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
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...
Last night's loss to Louisville, according to the numbers, matched up with some of Kentucky's biggest defensive nightmares from last season.
Mark Pope explains what went wrong for the Wildcats, and a deeper look at those numbers show just how bad it was: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope explains what went wrong for the Wildcats, and a deeper look at those numbers show just how bad it was: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘Incredibly poor.’ Louisville just revealed this Kentucky team’s biggest flaw
Pat Kelsey’s Cardinals put on a clinic against the Wildcats on Tuesday night. And this UK loss recalled ghosts of last season’s struggles.
www.kentucky.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Last night's loss to Louisville, according to the numbers, matched up with some of Kentucky's biggest defensive nightmares from last season.
Mark Pope explains what went wrong for the Wildcats, and a deeper look at those numbers show just how bad it was: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope explains what went wrong for the Wildcats, and a deeper look at those numbers show just how bad it was: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky was down by as many as 18 points in the first half.
November 12, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Kentucky was down by as many as 18 points in the first half.
The H-L crew at the Yum Center will be posting here all night. Follow along: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball at Louisville: Follow live stats, news updates from Yum Center
Follow Kentucky at Louisville basketball with Herald-Leader staff on site
www.kentucky.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:38 AM
The H-L crew at the Yum Center will be posting here all night. Follow along: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
We're about 30 minutes from tipoff of UK-Louisville here at the Yum Center.
Reading material before the game: Kentucky's players are eager to see the Cards on the court, and both sides have been doing some talking over the past few days: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reading material before the game: Kentucky's players are eager to see the Cards on the court, and both sides have been doing some talking over the past few days: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
UK players eager to see U of L on the court. ‘Like big brother, little brother’
Before the big Kentucky-Louisville rivalry game, players from both sides have done a little talking.
www.kentucky.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:35 AM
We're about 30 minutes from tipoff of UK-Louisville here at the Yum Center.
Reading material before the game: Kentucky's players are eager to see the Cards on the court, and both sides have been doing some talking over the past few days: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reading material before the game: Kentucky's players are eager to see the Cards on the court, and both sides have been doing some talking over the past few days: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
It won't be a battle of top-10 teams, but it will be close.
Here's the first AP Top 25 poll of the college basketball regular season, with Kentucky staying put before its rivalry game at Louisville tomorrow night. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's the first AP Top 25 poll of the college basketball regular season, with Kentucky staying put before its rivalry game at Louisville tomorrow night. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky-Louisville will be battle of highly ranked teams. Here’s the new Top 25
A look at the first Associated Press Top 25 rankings since the start of the 2025-26 college basketball season.
www.kentucky.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:17 PM
It won't be a battle of top-10 teams, but it will be close.
Here's the first AP Top 25 poll of the college basketball regular season, with Kentucky staying put before its rivalry game at Louisville tomorrow night. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's the first AP Top 25 poll of the college basketball regular season, with Kentucky staying put before its rivalry game at Louisville tomorrow night. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Finally, the juice is back in the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry.
After a few years of relative calm, this one is heating up again. And tomorrow night should be one of the most-anticipated meetings between the Cats and the Cards in a long time.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
After a few years of relative calm, this one is heating up again. And tomorrow night should be one of the most-anticipated meetings between the Cats and the Cards in a long time.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Finally, the juice is back in the Kentucky-Louisville basketball rivalry
After years of calm between the Cats and the Cards, one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries has new life heading into Tuesday’s game.
www.kentucky.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Finally, the juice is back in the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry.
After a few years of relative calm, this one is heating up again. And tomorrow night should be one of the most-anticipated meetings between the Cats and the Cards in a long time.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
After a few years of relative calm, this one is heating up again. And tomorrow night should be one of the most-anticipated meetings between the Cats and the Cards in a long time.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
It's happened faster than expected, but Malachi Moreno is making an impact for UK basketball.
Last night's 18-point, 10-rebound effort in a blowout win over Valparaiso showed Moreno at his very best for the Cats.
"His ceiling is really, really high": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Last night's 18-point, 10-rebound effort in a blowout win over Valparaiso showed Moreno at his very best for the Cats.
"His ceiling is really, really high": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘A real impact.’ Malachi Moreno is making a difference for UK basketball
Former Great Crossing star leads Kentucky in scoring, posts double-double in blowout UK basketball win.
www.kentucky.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:57 PM
It's happened faster than expected, but Malachi Moreno is making an impact for UK basketball.
Last night's 18-point, 10-rebound effort in a blowout win over Valparaiso showed Moreno at his very best for the Cats.
"His ceiling is really, really high": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Last night's 18-point, 10-rebound effort in a blowout win over Valparaiso showed Moreno at his very best for the Cats.
"His ceiling is really, really high": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
From last night: Kentucky has Jaland Lowe back, and the Wildcats were firing on all cylinders in game two.
