Sports Classic)

• When: Dec. 18 • Where: Las Vegas, Nevada • 2020 record: 21-10 (Lost in Round of 64 to Oral Roberts, 75-72) • Last matchup: No. 5 OSU defeated No. 6 UK 71-65 (Dec. 21, 2019) • Notes: EJ Liddell, the Buckeyes’ leading scorer a year ago, returns to Columbus for his junior season. Liddell averages 16.2 points per game as well as 6.7 rebounds per game, pacing one of the

14 | kentucky kernel

best frontcourts in the nation. Ohio State surprised the college basketball world last year, earning a two seed in the NCAA Tournament. This season, the Buckeyes will again push for a Big Ten title and top-seed in March.

Louisville

• When: Dec. 22 • Where: Lexington, Kentucky • 2020 record: 13-7 (Did not make the NCAA Tournament) • Last matchup: UofL defeated UK 62-59 (Dec. 26, 2020) • Notes: A lot has happened in Louisville this offseason, most of which hasn’t been on the hardwood.

On the court, head coach Chris Mack welcomes two senior transfers who will look to provide some much needed offense for the Cardinals. Noah Locke joins Louisville from Florida, while Jarrod West arrives from Marshall. Louisville also landed the top JUCO transfer, Elbert Ellis. The ACC is for the taking this season, but it will take some top-tier production from some new faces if the Cardinals want to make a run for the title.

Tennessee

• When: Jan. 15 • Where: Lexington, Kentucky • 2020 record: 18-9 (Lost in Round of 64 to Oregon State, 70-56) • Last matchup: UK de-

STAFF FILE PHOTO Kentucky head coach John Calipari directs his team during the game against Auburn on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

feated No. 19 Tenn 70-55 (Feb. 6, 2021) • Notes: Tennessee failed to meet expectations last season, getting bounced in the first round of the tournament. Yves Pons, Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson, who averaged a combined 32 points per game last year, are no longer with the Volunteers.

However, John Fulkerson returns for his sixth season in Knoxville. Auburn transfer Justin Powell will look to provide a spark to the UT offense off of the bench. Tennessee will rely on its youth to pro-

duce this season, but a top five SEC finish seems imminent.

Kansas (Big 12/SEC Challenge)

• When: Jan. 29 • Where: Lawrence, Kansas • 2020 record: 21-9 (Lost in Round of 32 to USC, 85-51) • Last matchup: No. 7 Kansas def No. 20 UK 65-62 (Dec. 1, 2020) • Notes: Bill Self will once again have the Jayhawks in contention for a Big 12 title. Marcus Garrett de-

parted, but David McCormack returns after a second-team All-Big 12 nod last season. Remy Martin comes in from Arizona State and will vie for an All-American selection.

Kansas will be a frontrunner for a top-seed in the tournament come March.

Alabama

• When: Feb. 19 • Where: Lexington, Kentucky • 2020 record: 26-7 (Lost in Sweet 16 to UCLA, 88-78) • Last matchup: No. 9

Bama def UK 70-59 (Jan. 26, 2021) • Notes: Last season, the Crimson Tide won the SEC for the first time in 19 years. Three crucial pieces of that team are now gone, but Bama has what may be the best backcourt in college basketball. Jaden Shackelford returns to Tuscaloosa and is joined by a highly-touted prospect in JD Davison. The Tide is young, but possesses fire power at every position and will look for nothing less than a second straight SEC title.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Notable games: Women's basketball

By Barkley Truax sports@kykernel.com

Indiana

• When: Nov. 14 • Where: Bloomington, Indiana • 2020 record: 21-6 (Made it to the Elite Eight — lost to Arizona 66-53) • Last matchup: No. 11 UK def.

IU 72-68 (Dec. 6, 2020) • Notes: Indiana returns First Team All-BIG 10 forward Mackenzie Holmes who averaged a team-high 17.8 points per game and grabbed 7.8 boards on average. She shot 59 percent from the field in 23 games started/played through her sophomore campaign. With Kentucky’s guard-heavy roster, it’ll be tough to stop Indiana’s best scorer in Kentucky’s first road trip of the season.

West Virginia (Big 12-SEC Challenge)

• When: Dec. 1 • Where: Lexington, Kentucky • 2020 record: 22-7 (Lost in the Round of 32 — Lost to Georgia

Tech 73-56) • Last matchup: WVU def. UK 80-75 in double overtime in the championship of the WNIT (March 28, 2005) • Notes: KK Deans and Esmery Martinez lead the Mountaineers into the 2021-22 season.

