College Basketball
Kentucky star Otega Oweh announces his commitment to Kentucky after ‘difficult loss’ to Tennessee

I’m going to stay!’ – Kentucky star Otega Oweh announces his commitment to Kentucky after ‘difficult loss’ to Tennessee
In the aftermath of a challenging 78-65 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Kentucky Wildcats’ standout guard Otega Oweh has announced his decision to return for the 2025-2026 season. This commitment comes as a beacon of hope for the Wildcats, who are eager to build upon their recent successes under head coach Mark Pope.ESPN.com+4A Sea Of Blue+4A Sea Of Blue+4
A Season of Growth and Determination
Oweh’s journey to this pivotal moment began in April 2024, when he transferred from the Oklahoma Sooners to join the Wildcats. His arrival in Lexington was met with enthusiasm, as fans and analysts anticipated the impact he would have on the team’s performance. Throughout the season, Oweh did not disappoint, consistently showcasing his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. His contributions were instrumental in Kentucky’s deep tournament run, culminating in their Sweet 16 appearance.ESPN.com+2A Sea Of Blue+2Kentucky Kernel+2
The Sweet 16 Showdown
The highly anticipated matchup against Tennessee on March 28, 2025, was the third meeting between the two teams that season. Kentucky had secured victories in the previous encounters, but the Volunteers were determined to turn the tide. Played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the game saw Tennessee implement a deliberate pace, effectively stifling Kentucky’s typically fast-paced offense. Despite Oweh’s efforts, the Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately falling to the Volunteers
A Commitment to the Future
In the wake of this defeat, speculation swirled regarding Oweh’s future with the program. However, the talented guard swiftly put rumors to rest by announcing his intention to remain with Kentucky for another season. Reflecting on his decision, Oweh expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s potential and his personal growth under Coach Pope’s guidance. “This past season has been the most fun I’ve had playing basketball,” Oweh remarked, highlighting the positive environment fostered within the program.
Anticipation for the 2025-2026 Season
Oweh’s return is poised to have a significant impact on the Wildcats’ prospects for the upcoming season. Analysts have already begun to speculate that with another year of development, Oweh could emerge as a leading candidate for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year. His dedication and work ethic serve as an inspiration to his teammates and signal a bright future for Kentucky basketball.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Under Coach Pope’s leadership, the Wildcats have demonstrated resilience and a commitment to excellence. The addition of transfers like Oweh has infused the team with fresh talent and energy, contributing to their competitive edge. As they prepare for the next season, the Wildcats aim to capitalize on this foundation, with Oweh playing a central role in their pursuit of championship success.
Looking Ahead
Kentucky’s coaching staff and fans alike are optimistic about the team’s trajectory. Oweh’s decision to stay not only bolsters the Wildcats’ roster but also reinforces the culture of loyalty and ambition that Coach Pope has cultivated. As the team regroups and sets its sights on future achievements, the commitment of players like Oweh underscores the unity and determination that define Kentucky basketball.
In conclusion, while the Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee was a setback, Otega Oweh’s reaffirmed dedication to the Wildcats heralds a promising horizon. His return embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition that will undoubtedly propel Kentucky toward greater accomplishments in the seasons to come.
College Basketball
Murray State University to Unveil Statue Honoring College Sensation Ja Morant

Murray State University to Unveil Statue Honoring College Sensation Ja Morant
Murray State University to Unveil Statue Honoring College Sensation Ja Morant
MURRAY, KY — In a move that cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in program history, Murray State University has announced plans to unveil a statue of NBA star and former Racer Ja Morant outside the university’s basketball arena.
The bronze statue, set to be placed at the entrance of the CFSB Center, will pay tribute to Morant’s electrifying collegiate career from 2017 to 2019. During his two seasons at Murray State, Morant captivated college basketball fans with his high-flying dunks, dazzling court vision, and relentless competitiveness. He became a household name in 2019 when he recorded a triple-double in the NCAA Tournament against Marquette — a rare feat that catapulted him into national stardom.
University officials say the statue represents more than just Morant’s on-court heroics.
“Ja brought a new level of energy and excitement to Murray State,” said athletic director Nico Yantko. “He carried himself with humility, inspired a generation of young athletes, and showed the nation what Racer basketball is all about. This statue is a tribute to that legacy and the pride he brought to our community.”
Morant, who was drafted second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA Draft, expressed his gratitude in a statement.
“Murray State believed in me when nobody else did,” Morant said. “I’m honored and thankful for this recognition. Murray will always be home.”
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for later this year and is expected to draw fans, alumni, and current NBA players who have followed Morant’s meteoric rise. The statue will depict Morant in his signature soaring dunk pose — a symbol of the explosiveness that made him a must-watch talent in college hoops.
For many at Murray State, the monument is a permanent reminder of a golden era in Racer basketball, led by a once-in-a-generation athlete who turned dreams into highlight reels and left a legacy that will stand for decades to come.
College Basketball
5-Star College Basketball Recruit Makes Major Duke Statement

