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...
UK might not have upset No. 15 Arkansas without Trent Noah.
After weeks of waiting, the Kentucky kid "delivered" in the Cats' biggest win of the season.
"Life always isn’t how you want it to be. So you just gotta take the hand you’re dealt and make the best of it." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
After weeks of waiting, the Kentucky kid "delivered" in the Cats' biggest win of the season.
"Life always isn’t how you want it to be. So you just gotta take the hand you’re dealt and make the best of it." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘He delivered.’ Without Trent Noah, the Wildcats might not have beaten Arkansas
After weeks of waiting, Trent Noah came up big for Kentucky in an upset victory over No. 15 Arkansas on Saturday night.
www.kentucky.com
February 1, 2026 at 1:58 PM
UK might not have upset No. 15 Arkansas without Trent Noah.
After weeks of waiting, the Kentucky kid "delivered" in the Cats' biggest win of the season.
"Life always isn’t how you want it to be. So you just gotta take the hand you’re dealt and make the best of it." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
After weeks of waiting, the Kentucky kid "delivered" in the Cats' biggest win of the season.
"Life always isn’t how you want it to be. So you just gotta take the hand you’re dealt and make the best of it." www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
From last night:
Kentucky got hit with 3 technicals in 38 seconds. Bud Walton Arena was at fever pitch. The Cats could have caved right there. They didn't. What did it feel like?
"It felt like, ‘Man, these guys are here to fight.’" www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky got hit with 3 technicals in 38 seconds. Bud Walton Arena was at fever pitch. The Cats could have caved right there. They didn't. What did it feel like?
"It felt like, ‘Man, these guys are here to fight.’" www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘Man, these guys are here to fight.’ How Kentucky finished off No. 15 Arkansas
Mark Pope’s Wildcats set the tone against John Calipari’s Razorbacks, and UK ended up with its biggest victory of the season so far.
www.kentucky.com
February 1, 2026 at 1:54 PM
From last night:
Kentucky got hit with 3 technicals in 38 seconds. Bud Walton Arena was at fever pitch. The Cats could have caved right there. They didn't. What did it feel like?
"It felt like, ‘Man, these guys are here to fight.’" www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky got hit with 3 technicals in 38 seconds. Bud Walton Arena was at fever pitch. The Cats could have caved right there. They didn't. What did it feel like?
"It felt like, ‘Man, these guys are here to fight.’" www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
My column: Given the circumstances, you just watched the biggest win of Mark Pope’s UK coaching tenure amp.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
You just watched the biggest win of Mark Pope’s UK basketball coaching career
At a time when many were doubting his standing as Kentucky basketball coach, Pope’s team delivered a signature victory over John Calipari.
amp.kentucky.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:05 AM
My column: Given the circumstances, you just watched the biggest win of Mark Pope’s UK coaching tenure amp.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
It’s Towel Night in Bud Walton Arena!
Kentucky at No. 15 Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Kentucky at No. 15 Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
January 31, 2026 at 9:55 PM
It’s Towel Night in Bud Walton Arena!
Kentucky at No. 15 Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Kentucky at No. 15 Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Reposted by Ben Roberts
How Kentucky matches up with No. 15 Arkansas at each position - with my game prediction www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
How Kentucky matches up vs. No. 15 Arkansas — with a game prediction
How Mark Pope’s Wildcats & John Calipari’s Razorbacks match up at each position for Saturday’s SEC men’s basketball game in Fayetteville.
www.kentucky.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:53 PM
How Kentucky matches up with No. 15 Arkansas at each position - with my game prediction www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Perhaps the toughest defensive assignment of this Kentucky basketball season will arrive Saturday night.
Star Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. is one of the best first-year players that John Calipari's ever had.
How is Kentucky planning to stop him? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Star Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. is one of the best first-year players that John Calipari's ever had.
How is Kentucky planning to stop him? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
John Calipari has another star freshman. How is Mark Pope planning to stop him?
Kentucky basketball will be tasked with defending one of the nation’s top scorers in Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr.
www.kentucky.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Perhaps the toughest defensive assignment of this Kentucky basketball season will arrive Saturday night.
Star Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. is one of the best first-year players that John Calipari's ever had.
How is Kentucky planning to stop him? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Star Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. is one of the best first-year players that John Calipari's ever had.
How is Kentucky planning to stop him? ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Jayden Quaintance play for Kentucky again this season.
Mark Pope is making no promises.
Here's the latest update: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope is making no promises.
Here's the latest update: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Will Jayden Quaintance play again this season? Mark Pope is making no promises
Kentucky’s projected NBA lottery pick is not expected to play at Arkansas this weekend. Will he play for the Wildcats again this season?
www.kentucky.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Will Jayden Quaintance play for Kentucky again this season.
Mark Pope is making no promises.
Here's the latest update: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope is making no promises.
