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
Latest stories: https://www.kentucky.com/profile/218560050
Pinned
Ben Roberts
@benrobertshl.bsky.social
· Oct 16
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
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...
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...
Otega Oweh has become a lightning rod for a Kentucky basketball season teetering on the brink. He says he's ready to be a different kind of player moving forward.
"A lot of it is on me on why our intensity, I feel like, hasn’t been there."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"A lot of it is on me on why our intensity, I feel like, hasn’t been there."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Otega Oweh has called his shot. Can he save this Kentucky basketball season?
The SEC preseason player of the year hasn’t looked like it so far. But Oweh has promised a different version of himself moving forward.
www.kentucky.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Otega Oweh has become a lightning rod for a Kentucky basketball season teetering on the brink. He says he's ready to be a different kind of player moving forward.
"A lot of it is on me on why our intensity, I feel like, hasn’t been there."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"A lot of it is on me on why our intensity, I feel like, hasn’t been there."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
NEW: So much for easing into things in Will Stein's first season at UK.
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK football 2026 schedule: Dates for Oklahoma trip, matchup with Jon Sumrall set
The SEC unveiled dates for the 2026 Kentucky football schedule Thursday. Will Stein’s first season will feature a matchup with Jon Sumrall and trip to Oklahoma.
www.kentucky.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:49 AM
NEW: So much for easing into things in Will Stein's first season at UK.
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What you need to know about the 2026 schedule with dates set. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Trent Noah got a surprise start for Kentucky basketball in last night’s win over North Carolina Central.
Will it lead to bigger things for the sophomore from Harlan County? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will it lead to bigger things for the sophomore from Harlan County? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope gave a surprise start to Trent Noah. Will it lead to bigger things?
UK basketball sophomore played a career-high 26 minutes in blowout win over North Carolina Central.
www.kentucky.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Trent Noah got a surprise start for Kentucky basketball in last night’s win over North Carolina Central.
Will it lead to bigger things for the sophomore from Harlan County? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will it lead to bigger things for the sophomore from Harlan County? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
A 36-point win against the worst team on the schedule?
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
No more Mr. Nice Guy? Mark Pope shows some fire in Kentucky’s latest blowout win
Mark Pope’s outburst during a Kentucky timeout and Otega Oweh’s postgame interview added plenty of spice to a 36-point victory for the Cats.
www.kentucky.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:49 AM
A 36-point win against the worst team on the schedule?
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
A 36-point win against the worst team on the schedule?
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
No more Mr. Nice Guy? Mark Pope shows some fire in Kentucky’s latest blowout win
Mark Pope’s outburst during a Kentucky timeout and Otega Oweh’s postgame interview added plenty of spice to a 36-point victory for the Cats.
www.kentucky.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:49 AM
A 36-point win against the worst team on the schedule?
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Whether it leads to bigger things remains to be seen. But what could have been another ho-hum night against a cupcake in Rupp Arena was something else entirely.
Mark Pope went off. Otega Oweh owned it.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Trent Noah is in the starting lineup. Follow along right here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
December 9, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Trent Noah is in the starting lineup. Follow along right here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"It’s time to take this team to the woodshed!"
Dan Issel has some thoughts on this Kentucky basketball team, and a little advice for Mark Pope on one potential way to turn around the Wildcats' fortunes.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Dan Issel has some thoughts on this Kentucky basketball team, and a little advice for Mark Pope on one potential way to turn around the Wildcats' fortunes.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Dan Issel offers advice to fix a ‘really hard to watch’ Kentucky basketball team
Dan Issel, the Wildcats’ all-time leading scorer, takes a deeper look at Mark Pope’s second UK basketball team.
www.kentucky.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:15 PM
"It’s time to take this team to the woodshed!"
Dan Issel has some thoughts on this Kentucky basketball team, and a little advice for Mark Pope on one potential way to turn around the Wildcats' fortunes.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Dan Issel has some thoughts on this Kentucky basketball team, and a little advice for Mark Pope on one potential way to turn around the Wildcats' fortunes.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
The new AP Top 25 men's basketball rankings are out.
Kentucky is no longer ranked. In fact, the Wildcats aren't even close to a Top 25 spot after a miserable week on the court.
A closer look at the new poll: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky is no longer ranked. In fact, the Wildcats aren't even close to a Top 25 spot after a miserable week on the court.
A closer look at the new poll: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball drops out of Top 25 after losses to North Carolina, Gonzaga
The Wildcats’ horrible week of basketball featured the first home loss of the season and one of the program’s worst defeats in decades.
www.kentucky.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The new AP Top 25 men's basketball rankings are out.
