Author: Barnabas Nda
This portal is expected to be bustling with activity, particularly among walk-ons and some scholarship players looking to take their talents to new heights. During this 30-day window, athletes will have the chance to enter their name into the transfer portal, making themselves available to other schools. This move can be a game-changer for players seeking a better fit, more playing time, or a fresh start. While scholarship players may also utilize the portal, it’s anticipated that walk-ons will be among the most active participants. The transfer portal has revolutionized the way college athletes approach their careers. It provides a…
With Justin Robinson moving on to the Los Angeles Lakers, a spot is open on Jon Scheyer’s staff. So who might replace him? Over at LastWordOnSports.com, Zach Kircher has a few suggestions and we totally agree with him on the first one: Quinn Cook. We’ve said for a long time that we’d love to see Cook get into coaching. He’s got so much to offer. First, even though he didn’t stick, he worked his ass off to get to the NBA and earned enormous respect. Second, he’s a natural leader. Third, he’s charismatic. And fourth, he understands Duke Basketball inside…
He played high school basketball at Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington. Pope’s collegiate basketball journey began at the University of Washington, where he was named the 1992 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year. He later transferred to the University of Kentucky, sitting out the 1993-1994 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Pope played a crucial role in Kentucky’s consecutive SEC championships in 1995 and 1996. As a team captain, Pope contributed to Kentucky’s national title win in the 1996 NCAA National Championship. Pope began his coaching journey in 2009 as an assistant coach at Georgia and later at Wake Forest.…
This move has proven to be a great fit, as he’s become a key player for the Wildcats. Oweh was named the Kentucky Men’s Basketball MVP for the 2024-2025 regular season, beating out teammates Jaxson Robinson and Lamont Butler. This accolade recognizes his exceptional talent, adaptability, and leadership on the court. Oweh has announced his decision to return to the Wildcats for his senior season, citing the team as a “family” and expressing his commitment to the program. He recently signed a significant NIL deal with the Wildcats, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the team’s championship ambitions. Interestingly,…
Crowe Jr. is currently attending Inglewood High School in California, where his father, Jason Crowe Sr., is likely involved in his basketball development. During his junior year, he averaged 35.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his exceptional skills on the court. Crowe Jr. has already accumulated 3,000 career points during his junior season, a remarkable feat that highlights his scoring prowess. He’s ranked No. 3 combo guard and No. 5 player in the country according to 247Sports rankings. He’s also ranked No. 7 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, according to On3 Sports Industry Ranking.…
CBS Sports has released its early 2026 NBA Mock Draft, and leading the board is a standout freshman from Duke, sparking excitement among Blue Devils fans and NBA scouts alike. Though the college season is still unfolding, this projection positions the unnamed Duke rookie as the top overall talent in a class filled with rising stars. According to CBS analysts, the projected No. 1 pick possesses elite two-way ability, NBA-ready size, and a polished offensive game that sets him apart from his peers. His early flashes of dominance at Duke — combined with his high ceiling and strong work ethic…
Former Duke basketball standout Justin Robinson is making a move to the Los Angeles Lakers as a player development coach under JJ Redick. Robinson, who was named Duke’s director of player development in November 2023, will bring his expertise to the Lakers, helping young players grow on and off the court. His addition to the Lakers’ coaching staff is seen as a strategic move, given his background and experience. Robinson’s tenure at Duke was marked by his dedication and work ethic, earning him recognition as a valuable member of the team. As a player, he was known for his contributions…
Jayden Quaintance, the talented forward from the University of Kentucky, has been making waves in the basketball world with his impressive play and growing potential. Recently, The Ringer released their 2026 NBA Mock Draft, placing Quaintance at No. 4 overall — a significant nod to his rising stock among scouts and analysts. Known for his versatile skill set, Quaintance combines size, athleticism, and shooting ability, making him a coveted prospect for NBA teams looking to add a dynamic wing player. Throughout his college career, he has showcased consistent improvement, demonstrating an ability to impact the game on both ends of…
The University of Kentucky has officially seen its first NBA Draft class under new head coach Mark Pope, and the reactions from the program have been full of pride, optimism, and energy. Though Pope’s time at the helm is just beginning, the Wildcats were well-represented as former Kentucky players heard their names called, signaling a strong start to his era. The program celebrated on social media with posts honoring the drafted players, highlighting their journey from Lexington to the pros. Coach Pope himself expressed excitement, emphasizing the university’s continued role as a launchpad to the NBA. His message to recruits…
Mark Pope and his staff have been incredibly active in the recruitments of several top-10 players in the class of 2026. For many players, their recruitments will go deeper into the fall and winter as they plan official visits over the next few months. Well, Coach Pope and the BBN will get an answer on one player here in the next few weeks. According to Joe Tipton of On3, 5-star guard Jason Crowe Jr will announce his college decision on July 18th. He did not list any schools, but the schools mentioned with Crowe are mostly Kentucky, Washington, USC, Alabama,…