Ben Roberts
banner
benrobertshl.bsky.social
Ben Roberts
@benrobertshl.bsky.social
Kentucky men's basketball beat writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com. Beyond the Arc newsletter.

Latest stories: https://www.kentucky.com/profile/218560050
Pinned
UK basketball fans have a lot of questions about NIL.

I've spent the past few months tracking down some answers. Here's an exhaustive, inside look at the Wildcats' NIL operation, which has resulted in a payroll of more than $20 million for the 2025-26 team.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
How Kentucky basketball is benefiting from the massive changes to NIL rules
We answer your questions about how much money Kentucky basketball players get paid, new NIL rules, changes in recruiting and much more.
www.kentucky.com
Reposted by Ben Roberts
NEW: If there is a coaching change for UK football, it will not be because Mark Stoops walked away.

Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Stoops reiterates there is ‘zero’ chance he walks away from Kentucky
Mark Stoops remained adamant he has a path to rebuilding Kentucky after a disappointing end to the season.
www.kentucky.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
On Wednesday, Walker Horn and Zach Tow scored their first college basketball points.

Call them what you wish: Walk-ons. End-of-the-bench guys. Minutes eaters in garbage time.

But ask around, and you'll learn UK basketball can't function without them: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘It’s a brotherhood here.’ UK basketball’s Walker Horn, Zach Tow provide value
Kentucky basketball’s end-of-the-bench players bring vibes and work ethic to help the Wildcats function.
www.kentucky.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Last night was an "Unforgettable" one in Rupp Arena.

John Pelphrey, Richie Farmer, Deron Feldhaus and Sean Woods were all there. As far as they could remember, it was the first time that had happened since 1992.

And the memories came pouring out.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
For one night, Rupp Arena was home to an ‘Unforgettable’ UK basketball reunion
John Pelphrey returned to Rupp as the opposing coach, and he was joined by Richie Farmer, Deron Feldhaus and Sean Woods for the occasion.
www.kentucky.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Kentucky beats Tennessee Tech by 50 points.

And a couple of kids from Kentucky had career nights for the Wildcats in John Pelphrey's return to Rupp Arena.

Story from Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky kids stuff the stat sheet in John Pelphrey’s UK basketball homecoming
There was an “Unforgettables” reunion at Rupp Arena on Wednesday night, and the Wildcats rolled to another victory.
www.kentucky.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Halftime in Rupp Arena:
November 27, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Greetings from Rupp Arena.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Tech at 7 p.m. EST on SEC Network. A reminder to follow along here for in-game updates.

First update: Mo Dioubate not expected to play tonight. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball vs. Tennessee Tech: Get live updates, stats from Rupp Arena
Get live updates from tonight’s Kentucky baksetball game vs. Tennessee Tech
www.kentucky.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope hosted his first radio show of the season tonight.

And right off the top, Pope addressed the injury situations surrounding 3 key Kentucky players: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope delivers a Kentucky basketball injury update during radio show
Mark Pope’s first radio show of the 2025-26 season included a Kentucky basketball injury update.
www.kentucky.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Kentucky plummets in the new Top 25 rankings.

In fact, the Cats suffered the biggest drop in the country in today's poll. They'll have plenty of opportunities to rise again. All four of their marquee opponents in December are now ranked.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball plummets in new Top 25 rankings after loss to Michigan State
Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats suffered a big drop in the new AP Top 25 poll following an embarrassing loss in the Champions Classic.
www.kentucky.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
The question is clear, the answer is not:

Who is leading these Kentucky Wildcats? As of now, no one has stepped up as the primary voice for Mark Pope's second UK basketball team.

But there was a moment in Rupp on Friday that might be the start of something new: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
A glaring question after six games: Who’s the leader of this UK basketball team?
Jaland Lowe was supposed to be Kentucky’s team leader this season, but he’s out with an injury. Is someone new going to step up?
www.kentucky.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Also from last night ...

Mark Pope gave an optimistic update on Jayden Quaintance, who has hit another milestone in Kentucky's practices and could be trending closer to his UK basketball debut (though that's still likely weeks away).

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance hits another milestone. ‘He’s making real progress’
The Wildcats’ top NBA draft prospect sounds like he could be getting closer to his UK basketball debut.
www.kentucky.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Last night, Otega Oweh showed up.

"That guy is our guy. And him finding that a little bit — maybe for the first time this season — meant a lot to me."

The stat sheet didn't reflect it, but the eyeballs said that, perhaps, Kentucky's best player is back. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘Welcome back, my friend.’ The Otega Oweh that Kentucky needs has arrived
Kentucky’s best player set the tone for the Wildcats’ latest rout of an overmatched opponent. Perhaps it’s a sign of things to come.
www.kentucky.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM
The H-L is also shorthanded tonight, but you can join the live blog at this link.