Just in time for Louisville. And there was talk of the Cards last night, too. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Just in time for Louisville. And there was talk of the Cards last night, too. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
This UK basketball team is firing on all cylinders just in time for Louisville
Mark Pope’s team turned in another collective effort on the night Jaland Lowe returned from injury, and there was Louisville talk afterward.
www.kentucky.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:04 PM
From last night: Kentucky has Jaland Lowe back, and the Wildcats were firing on all cylinders in game two.
Just in time for Louisville. And there was talk of the Cards last night, too. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Just in time for Louisville. And there was talk of the Cards last night, too. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
FINAL: Kentucky 107, Valparaiso 59.
Malachi Moreno led the way for the Wildcats tonight: 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Story from Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Malachi Moreno led the way for the Wildcats tonight: 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Story from Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Jaland Lowe made his UK basketball debut. And the Cats rolled over Valparaiso
Kentucky’s new point guard played his first game for the Wildcats, who set a Mark Pope era record for most points in a half.
www.kentucky.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:58 AM
FINAL: Kentucky 107, Valparaiso 59.
Malachi Moreno led the way for the Wildcats tonight: 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Story from Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Malachi Moreno led the way for the Wildcats tonight: 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Story from Rupp: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky up 16-5 on Valpo early, and Jaland Lowe got an assist on his first offensive possession as a Wildcat.
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball vs. Valparaiso: Get live stats, news updates and commentary
Follow stats and updates from Kentucky basketball vs. Valparaiso with the Herald-Leader staff.
www.kentucky.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Kentucky up 16-5 on Valpo early, and Jaland Lowe got an assist on his first offensive possession as a Wildcat.
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Follow along with us here: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope provided injury updates on Jaland Lowe, Trent Noah and Jayden Quaintance today.
Here's the latest, with a possible Lowe debut coming tomorrow night: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's the latest, with a possible Lowe debut coming tomorrow night: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Jaland Lowe nearing his UK basketball debut; Trent Noah, Jayden Quaintance updates
Kentucky coach Mark Pope updates the status of two injured players before the Wildcats’ game against Valparaiso on Friday night.
www.kentucky.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Mark Pope provided injury updates on Jaland Lowe, Trent Noah and Jayden Quaintance today.
Here's the latest, with a possible Lowe debut coming tomorrow night: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here's the latest, with a possible Lowe debut coming tomorrow night: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope has a specific goal for this Kentucky defense.
If the Wildcats can live up to it -- and the numbers say they can -- it means they'll be well-positioned for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, perhaps even national title #9.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
If the Wildcats can live up to it -- and the numbers say they can -- it means they'll be well-positioned for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, perhaps even national title #9.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope has set a goal for this Kentucky team. It could equal a national title
The numbers say this UK basketball team could reach rarefied air. And that’s exactly what Mark Pope planned for when he built this roster.
www.kentucky.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Mark Pope has a specific goal for this Kentucky defense.
If the Wildcats can live up to it -- and the numbers say they can -- it means they'll be well-positioned for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, perhaps even national title #9.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
If the Wildcats can live up to it -- and the numbers say they can -- it means they'll be well-positioned for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, perhaps even national title #9.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
From last night: It was an ugly start to the UK basketball season.
Mark Pope found the beauty in it.
"Every single timeout, it’s a conversation like, ‘Guys, this is unbelievable.’ … Like, ‘This is incredible, what you’re doing.'"
Story from game one: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope found the beauty in it.
"Every single timeout, it’s a conversation like, ‘Guys, this is unbelievable.’ … Like, ‘This is incredible, what you’re doing.'"
Story from game one: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
It was an ugly start to Kentucky’s season. Mark Pope found the beauty in it
The first 20 minutes of UK’s season-opening victory over Nicholls were a tough watch, but Pope sees it as a major positive for his team.
www.kentucky.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM
From last night: It was an ugly start to the UK basketball season.
Mark Pope found the beauty in it.
"Every single timeout, it’s a conversation like, ‘Guys, this is unbelievable.’ … Like, ‘This is incredible, what you’re doing.'"
Story from game one: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope found the beauty in it.
"Every single timeout, it’s a conversation like, ‘Guys, this is unbelievable.’ … Like, ‘This is incredible, what you’re doing.'"
Story from game one: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
3 Kentucky players made their college basketball debuts during the Wildcats’ season-opening win over Nicholls.
Here’s how Andrija Jelavic, Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno fared on Tuesday night: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here’s how Andrija Jelavic, Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno fared on Tuesday night: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
How did Kentucky’s college basketball newcomers fare in their first game?
Andrija Jelavic, Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno all contributed in UK basketball’s season-opening win.
www.kentucky.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
3 Kentucky players made their college basketball debuts during the Wildcats’ season-opening win over Nicholls.
Here’s how Andrija Jelavic, Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno fared on Tuesday night: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here’s how Andrija Jelavic, Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno fared on Tuesday night: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Kentucky's roster is stacked, the Wildcats start the season in the AP top 10, and Mark Pope keeps talking about #9.
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Final Four or bust? We asked the experts to weigh in on this UK basketball team
What should the expectations be for Kentucky basketball this season? We asked experts from around the sport to weigh in on Mark Pope’s team.
www.kentucky.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Kentucky's roster is stacked, the Wildcats start the season in the AP top 10, and Mark Pope keeps talking about #9.
