DISPATCH
Kentucky Reportedly Adds Texas Tech to Exhibition Slate
Kentucky is expected to face Texas Tech in a preseason exhibition, according to reporting from Kentucky Sports Radio. KSR also reports that Mark Pope’s Wildcats plan to use their two remaining unannounced exhibition dates against Big 12 opponents, with the identity of the second team still unknown. The matchup has not yet been formally announced by UK Athletics, so the date and site remain to be confirmed.
Mark Mitchell Eligibility Decision Pushed to Next Week
Jefferson County Circuit Judge Brian C. Edwards did not rule Friday on the request by Mark Mitchell and other college athletes seeking another season of NCAA eligibility. Edwards gave the parties until Tuesday to submit additional material and said he expects to rule by the end of next week. Mitchell’s situation is of particular interest to Kentucky because the former Duke and Missouri forward has been linked to the Wildcats as a possible addition should he become eligible and able to transfer.
Kentucky, Louisville Reportedly Leading for Reese Alston
Kentucky and Louisville are generating the most momentum in the recruitment of 2027 five-star point guard Reese Alston, according to Rivals recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw. Alston has already visited Louisville and Wichita State, while a Kentucky visit has not yet been scheduled; Mark Pope and his staff have nevertheless made the highly regarded guard a priority. Alston currently plans to make his college decision before the early November signing period.
Wildcats Combine Summer Retreat With Service in Eastern Kentucky
Kentucky’s basketball team spent part of its summer retreat serving Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Hazard, helping with a garden project that included landscaping and construction of a gazebo. UK Athletics’ photo gallery shows Mark Pope, his staff and members of the 2026–27 roster taking part before continuing the team-building portion of the retreat. The gathering also offered one of the more complete offseason looks at the assembled Wildcats as Pope works to blend another substantially reconstructed roster before fall practice.
On This Date: Kentucky Wins Again on 2014 Bahamas Tour
On August 16, 2014, Kentucky defeated Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket 77–72 at Imperial Arena during the Wildcats’ preseason tour of the Bahamas. It was Kentucky’s fifth game in seven days on the tour and came one day after an 83–71 victory over the Dominican Republic.