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Ben Roberts

@benrobertshl.bsky.social

2.2K followers 71 following 770 posts

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

www.kentucky.com

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Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · Jan 23

Heads up for those who are new here: We launched a free Kentucky basketball newsletter -- "Beyond the Arc" -- this season that features links to all of our stories, plus inside info, analysis & other insights into Mark Pope's team.

You can sign up (for free!) here: www.kentucky.com/newsletters?...

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 1d

NEW: Lots of insights from Kentucky basketball Pro Day.

Who stood out, what's the chatter from UK practice, updates on Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh and much more from tonight's session in front of 30+ NBA scouts.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

Kentucky basketball Pro Day: 10 things we learned from the Wildcats’ practice

A look at how each UK basketball player fared at the team’s Pro Day event, with injury updates on Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 1d

NEW: Lots of insights from Kentucky basketball Pro Day.

Who stood out, what's the chatter from UK practice, updates on Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh and much more from tonight's session in front of 30+ NBA scouts.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

Kentucky basketball Pro Day: 10 things we learned from the Wildcats’ practice

A look at how each UK basketball player fared at the team’s Pro Day event, with injury updates on Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 1d

NEW: The 2025-26 Kentucky basketball schedule is set.

Game times, TV channel info and confirmed dates for every game on the SEC and nonconference schedule.

Here you go: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

UK basketball game times and TV info have been finalized. Here’s how to watch

TV information and more specific game details are now available for the entire 2025-26 Kentucky men’s basketball schedule.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 1d

Andrija Jelavic is the mystery man of this UK basketball team.

A look at how the late arrival to Lexington is faring so far, with insight on playing for Pope, comments from his new teammates and dining advice from Big Z:

www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

The mystery man of this Kentucky basketball team is still figuring things out

Andrija Jelavic talks about his new life in Kentucky, learning from Mark Pope and Big Z’s advice. His teammates talk about his progress.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 2d

NEW: Kentucky basketball player Andrija Jelavic has been ruled eligible to play immediately by the NCAA, the Herald-Leader has been told.

Jelavic will begin his college career with 3 seasons of eligibility.

Here's the story on his situation: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

No NCAA drama for Andrija Jelavic. He’s eligible to play for Kentucky basketball

The NCAA has ruled that UK basketball newcomer Andrija Jelavic will be allowed to compete immediately. But he won’t be listed as a freshman.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Mark Story @markcstory.bsky.social · 6d

My column: Has Mark Pope found the 'sweet spot' in Kentucky's roster construction? www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...

Has Mark Pope found the ‘sweet spot’ in Kentucky’s roster construction?

Has the UK men’s basketball coach found the right balance in 2025-26 between veteran experience and youthful talent?

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 6d

I sat down with Otega Oweh yesterday to talk about the 2025-26 Kentucky basketball season and his outlook for the Wildcats.

Biggest question for right now: when will UK's star player be recovered from his foot injury and back on the court?

He talks about it here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

UK’s Otega Oweh has been out with an injury. Here’s when he’ll be back on the court

Kentucky’s top returning player talked to the Herald-Leader about his recent injury and early impressions of the 2025-26 roster.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 8d

Injuries derailed the last Kentucky basketball season. Can the Wildcats stay healthy through this one?

A closer look at UK's injury situation for 2025-26, with some insight from Jaland Lowe, who might be the guy UK needs to stay on the court the most this season: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

Injuries derailed the last UK basketball season. Can the Cats avoid a repeat?

Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team couldn’t stay healthy, and it cost the Cats in March. What’s the outlook for the 2025-26 season?

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Cameron Drummond @camdrummond.bsky.social · 9d

After failing to land Kansas-bound Taylen Kinney, where does Kentucky basketball turn on the recruiting trail?

A fresh look at UK's efforts at recruiting guards in the 2026 class: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

After missing on Taylen Kinney, which 2026 guards is UK basketball recruiting?

Kentucky basketball is still looking for its first class of 2026 commitment after Taylen Kinney chose Kansas.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 13d

One college basketball expert loves Kentucky's outlook for the 2025-26 season.

The other side of that? Some of UK's top rivals are looking to be in great shape, too.

Insight on Louisville, Florida, Tennessee and others as the 25-26 season nears: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

Kentucky basketball could be in for a special season. What about its top rivals?

A college basketball expert who likes Kentucky’s outlook for the 2025-26 season breaks down Louisville, Tennessee, Florida and others.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 15d

NEW: Big Blue Madness tickets will be available Friday.

Here's what's in store for this year's event, as well as the process for getting tickets. (It was also be on SEC Network+.)

www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

Big Blue Madness tickets will be available this week. Here’s how to get them

Big Blue Madness tickets will be distributed to Kentucky basketball fans Friday. The event is scheduled for Oct. 11 in Rupp Arena.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Matt Norlander @norlander.bsky.social · 16d

BREAKING: Auburn coach Bruce Pearl is retiring, a source tells CBS Sports. It's the second straight offseason CBB has had a high-profile preseason retirement (Tony Bennett at UVa in '24.) Pearl, 65, is coming off his second F4 w/ the Tigers. His son, Steven, will be named the full-time head coach.