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky's roster is stacked, the Wildcats start the season in the AP top 10, and Mark Pope keeps talking about #9.
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Final Four or bust? We asked the experts to weigh in on this UK basketball team
What should the expectations be for Kentucky basketball this season? We asked experts from around the sport to weigh in on Mark Pope’s team.
www.kentucky.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Kentucky's roster is stacked, the Wildcats start the season in the AP top 10, and Mark Pope keeps talking about #9.
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
So, what should the reasonable expectations be for this UK team? I asked several college basketball experts that question.
Here's what they think: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Mark Pope needed a point guard to lead this Kentucky team.
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Jaland Lowe is here to lead this UK basketball team, whether you like it or not
Mark Pope needed a point guard for this Kentucky basketball team. He also needed a leader. He thinks he’s found a unique one in Jaland Lowe.
www.kentucky.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Mark Pope needed a point guard to lead this Kentucky team.
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Kentucky's basketball season starts tomorrow night. But basically everyone else in college basketball debuts today.
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Ten college basketball games that should interest Kentucky fans Monday night
The Kentucky Wildcats won’t tip off their regular season until Tuesday night. Here are 10 games to keep UK fans occupied.
www.kentucky.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Kentucky's basketball season starts tomorrow night. But basically everyone else in college basketball debuts today.
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky's basketball season starts tomorrow night. But basically everyone else in college basketball debuts today.
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Ten college basketball games that should interest Kentucky fans Monday night
The Kentucky Wildcats won’t tip off their regular season until Tuesday night. Here are 10 games to keep UK fans occupied.
www.kentucky.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Kentucky's basketball season starts tomorrow night. But basically everyone else in college basketball debuts today.
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Here are 10 games on the Monday night schedule (with TV info) that should interest UK fans, from Pitino to Cal to Travis Perry to Louisville ... www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope needed a point guard to lead this Kentucky team.
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Jaland Lowe is here to lead this UK basketball team, whether you like it or not
Mark Pope needed a point guard for this Kentucky basketball team. He also needed a leader. He thinks he’s found a unique one in Jaland Lowe.
www.kentucky.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Mark Pope needed a point guard to lead this Kentucky team.
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
He found Jaland Lowe.
"He’s not afraid to hold a teammate accountable, even if the teammate gets mad at him and goes to the locker room like, ‘Man, that guy’s a jerk.’ He’s not afraid of that."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
From last night: "We’re not going to sleep. This is never acceptable here."
Six days after an exhilarating exhibition game victory realigned expectations, this Kentucky team experienced the other side of the preseason.
Pope and the Cats on what the heck happened: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Six days after an exhilarating exhibition game victory realigned expectations, this Kentucky team experienced the other side of the preseason.
Pope and the Cats on what the heck happened: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘I hate every bit of it.’ But Kentucky can learn from exhibition loss to Hoyas
Georgetown bullied No. 9 Kentucky in Rupp Arena on Thursday night. Mark Pope and the Cats talk about how they’ll move forward from the loss.
www.kentucky.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:14 PM
From last night: "We’re not going to sleep. This is never acceptable here."
Six days after an exhilarating exhibition game victory realigned expectations, this Kentucky team experienced the other side of the preseason.
Pope and the Cats on what the heck happened: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Six days after an exhilarating exhibition game victory realigned expectations, this Kentucky team experienced the other side of the preseason.
Pope and the Cats on what the heck happened: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
I sat down with Mark Pope and Otega Oweh this preseason to dive deeper into that Kentucky basketball dynamic.
It became clear that -- while Pope has helped make Oweh a better player -- Oweh is also helping Pope in his quest to become a better coach.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
It became clear that -- while Pope has helped make Oweh a better player -- Oweh is also helping Pope in his quest to become a better coach.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
How Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, Mark Pope make each other better
UK basketball star Otega Oweh and Kentucky coach Mark Pope have formed a special relationship in their time together with the Wildcats going into this season.
www.kentucky.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
I sat down with Mark Pope and Otega Oweh this preseason to dive deeper into that Kentucky basketball dynamic.
It became clear that -- while Pope has helped make Oweh a better player -- Oweh is also helping Pope in his quest to become a better coach.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
It became clear that -- while Pope has helped make Oweh a better player -- Oweh is also helping Pope in his quest to become a better coach.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Kentucky basketball will be down another guard for tonight's exhibition game against Georgetown.
Denzel Aberdeen won't play for the Cats: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Denzel Aberdeen won't play for the Cats: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky’s Denzel Aberdeen is out for Georgetown exhibition
UK basketball guard Denzel Aberdeen is out for Mark Pope’s team as Kentucky plays Georgetown University in exhibition. UK is also without Jaland Lowe for game.
www.kentucky.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Kentucky basketball will be down another guard for tonight's exhibition game against Georgetown.
Denzel Aberdeen won't play for the Cats: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Denzel Aberdeen won't play for the Cats: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...