Here's the latest update: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Remember D.J. Wagner? He's in his third year of college basketball. That was never the plan.
"Like, a lot of these kids get ‘ranked.’ And then they’re trying to live up to ‘rankings.’ And what does a ranking mean?"
Story on the former No. 1 recruit: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Like, a lot of these kids get ‘ranked.’ And then they’re trying to live up to ‘rankings.’ And what does a ranking mean?"
Story on the former No. 1 recruit: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
‘Every kid is on their own path.’ Why D.J. Wagner is still in college basketball
He was the No. 1 recruit in his class for most of his high school career. His college path started at Kentucky. It hasn’t gone as expected.
www.kentucky.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Remember D.J. Wagner? He's in his third year of college basketball. That was never the plan.
"Like, a lot of these kids get ‘ranked.’ And then they’re trying to live up to ‘rankings.’ And what does a ranking mean?"
Story on the former No. 1 recruit: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Like, a lot of these kids get ‘ranked.’ And then they’re trying to live up to ‘rankings.’ And what does a ranking mean?"
Story on the former No. 1 recruit: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Extra, extra, read all about it: Shai Gilgeous-
Alexander has been elected the 2025 Lexington Herald-Leader Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
Alexander has been elected the 2025 Lexington Herald-Leader Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
‘The Year of Shai.’ Gilgeous-Alexander is the 2025 KY Sports Figure of the Year
In 2025, the ex-UK basketball star became NBA MVP and an NBA champion and rode those honors to victory in the 45th KY Sports Figure vote.
www.kentucky.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Extra, extra, read all about it: Shai Gilgeous-
Alexander has been elected the 2025 Lexington Herald-Leader Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
Alexander has been elected the 2025 Lexington Herald-Leader Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
You might have noticed something different about Kentucky basketball over the past few games. The same players are playing at the end, the Cats are winning, and they seem to be finding a new chemistry.
"This is really special what these guys are doing."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"This is really special what these guys are doing."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope seems to have found the right combination to finish out Kentucky wins
After a season of experimenting with end-of-game lineups, Mark Pope has landed on a finishing five that is getting the job done.
www.kentucky.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:09 PM
You might have noticed something different about Kentucky basketball over the past few games. The same players are playing at the end, the Cats are winning, and they seem to be finding a new chemistry.
"This is really special what these guys are doing."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"This is really special what these guys are doing."
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Two pals opened an all-ages music venue in the basement of Frank's Donuts - named, you guessed it: The Donut Dungeon.
The city shut it down recently for code violations. I talked to the owners and several under-21 youth about why an all-ages space is important.
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
The city shut it down recently for code violations. I talked to the owners and several under-21 youth about why an all-ages space is important.
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
An all-ages venue opened under Lexington doughnut shop. Then the city closed it down
“We were seeing that the local music scene was dying in Lexington, and we just wanted to do something about it.”
www.kentucky.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Two pals opened an all-ages music venue in the basement of Frank's Donuts - named, you guessed it: The Donut Dungeon.
The city shut it down recently for code violations. I talked to the owners and several under-21 youth about why an all-ages space is important.
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
The city shut it down recently for code violations. I talked to the owners and several under-21 youth about why an all-ages space is important.
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
NEW: We know what Will Stein’s first UK football roster will look like, but how good will the Wildcats be in 2026?
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reasons for excitement — and concern — on Will Stein’s first UK football roster
We know what Will Stein’s first Kentucky football roster will look like, but is it good enough to compete in the SEC?
www.kentucky.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:52 PM
NEW: We know what Will Stein’s first UK football roster will look like, but how good will the Wildcats be in 2026?
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Two reasons to be optimistic and two reasons to be concerned. www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Injuries have limited the on-court impact that Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance have had on UK basketball this season.
But, that doesn't mean they aren't still helping.
Here's how Lowe and Quaintance have continued to contribute behind the scenes: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But, that doesn't mean they aren't still helping.
Here's how Lowe and Quaintance have continued to contribute behind the scenes: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
How are Jaland Lowe, Jayden Quaintance helping UK basketball from the sideline?
Mark Pope and Kentucky players talk about the impact that Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance still have on the Wildcats, despite being out injured.
www.kentucky.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Injuries have limited the on-court impact that Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance have had on UK basketball this season.
But, that doesn't mean they aren't still helping.
Here's how Lowe and Quaintance have continued to contribute behind the scenes: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
But, that doesn't mean they aren't still helping.
Here's how Lowe and Quaintance have continued to contribute behind the scenes: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky's Kam Williams has had surgery for his broken foot, Mark Pope confirms. Pope has not yet ruled him out for the season.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Kentucky basketball player Kam Williams opts for surgery for broken foot
Kam Williams suffered a broken foot earlier in the week. Mark Pope updated his status before Saturday’s game against Ole Miss.
www.kentucky.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Kentucky's Kam Williams has had surgery for his broken foot, Mark Pope confirms. Pope has not yet ruled him out for the season.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
A familiar face will be back in Rupp Arena tomorrow.