5-Star College Basketball Recruit Makes Major Duke Statement
Jordan Smith might only be a junior, but the five-star shooting guard is already drawing blue blood attention—and Duke may be rising to the top.
Smith, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound prospect out of Paul VI Catholic in Fairfax, Virginia, is the No. 6 overall player in the 2026 class and the top-ranked shooting guard, according to 247Sports.
He stars for Team Takeover on the Nike EYBL circuit and has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in the country.
In a recent interview with 247Sports’ Dushawn London, Smith made it clear that Duke is making a strong impression.
“I really like Duke and how they’re changing the program around,” Smith said. “The coaches always treated me like family when I went up to visit them. It was really fun. I saw my teammates, and it was a good vibe with them.”
While the Blue Devils remain a perennial force in college hoops, building genuine relationships on the recruiting trail is what helps them stay ahead under Jon Scheyer.
Smith’s emphasis on feeling like “family” echoes what many past Duke stars have cited as a reason for committing.
Although Smith has yet to lock in any official visits, he’s eyeing several top programs.
“Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Duke, and Syracuse are some of the schools recruiting me the hardest right now,” he said.
Smith’s recruitment is expected to ramp up throughout the summer as college staffs evaluate talent during the live periods, but with his early praise for Duke and strong Nike EYBL ties, the Blue Devils look to be in a favorable position.
Smith’s decision is far from imminent, but Duke is clearly a program to watch closely in his recruitment.
College Basketball
BREAKING: He’s Back! Maliq Brown Stuns fans with Senior Season

BREAKING: He’s Back! Maliq Brown Stuns fans with Senior Season
He’s Back with the Blue Devils! Maliq Brown Shocks College Hoops World with Stunning Return to Duke—ACC Rivals Officially on Alert
In a stunning twist few saw coming, Maliq Brown has announced he will return for his senior season—with the Duke Blue Devils. The versatile forward, who entered the transfer portal after a strong junior year at Syracuse, has officially committed to Duke, sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape and sending a clear message to the ACC: the Blue Devils are loading up.
Brown made his announcement via a sleek video posted to social media, featuring clips of Cameron Indoor Stadium and a simple caption: “Back in blue. Let’s finish this.” Within minutes, the post had gone viral, with Duke fans erupting across platforms and analysts calling it one of the biggest portal additions of the offseason.
After averaging 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, Brown became one of the most sought-after names in the portal—thanks to his elite defensive instincts, physical toughness, and ability to guard multiple positions. Now, with his decision to join Jon Scheyer’s squad, Duke adds a battle-tested, high-IQ veteran presence to its already elite roster.
“I chose Duke because I want to win at the highest level,” Brown said in a follow-up interview. “This is a championship culture. I’m ready to embrace the grind, the pressure, and the brotherhood. I’m all in.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised the addition, calling Brown “a game-changer” on both ends of the floor. “Maliq brings toughness, maturity, and leadership. He plays with edge, and he plays to win. He’s exactly what we need to take the next step this season.”
For Duke, already loaded with five-star talent and incoming freshmen, Brown’s arrival fills a key need—a proven, defensive-minded forward who can anchor the interior and bring a veteran mindset to a young, hungry team. His experience and versatility are expected to be invaluable as the Blue Devils gear up for a deep tournament run.
The message is clear: with Maliq Brown in Durham, Duke isn’t just reloading—they’re coming for everything.
The countdown to tip-off begins now. And with Brown back in blue, the rest of the ACC has officially been put on notice.
College Basketball
Miami (OH)’s Reece Potter commits to Kentucky from NCAA Transfer Portal