Both averaged over 13 points per game — Martinez averaged 11.6 rebounds per game and Deans finished with 104 assists; Deans also had a 41.5 percent clip from deep, the best on the team. Martinez’s three 20 plus rebound games and double-double average earned her 2021 First Team All-BIG 12 honors, WVU’s first since Tynice Martin in 2017.

Louisville (Jimmy V Classic)

• When: Dec. 12 • Where: Louisville, Kentucky • 2020 record: 26-4 (Made it to the Elite Eight — Lost to Stanford 78-63) • Last matchup: UL def. UK 6766 at Memorial Coliseum (Dec.

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky's Rhyne Howard celebrates a teammate's basket from the sidelines during the University of Kentucky vs. Wofford women's basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Kentucky.

15, 2019) • Notes: Louisville is poised for another deep run in the 2022 NCAA Tournament despite losing 2021 ACC Player of the Year Dana Evans to the Chicago Sky. The Cardinals return redshirt senior Kianna Smith who averaged 11.4 points per game while shooting 44 percent (.38 from three, .80 from the line) per game. She ranked eighth in the ACC with 55 makes from downtown — she made three three-pointers in nine different games in 2020-21.

Auburn (SEC Opener)

• When: Dec. 30 • Where: Auburn, Alabama • 2020 record: 5-19 • Last matchup: UK won 76-71 on the road (Jan. 21, 2021) • Notes: Kentucky started out hot last season but hit a wall once it stepped into conference play.

An under-matched Auburn team took Kentucky to the limit back in January while it was strug-

gling, and the Wildcats never seemed to get into the dominant groove they played with in the first 10 games of the season.

Kentucky will look to kick off their SEC play with a big victory over Auburn in their final game of the 2021 calendar year.

Mississippi State

• When: Jan. 3 • Where: Lexington, Kentucky • 2020 record: 10-9 • Last matchup: UK won 92-86 in overtime (Jan. 3, 2021) • Notes: Last season was one of the worst in modern memory for the Bulldogs after being a perennial SEC powerhouse for most of the last decade. Mississippi State has brought in a big time transfer in 2021 AAC Freshman of the Year in Jerkaila Jordan. The sophomore guard averaged 16.7 pointer per game and 2.3 steals last season and will complement Jessika Carter and Rikea Jackson’s already established presence in the Bull-

dog lineup.

South Carolina

• When: Jan. 9 • Where: Columbia, South Carolina • 2020 record: 26-5 (Made it to the Final Four — Lost to Stanford 66-65) • Last matchup: South Carolina def. UK 76-55 at home (Feb. 21, 2021) • Notes: South Carolina has one of, if not the, best returning roster in the country from top to bottom. The trio of Zia Cooke, Aliyah Boston and Destanni Henderson dominated opponents last season and have all decided to come back in an attempt to capture the NCAA Championship that has eluded them since 2017. Boston, the returning National Player of the Year (The Athletic) averaged a double-double last season with 13.7 points per game and 11.5 rebounds.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

JACK WEAVER | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats head coach Kyra Elzy yells to her team during the University of Kentucky vs. Tennessee women’s basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

PICKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

• Barkley — As much as Kentucky fans want to hear that their Cats might end up back in the Final Four for the first time since 2015, they’ll probably have to wait at least one more year.

This team is deep, talented and experienced — a very different Kentucky team than the ones they’re used to.

It’s a group of players that’ll bring a style to Kentucky that we might never see again under Calipari, just not one that’ll bring No. 9 to BBN. This team’s ceiling is the Sweet 16 or Elite 8 while having the potential to win the SEC as a whole, despite the conference being deeper than ever before as the rest of the league finds their identity after the recent success they’ve found.

Women’s: • Hunter — Never say never, but it will be tough for the Cats to make a push past the Sweet 16 this season. Howard herself has the potential to take

16 | kentucky kernel

cilitate the rock, be a pest on defense and play tough. He may not find a large amount of playing time in portions of the season, but he will be a spark plug off the bench and win a few games for the Wildcats when it’s all said and done. Fresh off of setting the single-season assist record at Georgia, Wheeler is going to stuff some stat sheets this year.

