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Walter’s Wildcat Dispatch — September 23, 2026

YOUR DAILY SOURCE FOR KENTUCKY BASKETBALL NEWS
Walter’s
WILDCAT
DISPATCH
VOL. 1 · NO. 25
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
THE DAILY FIVE

Paul Osaruyi Sets First Official Visit for Kentucky

Kentucky will host 2027 big man Paul Osaruyi for an official visit this weekend, the 6-foot-9 Bella Vista Prep standout told Rivals. The Canadian prospect is ranked No. 20 overall and No. 4 among centers in the Rivals Industry Ranking, and Lexington will be the first official visit of his recruitment.

Why it matters: Kentucky entered Osaruyi’s recruitment relatively recently, but securing his first official visit is a strong indication that and his staff have quickly established themselves as serious contenders.
Source: sports.yahoo.com

Kentucky-Kansas Champions Classic Gets Late-Night Spotlight

Kentucky’s Nov. 10 Champions Classic showdown with in Chicago will occupy the late window of ‘s annual doubleheader. The Wildcats and Jayhawks will meet at the United Center after Michigan State and open the event, renewing a matchup between the two programs with more victories than any others in Division I men’s basketball history.

Wildcat World angle: Kentucky and Kansas have spent generations jockeying near the top of college basketball’s all-time wins list, giving this year’s Champions Classic matchup a little extra historical flavor.
Source: espnpressroom.com

Reed Sheppard Opens Third NBA Season at Rockets Media Day

Former Kentucky guard met with reporters Tuesday as the held their 2026 media day. Sheppard enters his third season after making a major jump in Year 2, when increased playing time established the former Wildcat as a much more prominent piece of ‘s backcourt.

Wildcat World angle: The London, Kentucky, native’s rapid rise from lightly recruited high-school prospect to Kentucky star, No. 3 NBA Draft pick and regular NBA contributor remains one of the more remarkable recent Wildcat stories.
Source: nba.com

Ryan Hampton Plans Two October Returns to Lexington

Kentucky’s 2027 commitment Ryan Hampton plans to return to Lexington twice next month, including a visit for on Oct. 2 and another trip Oct. 10. The second visit coincides with Hampton’s free youth basketball camp in Lexington, where the top-25 prospect will work with boys and girls in grades one through eight.

Why it matters: Hampton will not arrive at Kentucky until the 2027-28 season, but the Wildcats’ first commitment in that class is already building unusually strong ties to Lexington and Big Blue Nation.
Source: sports.yahoo.com

Remembering Milton “Bud” Cavana on His Birthday

Former Kentucky guard Milton “Bud” Cavana was born 117 years ago today, Sept. 23, 1909, in Hardin Township, Iowa. Cavana’s Kentucky career straddled an important moment in program history: he played under Johnny Mauer in 1929-30 and remained with the Wildcats for ‘s first season in 1930-31, appearing in one game. He was also a multi-sport Kentucky athlete, earning varsity letters in football and track.

Wildcat World angle: Cavana provides a direct player connection between the pre-Rupp Wildcats and the first season of the coaching tenure that would transform Kentucky into a national basketball power.
Source: wildcatworld.com
WILDCATWORLD.COM · EST. 1998 · KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HISTORY