Miami (OH)’s Reece Potter commits to Kentucky from NCAA Transfer Portal
Reece Potter went two and a half hours north to begin his collegiate career at Miami (OH). Now, after two seasons as an undergraduate there, he will be return to his Old Kentucky Home.
Potter has committed to Kentucky from the NCAA Transfer Portal on Monday per On3’s Joe Tipton. That will bring him back home to the bluegrass as a native of Lexington.
This was a quick commitment for Potter, who entered the portal back at the opening of the window on March 24th, after beginning to hear from Kentucky, namely Cody Fueger, per reports coming out of this weekend. During that recruitment, he heard from other programs like North Carolina, Washington, UConn, and Louisville as well as California, Wisconsin, Dayton, and New Mexico State.
Potter, a 7’1″ center, appeared in 56 games, mostly as a reserve, through two years at Miami (OH). He averaged 6.3 points (45.4% FG, 39.8% 3PT), 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while with the Redhawks. He improved most of those stats as a sophomore with him now having two seasons of eligibility to continue that development at UK.
Potter played his high school basketball at Lexington Catholic, which is just ten or fifteen minutes off campus and from Rupp Arena, where he put up 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. He originally committed to Xavier before a coaching change that led him to Miami (OH) over other offers like Western Kentucky, Indiana State, and Saint Louis.
Kentucky now has what is likely one of their final additions, if not the last piece, for next season’s roster for their second year under Mark Pope. The Wildcats are already returning a core of Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, and Trent Noah while they await the draft decision of Otega Oweh. They’re then bringing in a pair of four-star, in-state freshman in Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, an international prospect from Croatia in Andrija Jelavic, and the top class in the portal currently per On3 with six additions now with Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State),
Mouhamad Dioubate (Alabama), Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh), Kam Williams (Tulane), and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida).
Pending Oweh’s decision to return to college or go pro, Kentucky is probably nearly, if not already, done with their roster for ’25-’25. That’s with Potter, the hometown transfer, taking a spot in Lexington with his commitment from the portal today
College Basketball
BREAKING: SHOCKING as Kentucky Guard Travis Perry commits to Ole Miss

BREAKING: SHOCKING as Kentucky Guard Travis Perry commits to Ole Miss
The BBN has been following closely to see where transfer guard Travis Perry will play his college basketball next season.
After entering his name into the transfer portal during the final hours of the spring window, Kentucky Wildcats fans now know where Perry will play his basketball next season.
According to a report by Joe Tipton of On3, Perry has committed to Chris Beard and the Ole Miss Rebels. He was also being recruited by Maryland and Vanderbilt, among others.
Perry, a 6-foot-1 and 188-pound guard from Eddyville, is the state’s all-time leading scorer in high school basketball. He showcased some of that scoring this season for the Cats as he was thrust into starting roles with the injuries to the roster this season.
Now, Perry will head to Oxford, where Coach Beard finally lands the Lyon County legend. With plenty of open roster spots and playing time available, the fit makes sense for Perry and the Rebels. If he can improve his defense, you have to imagine he could become a staple in Oxford for Ole Miss basketball.
Perry will return to Rupp Arena next season wearing navy and red. I’m sure we can all agree that is going to be too weird to see.
Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. Best of luck to Travis in Oxford!
- New Orleans Saints5 days ago
Favorite of New Orleans Saints Makes Shocking Return, Signs $1.6 Million Annual Deal — Says He Has Two Key Reasons for His Comeback
- New Orleans Saints4 days ago
No.1 player in America, stands 8.5-foot-tall committs to New Orleans Saints football team over Tennessee vols and Georgia
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
Saints Tabbed As Perfect Landing Spot For Former No. 2 Overall Pick
- New Orleans Saints4 days ago
Alvin Kamara sparks speculation as New Orleans Saints eye four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb for explosive offense
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
Kellen Moore champions Philadelphia Eagles’ ‘Tush Push’ as New Orleans Saints weigh its future in quarterback competition
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
Aaron Rodgers on whether he would sign with the Saints
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
SAD NEWS: Injury Sidelines another Saints Star Quarterback During QB Battle
- New Orleans Saints6 days ago
Tyler Shough battles for quarterback supremacy as New Orleans Saints envision a bright future ahead
- New Orleans Saints1 week ago
New Orleans Saints Make Unexpected Trade With Detroit Lions—Saints Gain Fifth-Round Pick Swap
- New Orleans Saints3 days ago
Alvin Kamara Rejects Massive $490.7 Million NIL Tampering Attempt by 49ers, Commits to Finishing Career with Saints