• Barkley — TyTy Washington; the kid can ball — plain and simple. He won the Player’s First Fan Fest three-point contest at Transylvania University in September and the Iverson Classic back in May. He averaged 24 points and seven assists per game as a senior for Compass Prep, including a 41 percent clip from deep — something Kentucky fans have been waiting for since Tyler Herro suited up for the Cats back in 2018. Washington can be expected to make an immediate impact for Kentucky and may even crack the starting lineup before SEC play begins on Dec. 29. It wouldn’t be farfetched to say Washington could be able to lead Kentucky in the scoring column when the season is all said and done.

Women’s: • Hunter — Redshirt junior Olivia Owens will need to produce in the center role for Kentucky this season. Owens is just one of three forwards listed on the roster. After transferring from Maryland, Owens averaged just 4.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

Expect her efficiency and scoring totals to take a steep incline during her second season in the Bluegrass.

• Barkley — Jazmine Massengill is set to take over at point guard for Kentucky after losing Chasity Patterson to the pros after last season. Massengill averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 assists per game during her junior campaign after spending her first two at Tennessee.

After head coach Kyra Elzy moved Rhyne Howard to small forward and plugged Massengill into the starting lineup on a more consistent basis toward the end of the year, fans were given a taste of what to expect from their future starting point guard which included clutch shots, her ability to get to the rim as well as her court vision — all things she should be able to do and more as Kentucky’s primary ball handler this upcoming season.

the team further, but the Wildcats will need some role players and bench producers to come out of the woodwork to propel the team any further.

• Barkley — Kentucky needs to take advantage of Rhyne Howard while they have her. They don’t have the deepest team in the country, but having the best player in the country on your team can make up for the lack of contribution they otherwise wouldn’t have without her. Howard by herself has the talent to take this Kentucky team to the Sweet 16 this year, but likely no further. They’ll also have their work cut out for them attempting to win the SEC with the brick wall that is the South Carolina Gamecocks who are fresh off a Final Four berth last season.

Who will be a breakout player fans aren’t expecting this season?

Men’s: • Hunter — Sahvir Wheeler’s playstyle is going to make him beloved in Lexington this season. He is going to fa-

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky head coach John Calipari yells at a referee during the University of Kentucky vs.

Auburn men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

A table burns during a student celebration after Kentucky football defeated No. 10 Florida on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, on University Avenue in Lexington, Kentucky.

Following Kentucky’s 20-13 victory over Florida on Oct. 2, students and fans rushed the field in the stadium, afterward flocking to State Street to celebrate the upset win. As the night went on, cheers and flames filled the air as couches and tables were set on fire. This State Street night was the first one football fans have had since the pandemic began.

State Street goes up in flames: Students celebrate Kentucky's first home win against Gators in 36 years PHOTOS BY JACK WEAVER

A Kentucky fan celebrates while holding a traffic cone during a student celebration after Kentucky football defeated No. 10 Florida on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, on Crescent Avenue in Lexington, Kentucky.

fall 2021 | 17

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Get to know: 2021-2022 men's basketball roster

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats forward Keion Brooks Jr. (12) dunks a rebound in during the University of Kentucky vs. Auburn men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Jacob Toppin- 0 • Year: Junior • Hometown: Brooklyn, New York • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: 5.2 PPG 3.5 RPG 0.7 APG • About: Toppin is entering his second year with the Wildcats after transferring from Rhode Island.

He chose to transfer to Kentucky over Oregon and Iowa State. Toppin was a key bench player for UK last year; he will look to once again provide a spark off of the bench this season.

• Fun Fact: Toppins’s favorite food is Italian.

CJ Fredrick - 1 • Year: Redshirt junior • Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: (Iowa) 7.5 PPG 1.9 APG 1.1 RPG

18 | kentucky kernel

• About: Fredrick is entering his first year as a Wildcat this season. He played three seasons with Iowa before transferring to Lexington. Fredrick attended Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky, where he was named the 2018 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year. He is a lights-out shooter who will provide sharpshooting off of the bench this season.

• Fun Fact: Fredrick enjoys solving puzzles and playing board games.