Malachi Moreno will make his first college start for the Wildcats tonight. Brandon Garrison moves to the bench. Kam Williams also in the starting five. Follow along here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky men’s basketball vs. Loyola: Get live updates, stats from Rupp Arena
Get live updates and stats from Kentucky men’s basketball’s game against Loyola.
www.kentucky.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Mark Pope has hit the first real rough patch in his tenure as Kentucky's basketball coach.

Yesterday, he faced some of the issues head on. He also acknowledged off-the-court missteps early in this 2025-26 season. "Not a good call on my part."

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Locker room issues with Kentucky basketball? Mark Pope addresses all the rumors
Kentucky’s coach acknowledges some missteps off the court with his second UK basketball team amid fan angst early in the season.
www.kentucky.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Mark Pope has hit the first real rough patch in his tenure as Kentucky's basketball coach.

Yesterday, he faced some of the issues head on. He also acknowledged off-the-court missteps early in this 2025-26 season. "Not a good call on my part."

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Locker room issues with Kentucky basketball? Mark Pope addresses all the rumors
Kentucky’s coach acknowledges some missteps off the court with his second UK basketball team amid fan angst early in the season.
www.kentucky.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
The early signing period quietly came and went for Kentucky basketball.

The Wildcats still don't have a 2026 commit, and the number of 2026 recruiting options continues to dwindle.

What's Mark Pope's outlook for UK recruiting?
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK basketball still doesn’t have a 2026 commit. What’s next for the Wildcats?
Following the November early signing period, Kentucky basketball is still without a class of 2026 commitment.
www.kentucky.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:58 PM
I asked Mark Pope for an injury update on Jaland Lowe and Mouhamed Dioubate this afternoon.

Here's that story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky’s Mark Pope updates the injury status of Jaland Lowe, Mouhamed Dioubate
UK coach Mark Pope provided injury updates for Jaland Lowe and Mouhamed Dioubate during his weekly press conference Thursday.
www.kentucky.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Poor defense isn’t Kentucky basketball’s only issue.

A potential strength also isn’t panning out for the Wildcats from behind the 3-point line.

From @benrobertshl.bsky.social: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Poor defense isn’t Kentucky’s only issue. A potential strength isn’t panning out
Mark Pope’s Wildcats said they’d be a good 3-point shooting team. They haven’t been. And the problems go beyond simply missing shots.
www.kentucky.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
From last night in New York:

This Kentucky basketball team has no identity. The Wildcats are no closer to finding it than they were when the season started. And Mark Pope knows that as well as anyone.

This was the scene in MSG after an embarrassing loss: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
This Kentucky team has no identity. And the Cats are no closer to finding one
After a 17-point loss to Michigan State, Mark Pope made it clear that this UK basketball team has a lot of growing to do.
www.kentucky.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:46 PM
From last night in New York:

This Kentucky basketball team has no identity. The Wildcats are no closer to finding it than they were when the season started. And Mark Pope knows that as well as anyone.

This was the scene in MSG after an embarrassing loss: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
This Kentucky team has no identity. And the Cats are no closer to finding one
After a 17-point loss to Michigan State, Mark Pope made it clear that this UK basketball team has a lot of growing to do.
www.kentucky.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:46 PM
We'll have updates from the UK-Michigan State game here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball vs. Michigan State: Get live updates, stats, play-by-play
Get live stats and play-by-play from Kentucky basketball’s game vs. Michigan State
www.kentucky.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:27 PM
A little less than two hours away from Kentucky vs. Michigan State at Madison Square Garden.

6:30 p.m. on ESPN.
November 18, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
With Jaland Lowe out, Kentucky basketball will turn to a new group of ball handlers to initiate offense.

And that includes the big men.

Here’s how Mouhamed Dioubate, Brandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno can use their playmaking skills while Lowe is out: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
With Jaland Lowe out, can Kentucky basketball’s big men help with ballhandling?
Kentucky basketball’s versatile big men will handle the ball more with guard Jaland Lowe out injured.
www.kentucky.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Kentucky drops out of the top 10 in the latest AP rankings.

Louisville has reached its highest point in more than 5 years.

The Cats could have 5 more games against ranked opponents over the next 33 days. (The first one is tomorrow night.)

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky drops in the new Top 25 rankings after rivalry loss to Louisville
The Wildcats take a tumble in the rankings ahead of their next Top 25 battle with Michigan State on Tuesday night.
www.kentucky.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM
For years now, Kentucky has been snakebit at point guard.

It's happening again in 2025.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
For years, Kentucky has been snakebit with its point guards. It’s happening again
The recent history of Kentucky basketball and trouble at the point guard position is probably worse than you remember.
www.kentucky.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Reposted by Ben Roberts
How Kentucky men’s basketball matches up with Michigan State at each position for their Champions Classic contest - with my game prediction www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
How No. 9 Kentucky matches up vs. No. 17 Michigan State — with a game prediction
How Mark Pope’s Wildcats and Tom Izzo’s Spartans match up at each position for Tuesday’s Champions Classic game at Madison Square Garden.
www.kentucky.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM