KSR Today: Mark Pope Speaks, La Familia Survives a Thriller, and Summer League Stars Shine

KSR Today: Mark Pope Speaks, La Familia Survives a Thriller, and Summer League Stars Shine

Whether you’re sneaking a scroll at the office, catching up over your first cup of coffee, or doom-scrolling while pretending not to  we’re glad you’re here. Mondays are better with KSR, and today’s update is loaded. So buckle up: we’ve got fresh Mark Pope updates, a La Familia heart-stopper, Summer League stats galore, and a little football countdown to keep your spirits high.

Mark Pope Takes the Mic Today

After a whirlwind recruiting weekend, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is stepping up to the podium Monday for a closed-doors press conference. With summer workouts winding down, Pope is expected to offer a deep dive into how the team’s progressing  and perhaps a few breadcrumbs about what’s next for the Wildcats.

Later today, we’ll have full coverage on everything Pope shares: quotes, video, and instant reaction. If you’re hungry for insight into the culture Pope is building or curious about who’s emerging in summer practice, this will be one you don’t want to miss.

La Familia Escapes With a Narrow Win in TBT

In what felt like a Hollywood plot twist, La Familia nearly lost a game they controlled wire-to-wire. Facing War Ready  a scrappy Auburn alumni squad the Kentucky alumni held a double-digit lead for most of the game inside a raucous Memorial Coliseum. But as the Elam Ending approached, La Familia shifted into isolation-heavy offense, and War Ready clawed all the way back to tie the game at 76, just three points from the target score.

Then, in a flash of defensive brilliance, Kahlil Whitney forced a turnover and kickstarted a fast break. Archie Goodwin finished it off with a clutch and-one layup through contact, securing a dramatic 80-76 win and sending the Cats to Round 3.

Catch Up on the Highlights from La Familia’s Win

If you missed the action, fear not  we’ve got you covered. KSR’s seven-minute video recap delivers all the key moments. Plus, postgame reactions, photo galleries, and a Rapid Reaction breakdown from Zack and Mario are now live. You simply won’t find better TBT coverage anywhere.

The Ville Falls, and La Familia Gains Home-Court Advantage

The Blue also won off the court. Louisville’s TBT team, The Ville, suffered a shocking upset Sunday in Freedom Hall, effectively handing La Familia home-court advantage moving forward. Until then, The Ville was in line to host through the quarterfinals  including a possible Elite Eight showdown with La Familia.

But now? That potential rematch would shift back to Lexington. First, though, La Familia has to get past No. 2 seed Eberlein Drive in Round 3, with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line. Tip-off is Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET on FS2.

Summer League Wraps with Wildcats Making Noise

Eleven days, hundreds of prospects, and endless basketball  the NBA Summer League finally wrapped Sunday with the Charlotte Hornets taking the crown, led by MVP Kon Knueppel. Several Kentucky alumni made waves, including rookies and vets alike. Some raised eyebrows, others cemented their status.

Here’s how Kentucky’s NBA hopefuls performed:

• Reed Sheppard (Rockets, 2 games) – 23.0 PPG, 4.0 SPG
• Chris Livingston (Bucks, 4 games) – 20.8 PPG, 49% FG
• Rob Dillingham (T’Wolves, 4 games) – 17.3 PPG, 6.5 APG
• Jacob Toppin (Hawks, 3 games) – 15.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG
• Antonio Reeves (Pelicans, 5 games) – 14.4 PPG, perfect from FT line
• Justin Edwards (Sixers, 3 games) – 12.3 PPG, 40.9% from deep
• Koby Brea (Suns, 3 games) – 12.0 PPG, 42.9% from three
• Keion Brooks Jr. (Pelicans, 5 games) – 9.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG
• Skal Labissiere (Magic, 5 games) – 6.4 PPG, 100% from the stripe
• Amari Williams (Celtics, 4 games) – 6.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG
• Andrew Carr (Blazers, 5 games) – 3.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG
• Jaxson Robinson (Cavs, 4 games) – 3.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG
• Lance Ware (Knicks, 4 games) – 0.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG
• Lamont Butler (Hawks) – DNP

Plenty of promise, some surprises, and proof that the Kentucky-to-NBA pipeline is alive and well.

Football Countdown: Just 40 Days Left

It won’t be long now until the ‘Cats return to Kroger Field. The 2024 football season kicks off August 30, with Kentucky taking on Toledo under the Friday night lights. If you’re already counting down the days  there are exactly 40  then circle August 2, too: that’s UK’s Fan Day.

The team’s fall camp begins next week, and we’ll be there to cover every moment.

KSR’s Happy Hour Goes Live Today

Once Pope’s press conference wraps and the dust settles, unwind with KSR’s Happy Hour, presented by Country Boy Brewing. It airs today at 4 p.m. live on KSR’s YouTube. Expect team updates, fan questions, and maybe a few surprises.

Matt Jones Returns to the Mic

One more big Monday note  Matt Jones is back! After a brief hiatus, KSR’s morning radio show returns to full power today at 10 a.m. Join Matt and the crew live from the iHeart Studios for their first full show of the week.

Go Cats, and have a great Monday.