Kentucky is no longer ranked. In fact, the Wildcats aren't even close to a Top 25 spot after a miserable week on the court.
A closer look at the new poll: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky is no longer ranked. In fact, the Wildcats aren't even close to a Top 25 spot after a miserable week on the court.
A closer look at the new poll: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats, for the most part, played the beautiful game in year one.
Season two has been downright ugly on the court. Can the Cats fix it? A closer look at UK's pitiful offense: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Season two has been downright ugly on the court. Can the Cats fix it? A closer look at UK's pitiful offense: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope’s beautiful game has been ugly to watch. How can Kentucky fix it?
Kentucky played a different style of basketball in year one under Mark Pope. What can the Wildcats do to bring it back?
www.kentucky.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats, for the most part, played the beautiful game in year one.
Season two has been downright ugly on the court. Can the Cats fix it? A closer look at UK's pitiful offense: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Season two has been downright ugly on the court. Can the Cats fix it? A closer look at UK's pitiful offense: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Tonight in Nashville, the Kentucky Wildcats were booed off the court by their own fans.
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky fans booed their Wildcats off the court. Mark Pope says they deserve it
The UK basketball coach took the blame for Friday night’s 94-59 loss to Gonzaga in front of a partisan crowd in Cat-friendly Nashville.
www.kentucky.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Tonight in Nashville, the Kentucky Wildcats were booed off the court by their own fans.
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Tonight in Nashville, the Kentucky Wildcats were booed off the court by their own fans.
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky fans booed their Wildcats off the court. Mark Pope says they deserve it
The UK basketball coach took the blame for Friday night’s 94-59 loss to Gonzaga in front of a partisan crowd in Cat-friendly Nashville.
www.kentucky.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Tonight in Nashville, the Kentucky Wildcats were booed off the court by their own fans.
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"And all the boos that we earned tonight were incredibly well deserved." -- Mark Pope
Unpacking another bad night for UK basketball: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
I asked Mark Pope about all three injured Kentucky players this morning. And he provided updates on all three.
Mo Dioubate will not play against Gonzaga tomorrow.
The news on Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance is a littler rosier: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mo Dioubate will not play against Gonzaga tomorrow.
The news on Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance is a littler rosier: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
What’s the latest with UK basketball’s injuries? Mark Pope has an update
On the eve of the Gonzaga game, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope provided injury updates on three prominent Wildcats.
www.kentucky.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:01 PM
I asked Mark Pope about all three injured Kentucky players this morning. And he provided updates on all three.
Mo Dioubate will not play against Gonzaga tomorrow.
The news on Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance is a littler rosier: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mo Dioubate will not play against Gonzaga tomorrow.
The news on Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance is a littler rosier: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
One problem led to another for Kentucky last night. And Mark Pope's Wildcats ended up doing plenty wrong in another game against a marquee opponent.
How it all went south in UK's 67-64 loss to North Carolina in Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
How it all went south in UK's 67-64 loss to North Carolina in Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Another big game, another UK basketball loss. It all went wrong for the Wildcats
Where exactly did the Wildcats fall short in a 67-64 loss to North Carolina on Tuesday night. Let us count the ways.
www.kentucky.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:35 PM
One problem led to another for Kentucky last night. And Mark Pope's Wildcats ended up doing plenty wrong in another game against a marquee opponent.
How it all went south in UK's 67-64 loss to North Carolina in Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
How it all went south in UK's 67-64 loss to North Carolina in Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky stats from an ugly first half in Rupp Arena.
December 3, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Kentucky stats from an ugly first half in Rupp Arena.
Gonna be a late night here in Rupp Arena.
New UK football coach Will Stein has already made one appearance on the Rupp court. Expect him to return during the Kentucky-North Carolina game, which is set for a 9:35 p.m. EST tip on ESPN.
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
New UK football coach Will Stein has already made one appearance on the Rupp court. Expect him to return during the Kentucky-North Carolina game, which is set for a 9:35 p.m. EST tip on ESPN.
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball vs. North Carolina: Get live updates, stats from critical game
Get live updates from the Kentucky-North Carolina men’s basketball game Tuesday.
www.kentucky.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Gonna be a late night here in Rupp Arena.
New UK football coach Will Stein has already made one appearance on the Rupp court. Expect him to return during the Kentucky-North Carolina game, which is set for a 9:35 p.m. EST tip on ESPN.