Sahvir Wheeler - 2 • Year: Junior • Hometown: Houston, Texas • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: (Georgia) 14 PPG 7.4 APG 3.8 RPG • About: Wheeler is entering his first season at Kentucky following two seasons at Georgia. He holds UGA’s single-season as-

sist record with 193, ranking him fifth nationally in assists. Wheeler also recorded the Bulldogs first triple-double in program history. The assist-minded guard will facilitate the basketball to those around him in bulk this season.

• Fun Fact: Wheeler’s favorite food is wings.

Tyty Washington Jr. -3 • Year: Freshman • Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: (High School) 24 PPG 7 APG 6 RPG • About: Washington, a five-star prospect, comes to Lexington as the No. 2 point guard in his class, according to ESPN. Washington is the latest recipient of the MaxPreps Arizona Player of the Year. His senior season in high school saw the guard shoot 48 percent from the

By Kennedy Whitby sports@kykernel.com

field, including 41 percent from three-point range.

Washington will likely begin the season as the starting point guard for the Wildcats.

• Fun Fact: Devin Booker is his favorite former UK basketball player.

Daimion Collins - 4 • Year: Freshman • Hometown: Atlanta, Texas • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: (High School) 35.2 PPG 14.4 RPG 7 APG • About: A five-star prospect, Collins was awarded Texas Gatorade player of the year and consensus top-20 prospect in the Class of 2021. Collins also participated in the McDonald's All-American, Jordan Brand Classic and the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic.

• Fun Fact: Collins loves to ride horses.

Davion Mintz - 10 • Year: Graduate student • Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 11.5 PPG 3.2 RPG 3.1 APG • About: Mintz returns for sixth year of collegiate basketball, his second as a graduate student at UK, thanks to the extra year granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mintz led the team in scoring and assists last season while also being one of three team captains.

• Fun fact: Mintz’s godfather is former NFL player Randy Moss.

Dontaie Allen- 11 • Year: Redshirt sophomore • Hometown: Falmouth, Kentucky • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: 5.4 PPG

0.3 APG 1.5 RPG • About: Allen returns after finishing second on the team in three-point field goals last season, shooting at a 39.7 percent clip.

Allen led the Wildcats in effective field-goal percentage at 54.5 percent.

Allen is one of just three players from the Bluegrass on this year’s roster.

• Fun Fact: Allen is cousins with NFL star Russell Wilson.

Keion Brooks Jr - 12 • Year: Junior • Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: 10.3 PPG 6.8 RPG 1.6 APG • About: The elder statesman of the group, Brooks is back for year number three at Kentucky. The junior, who is coming off of a career-best sophomore season, will man See MBR on page 19

Thursday, October 7, 2021 School): 24.4 PPG 12.5 RPG 3 APG • About: Hopkins joins the Wildcats after earning multiple awards his senior year of high school, including MaxPreps Illinois Player of the Year, Chicago Land Prep Hoops All-State First Team and Chicago League Player of the Year, being named to the Jordan Brand Classic roster as well as the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic.

• Fun Fact: Hopkins’s favorite food is BBQ boneless wings.

Kareem Watkins - 25

Kentucky Wildcats forward Keion Brooks Jr. (12) dives for a loose ball during the University of Kentucky vs. Auburn men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky Wildcats forward Keion Brooks Jr. (12) lays the ball up during the University of Kentucky vs. Arkansas men's basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

MBR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

the frontcourt with Oscar Tshiebwe. Brooks, who was just one of two Wildcats to earn multiple double-doubles last season, will play a key leadership role once again this sea-

son.

• Fun Fact: His dad, Keion Brooks Sr., also wore the number 12.

Brennan Canada - 14 • Year: Junior • Hometown: Mount Sterling, Kentucky • Position: Forward

• 2020-2021 Stats: Appeared in just two

games, recorded one steal and two turnovers.

• About: Canada was a highly-touted prospect from Kentucky, scoring 1,371 points in his career at George Rogers Clark High School, where he was a three-time All-District selection. He appeared in four games his freshman season.

• Fun fact: Canada recorded his first collegiate steal against South Carolina in the 2020-2021 season.

games, recorded two points and two rebounds.

• About: Son of former UK assistant Kenny Payne, Zan Payne is entering his third season at Kentucky. Payne recorded 1,282 points during his time at Lexington Catholic High School, good for fourteenth best in school history. Payne’s 934 rebounds at Catholic are fourth best in school history. Payne did not play in his freshman season at UK due to a knee injury.

• Fun Fact: Payne enjoys playing Fortnite.

