DISPATCH
Nick Richards Signs One-Year Deal With Miami Heat
Former Kentucky center Nick Richards has signed a one-year contract with the Miami Heat, giving the six-year NBA veteran a new home after splitting last season between Phoenix and Chicago. Richards averaged 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 48 games overall, but his production climbed to 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds after joining the Bulls in February. Miami adds him as frontcourt depth behind Bam Adebayo and Bobby Portis.
Malachi Moreno Gets Into the Action at $10 Million Charity Ham Auction
Kentucky center Malachi Moreno joined Mark Pope and several Wildcats at Thursday’s Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction at the Kentucky State Fair. Moreno raised the paddle for a surprise $5 million bid on behalf of Joe and Kelly Craft before Central Bank matched it, producing a $10 million winning bid whose proceeds will support charitable organizations around Kentucky.
Kentucky Gets an Early Start With 2028 Guard Liam Mitakaro
Kentucky is already developing a relationship with 2028 guard Liam Mitakaro, a 6-foot-4 Canadian prospect playing at Bella Vista Prep in Arizona. Mitakaro received a Kentucky scholarship offer in June after helping Bella Vista win a national championship and later averaged 16.0 points, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals for Canada at the FIBA U17 World Cup. Mark Pope watched him during Peach Jam, while assistant Cody Fueger has remained involved in his recruitment.
Fifth-Year Eligibility Fight Expands in Kentucky Court
The Jefferson County lawsuit challenging NCAA fifth-year eligibility rules expanded Thursday when attorneys sought protection for 27 additional athletes, including Louisville basketball newcomer Seth Trimble. The same litigation previously produced temporary relief for Kentucky forward Mark Mitchell, while attorneys are now also challenging conference restrictions they argue undermine the court’s earlier order.
On This Date: Kyle Wiltjer Made Surprise Commitment to Kentucky
On Aug. 28, 2010, Kyle Wiltjer surprised the recruiting world by committing to Kentucky during the Boost Mobile Elite 24 event despite never having visited Lexington. The five-star Oregon forward joined Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague in what became the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class. Wiltjer appeared in all 40 games as a freshman when Kentucky captured the 2012 NCAA championship.