Some say Easter Sunday was the original transfer portal. Sorry, I’m struggling to find an easy segue from the holiday about Jesus’ Resurrection and a bunny’s eggs, to what’s happening in the sports world for Kentucky fans.
While my inability to articulate my exact thoughts may prevent me from providing something profound for your Easter Sunday morning, I can share some good news. My son won a raffle for an Easter basket at an Easter egg hunt that was rained out. If a 5-year-old can turn a rain-out into a win, you can have a spectacular day. I hope you enjoy it to the fullest. Who knows, maybe it will include some good Kentucky football or basketball news?
The Final Days of the Transfer Portal
The final week of the college basketball transfer portal delivered fireworks. PJ Haggerty, Andrej Stojakovic, and Denzel Aberdeen were a few eye-opening late additions. There are still a few days for players to test free agency. The college basketball transfer portal closes on Tuesday, with the college football portal closing a few days later on Friday.
All was quiet on Saturday. There have been eight Kentucky football departures and two commitments. We’re keeping our heads on a swivel for another. Former New Mexico State RB Seth McGowan is on commitment watch. Mark Pope may be cooking up one for the basketball team, but Rylan Griffen will not be on campus for an official visit until Tuesday. Nevertheless, make sure your notifications are turned on to receive the latest updates on the On3 app.
Noteworthy Transfer Portal Developments
There were not a ton of Earth-shattering developments over the weekend from the transfer portal, with one exception. Elyjah Freeman garnered interest from a ton of schools early in the process, including Kentucky. After all, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 18.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game at Lincoln Memorial University. Kentucky kicked the tires, but it looked like he was heading to Tennessee. It was a real shame to learn that he’s actually attending Auburn next year.
It’s not all bad news for Rick Barnes’ program. Their transfer portal loss might be a high school recruiting gain. Tennessee is trending as the pick for uncommitted high school phenom Nate Ament.
Kentucky Baseball Looks for Series Win at Tennessee
The defending College World Series champs won their first 20 games of the season. The Vols have only dropped one series all year. Kentucky can hand them a second series L on Sunday in Knoxville.
The Bat Cats capitalized on a couple of Tennessee errors to take a lead with two unearned runs in the third. Kentucky scored two more in the sixth to build up a comfortable lead. Starting pitcher Nic McCray was incredible, throwing a dozen strikeouts in 7.2 innings to propel Kentucky to a 4-1 win over No. 2 Tennessee. It’s their third win over a Top-3 team this season. They’ll go for the series sweep today at 1 PM EST. You can watch the action in Knoxville on SECN+.
The Tyler Childers Concert Rocked Kroger Field
If you watched Tyler Childers at the home of the Kentucky football team, I am jealous. The second concert ever at Kroger Field looked incredible. His drummer, CJ Cain, rocked a Jared Lorenzen t-shirt, while Tyler donned a Kentucky Strong shirt as he played the hits. They even had a drone show during the act. I’m suffering from a bad case of FOMO this Easter Sunday.
NBA Playoffs on Easter Sunday
The first round of the NBA Playoffs is an introduction to the sport for many viewers. If you were locked into the Nuggets vs. Clippers, you got one heck of a treat. Despite some terrible end-of-game execution by Russell Westbrook, Denver found a way to survive in overtime with a 112-110 win. Hopefully, today’s slate will deliver a few more close games.
1 PM | Grizzlies at Thunder | ABC
3:30 PM | Magic at Celtics | ABC
7 PM | Heat at Cavaliers | TNT
9:30 PM | Warriors at Rockets | TNT
Can Justin Thomas Secure the Win?
A Kentucky native is in contention on Sunday ahead of the final round of the RBC Heritage. Justin Thomas got a leg up on everybody with an opening round 61. He’s one shot behind Si Woo Kim, who’s at 15-under. Scottie Scheffler could apply some Sunday pressure, just a few shots back at 11-under. CBS will be live from Harbour Town from 3-6 PM EST.
Wrestlemania Part II
The biggest night in professional wrestling is here. We got a nice sampler on Saturday night from Las Vegas. Paul Heyman provided the ultimate twist after an hour-long headlining triple threat match. Tonight John Cena makes his last appearance in the ring and he’s doing it as a heel. He’ll face off against Cody Rhodes in the headliner of Wrestlemania 41. The action at Allegiant Stadium begins at 7 PM EST on Peacock.
13 Days till Kentucky Derby 151
Today is the final Sunday of the Keeneland Spring Meet. That means we’re inching closer and closer to the most glorious week of horse racing at Churchill Downs. Seven Kentucky Derby contenders breezed beneath the Twin Spires on Saturday. The field is coming to form and on Saturday, we’ll have thoroughbreds racing at Churchill Downs on Opening Night. Don’t. Geek.
READ: This World Series Champion has become an Unlikely Kentucky Derby Owner
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