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
New UK football coach Will Stein has already made one appearance on the Rupp court. Expect him to return during the Kentucky-North Carolina game, which is set for a 9:35 p.m. EST tip on ESPN.
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky plays North Carolina tonight in the third installment of the ACC/SEC Challenge.
Who will the Wildcats' opponent be for year 4? There's a logical choice. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Who will the Wildcats' opponent be for year 4? There's a logical choice. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Who will be Kentucky men’s basketball’s next opponent in the ACC/SEC Challenge?
The Wildcats face North Carolina in the third installment of the league challenge Tuesday night. Who will they get for Year 4?
www.kentucky.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Kentucky plays North Carolina tonight in the third installment of the ACC/SEC Challenge.
Who will the Wildcats' opponent be for year 4? There's a logical choice. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Who will the Wildcats' opponent be for year 4? There's a logical choice. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Also last night, Mark Pope provided injury updates on Mouhamed Dioubate and Jaland Lowe ahead of tonight's game between Kentucky and North Carolina: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK coach Mark Pope provides injury updates on Mouhamed Dioubate, Jaland Lowe
UK basketball coach Mark Pope delivers injury updates on forward Mo Dioubate and guard Jaland Lowe ahead of Tuesday’s game against North Carolina.
www.kentucky.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Also last night, Mark Pope provided injury updates on Mouhamed Dioubate and Jaland Lowe ahead of tonight's game between Kentucky and North Carolina: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
New AP Top 25 rankings are out. Kentucky is No. 18.
And it's a big week ahead for the Wildcats, with two games against ranked teams coming in the next five days.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
And it's a big week ahead for the Wildcats, with two games against ranked teams coming in the next five days.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
The new college basketball rankings are out. It’ll be a unique week for Kentucky
The Kentucky Wildcats are set to play two opponents in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings this week.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
New AP Top 25 rankings are out. Kentucky is No. 18.
And it's a big week ahead for the Wildcats, with two games against ranked teams coming in the next five days.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
And it's a big week ahead for the Wildcats, with two games against ranked teams coming in the next five days.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
My column: Who should Kentucky hire to replace Mark Stoops? It should be one of these three offensive-minded candidates www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
Who should Kentucky hire to replace Mark Stoops? There are 3 clear choices
The next head football coach at the University of Kentucky should come from among a trio of offensive-minded candidates.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:27 PM
My column: Who should Kentucky hire to replace Mark Stoops? It should be one of these three offensive-minded candidates www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
When North Carolina rolls into Rupp Arena on Tuesday, Kentucky will be tasked with trying to stop one of college basketball's top freshmen.
Caleb Wilson has been a star for the Tar Heels.
He's also a former UK basketball recruit who got away: ⬇️ www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Caleb Wilson has been a star for the Tar Heels.
He's also a former UK basketball recruit who got away: ⬇️ www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Against North Carolina, UK basketball will face a freshman phenom who got away
The former Kentucky basketball recruit is averaging 20 points per game as a freshman for North Carolina this season.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
When North Carolina rolls into Rupp Arena on Tuesday, Kentucky will be tasked with trying to stop one of college basketball's top freshmen.
Caleb Wilson has been a star for the Tar Heels.
He's also a former UK basketball recruit who got away: ⬇️ www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Caleb Wilson has been a star for the Tar Heels.
He's also a former UK basketball recruit who got away: ⬇️ www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
This Kentucky basketball team's identity was supposed to be predicated on pushing around their opponents. So far, the Cats haven't been able to do that against quality competition.
They get another shot tomorrow night in Rupp Arena.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
They get another shot tomorrow night in Rupp Arena.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky is beating up on cupcakes. Why can’t the Cats push around the big boys?
UK has failed to play the style Mark Pope was hoping for against its first two marquee opponents. The Cats get another shot Tuesday night.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:08 PM
This Kentucky basketball team's identity was supposed to be predicated on pushing around their opponents. So far, the Cats haven't been able to do that against quality competition.
They get another shot tomorrow night in Rupp Arena.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
They get another shot tomorrow night in Rupp Arena.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
NEW: So, who's next? Jon Sumrall and a bunch of other candidates that would have made sense went off the board today.
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
These are the top candidates to replace Mark Stoops as Kentucky football coach
With Jon Sumrall hired by Florida earlier than Sunday, the list of candidates to replace Mark Stoops at UK is less certain.
www.kentucky.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:13 AM
NEW: So, who's next? Jon Sumrall and a bunch of other candidates that would have made sense went off the board today.
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are eight names to consider. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
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...
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
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...
Quick story on his postgame comments here. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...