Zan Payne - 20

Bryce Hopkins - 23

• Year: Redshirt junior • Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky • Position: Guard / Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: Appeared in just two

• Year: Freshman • Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 season Hopkins averaged (High

• Year: Sophomore • Hometown: Camden, New Jersey • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: Watkins appeared in just one game last season, playing two minutes, recording zero statistics.

• About: Joining the team as a walk-on last season, Watkins made just one appearance for the Wildcats last season. Watkins is the stepson of former Memphis star Dejuan Wagner, who played under John Calipari.

• Fun Fact: Watkins likes to listen to NBA Youngboy during warm ups.

Kellan Grady - 31 • Year: Graduate Student • Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts • Position: Guard • 2020-2021 Stats: (Davidson College) 17.1 PPG 4.6 RPG 2.4 APG • About: Grady joins Kentucky after spending four years at Davidson. The

graduate student is one of six players in the program’s history to eclipse 2,000 points. The guard will play a pivotal role in coach Calipari’s backcourt this season on both offense and defense.

• Fun Fact: Grady sas a degree in sociology from Davidson College.

Oscar Tshiebwe - 34 • Year: Junior • Hometown: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: Tshiebwe transferred to

UK midseason as a sophomore and was ineligible to play the rest of the season due to NCAA transfer rules.

• About: Tshiebwe, who transferred to Kentucky from West Virginia, will enter the season as the Wildcats biggest option, standing at six-foot-nine, 255 pounds. Tshiebwe’s freshman season at WVU saw the big man average 11.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

• Fun Fact: Tshiebwe has a 7’5 wingspan.

Lance Ware - 55 • Year: Sophomore • Hometown: Camden, New Jersey • Position: Forward • 2020-2021 Stats: 2 PPG 3 RPG 0.4 APG • About: Ware will look to produce off of the bench for a second season, a role he filled well last year.

Ware was able to do it all last season, recording 41 points, 63 rebounds, 11 blocks, eight assists and six steals.

• Fun Fact: Ware loves to play Call of Duty.

fall 2021 | 19

Thursday, October 7, 2021

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HELP WANTED Plasma Center Medical Helper No experience necessary. Flexible schedules. Must be available rotating weekends and until 10pm weekdays, during the next semester and holidays.

Apply for the Customer Service - Donor Support Technician position R-079800 at Lexington 404 in the “Career” section at www.cslplasma.com, and also email resume to chris.otto@cslplasma.com. 859-254-8047 Administrative Assistant, flexible hours, part time/full time position. Apply within 860 S. Broadway Lexington Ky. Looking for babysitter for two children ages 2 and 5 in Masterson Station area. Tuesday and Thursday 11:00-4:00. Please contact Julie at 606-875-5972.

kykernel.com

classifieds

New Donors can donate plasma and receive up to 700 this month!

EARN UP TO

Driver wanted, my car. Minimum wage. 859-8068707.

Lexington Dance Factory is hiring experienced dance and tumbling instructors. Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling. Please email your resume to lexingtondancefactory@hotmail.com. 859-271-0581 Hiring servers and cooks. Please come in and apply at 816 Euclid Avenue, Lexington. No experience needed! Walk with cash every shift!

Need part-time assistant with excellent driving record.

Ability to lift heavy items, light yard work, walk dog, driving, etc. Need strength and work ethic. $10/hr.

Email: troylyons36@aol.com for interview.

Customer Service and Data Entry for The Castle Jewelry - Full and Part-time available. Flexible schedule, great pay and benefits. Please call Mr. Stone 859-2996788.

Lee Weber Group An Executive Healthcare Recruiting Firm

Now Hiring Part-Time Position Sales Administrative Assistant Prefer Master’s Prepared Must be proficient Mac/Outlook/MS Word/Excel Experienced in all social media 20 hours/week • Typing 60 75 WPM Excellent English grammar skills required www.leewebergroup.com | 859.803.3645 | lee@leewebergroup.com

100 TODAY

1840 Oxford Circle (Versailles, Rd.) 859-254-8047

817 Winchester Road, Suite #140 859-233-9296

UK STUDENTS GET $10 EXTRA ON THEIR FIRST DONATION WHEN THEY MENTION THIS AD! (Valid for New and 30+ Day Inactive Donors)

20 | kentucky kernel

every day. every hour.