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 16d

Kentucky basketball practice starts today.

Need a preview? I sat down with UK point guard Jaland Lowe, who talked about what he's seen from the Cats so far and what he thinks about this team with six weeks to go until the season opener.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

The new leader of UK basketball oozes confidence as preseason practice begins

Jaland Lowe, who’s expected to be UK’s starting point guard, talked to the Herald-Leader about what he’s seen from the Cats so far.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Cameron Drummond @camdrummond.bsky.social · 19d

Kentucky volleyball's comeback victory at Louisville last night was more than just a rivalry win.

It was a statement of intent from the Wildcats, who can realistically be viewed as national title contenders. ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

UK volleyball’s rivalry win over Louisville shows national title potential

Kentucky volleyball’s latest marquee win comes in a five-set thriller over archrival Louisville.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 20d

It's been a Kentucky basketball offseason filled with hype.

But what are the worries about this UK team going into 2025-26?

A story on the biggest concerns for the Cats, who could have a banner season if they can answer these questions: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

This UK basketball team has plenty of hype. But what are the biggest worries?

Kentucky should enter the 2025-26 season as a top-10ish team with legitimate national title hopes. These are the biggest areas of concern.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 20d

It's been a Kentucky basketball offseason filled with hype.

But what are the worries about this UK team going into 2025-26?

A story on the biggest concerns for the Cats, who could have a banner season if they can answer these questions: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

This UK basketball team has plenty of hype. But what are the biggest worries?

Kentucky should enter the 2025-26 season as a top-10ish team with legitimate national title hopes. These are the biggest areas of concern.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 22d

The "bible" of college basketball loves Kentucky's chances to make a big run during the 2025-26 season. Why?

"Well, it starts with the guy at the front of the bench."

It doesn't end there. A conversation about the Cats with the editor of the Blue Ribbon yearbook: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

The ‘bible’ of college basketball is high on Kentucky’s chances this season

The editor of the 2025-26 Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook likes what Mark Pope is doing with the Wildcats, both this season and beyond.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Cameron Drummond @camdrummond.bsky.social · 23d

It's been an active Monday for Kentucky basketball on the recruiting trail.

Mark Pope has extended 2 more scholarship offers to prospects from the 2027 recruiting class ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

Kentucky basketball offers more prospects in the 2027 recruiting class

Mark Pope and the Wildcats have now offered scholarships to five recruits in the high school junior class.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Cameron Drummond @camdrummond.bsky.social · 23d

As members of the 2026 high school basketball recruiting class make their college commitments, one surprising SEC school has taken an early recruiting lead.

"It was really a ‘whoa’ moment... You knew that one of these dominoes was going to fall" ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

‘A whoa moment.’ This SEC school is making a big basketball recruiting push

A surprising SEC school is the early frontrunner in the 2026 basketball recruiting rankings.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Cameron Drummond @camdrummond.bsky.social · 23d

Over the weekend, Karl-Anthony Towns was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.

And during his trip back to Lexington, Towns had plenty to say about Mark Pope and the future of the Kentucky basketball program.

"Coach Pope is amazing" ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

On his Hall of Fame night, Karl-Anthony Towns talked UK basketball’s future

Ex-Cat and NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns shares his thoughts on Mark Pope and the future of Kentucky basketball.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 26d

NEW: The UK Board of Trustees has now approved the plan to move forward with the process of building a new basketball practice facility for the Wildcats.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

Plan for new UK basketball practice facility approved by Board of Trustees

UK officials can now move forward with plans for a multi-use facility that would feature a new basketball practice complex for the Wildcats.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Mark Story @markcstory.bsky.social · 27d

My column: Five previous Kentucky men’s basketball coaches have made at least one Final Four. On average, it took them 2.8 years to make their first.

So what is the reasonable expectation for Mark Pope to make his first Final Four? www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...

Can Mark Pope fast-track a Kentucky Final Four return?

Using both UK men’s basketball history and that of other college hoops blue bloods to set expectations for the Wildcats’ head man.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 27d

Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats ended up with the 3rd-toughest schedule in college basketball last season.

The 2025-26 sked might be even tougher, with a whopping 21 games against projected NCAA Tournament teams.

Here are the 5 most meaningful dates on UK's schedule: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

These are the five most meaningful games on the 2025-26 UK basketball schedule

The biggest games on Kentucky’s schedule for the 2025-26 basketball season? Some huge matchups didn’t even make this list.

www.kentucky.com

Ben Roberts @benrobertshl.bsky.social · 29d

Why is now the right time for UK to explore building a brand new basketball practice facility?

Mitch Barnhart explains the timing and where the process could go from here.

Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

A new UK basketball practice facility? Mitch Barnhart explains why now’s the time

The UK athletics director talks about the proposed plans for a new basketball practice facility on campus.

www.kentucky.com

Reposted by Ben Roberts

Jon Hale @jonhalehl.bsky.social · Sep 9

NEW: The UK Board of Trustees agenda has an item you're going to be interested in. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...

UK basketball could get green light this week for a new practice facility

Top UK officials are scheduled to formally consider a plan to move forward on a new basketball practice facility.

www.kentucky.com