Travis Perry left Kentucky last offseason in search of an opportunity to show more. Here's a look at what he's been doing for his new team: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Travis Perry left Kentucky last offseason in search of an opportunity to show more. Here's a look at what he's been doing for his new team: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Travis Perry left Kentucky to show something more. He returns home this weekend
Kentucky’s all-time high school scoring leader, Travis Perry, was a surprise departure from the UK men’s basketball team last offseason.
www.kentucky.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:39 PM
A familiar face will be back in Rupp Arena tomorrow.
Travis Perry left Kentucky last offseason in search of an opportunity to show more. Here's a look at what he's been doing for his new team: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Travis Perry left Kentucky last offseason in search of an opportunity to show more. Here's a look at what he's been doing for his new team: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
With Kam Williams now out with a broken foot, Trent Noah is back in the UK basketball rotation.
Noah's teammates say he's ready for the challenge.
"He’s been asking for this all year, so the moment’s right here for him." ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Noah's teammates say he's ready for the challenge.
"He’s been asking for this all year, so the moment’s right here for him." ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
With Kam Williams out, Trent Noah is Kentucky basketball’s next man up
UK basketball sophomore from Harlan County is expected to get more playing time following an injury to Kam Williams.
www.kentucky.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:30 PM
With Kam Williams now out with a broken foot, Trent Noah is back in the UK basketball rotation.
Noah's teammates say he's ready for the challenge.
"He’s been asking for this all year, so the moment’s right here for him." ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Noah's teammates say he's ready for the challenge.
"He’s been asking for this all year, so the moment’s right here for him." ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Also from last night: You've probably read about the Charles Bediako situation by now.
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope calls on NCAA to ‘take a stand’ against players like Charles Bediako
The former Alabama center is attempting to return to the Crimson Tide and play out this season, despite competing in the G League.
www.kentucky.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Also from last night: You've probably read about the Charles Bediako situation by now.
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
From last night: Collin Chandler was sick for days before turning in what was arguably his best game yet as a Kentucky Wildcat.
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Cold and flew: Collin Chandler fights off illness to lift Kentucky to another win
The Kentucky guard had been sick for days leading up to perhaps his best performance as a Wildcat so far.
www.kentucky.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:59 PM
From last night: Collin Chandler was sick for days before turning in what was arguably his best game yet as a Kentucky Wildcat.
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
For the first time under Mark Pope's leadership, UK basketball made 30 free throws in a game.
Each of those points were integral to a home win over Texas, and the Wildcats' free-throw success could also represent a necessary shift in offensive approach: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Each of those points were integral to a home win over Texas, and the Wildcats' free-throw success could also represent a necessary shift in offensive approach: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope’s UK team had a record night from the foul line in win over Texas
Kentucky basketball made its most free throws with Mark Pope as the head coach in a home win over Texas.
www.kentucky.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:59 PM
For the first time under Mark Pope's leadership, UK basketball made 30 free throws in a game.
Each of those points were integral to a home win over Texas, and the Wildcats' free-throw success could also represent a necessary shift in offensive approach: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Each of those points were integral to a home win over Texas, and the Wildcats' free-throw success could also represent a necessary shift in offensive approach: ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
My column: In Malachi Moreno, Kentucky has something special developing www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
In Malachi Moreno, Kentucky has something special developing
The UK freshman center turns in yet another stuffed stat line to help the Wildcats subdue Texas 85-80
www.kentucky.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:39 AM
My column: In Malachi Moreno, Kentucky has something special developing www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-c...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
UK moved the start of Saturday’s men’s basketball game up one hour due to the winter storm expected to hit Lexington.
Saturday’s Kentucky basketball game vs. Ole Miss will start early due to weather
UK moved the start of Saturday’s men’s basketball game up one hour due to the winter storm expected to hit Lexington.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 10:50 PM
UK moved the start of Saturday’s men’s basketball game up one hour due to the winter storm expected to hit Lexington.
Also from last night: You've probably read about the Charles Bediako situation by now.
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope calls on NCAA to ‘take a stand’ against players like Charles Bediako
The former Alabama center is attempting to return to the Crimson Tide and play out this season, despite competing in the G League.
www.kentucky.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Also from last night: You've probably read about the Charles Bediako situation by now.
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Mark Pope joined the call last night to "regain some tiny ounce of sanity" within college basketball.
Here's what he wants the NCAA to do about it: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
From last night: Collin Chandler was sick for days before turning in what was arguably his best game yet as a Kentucky Wildcat.
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Cold and flew: Collin Chandler fights off illness to lift Kentucky to another win
The Kentucky guard had been sick for days leading up to perhaps his best performance as a Wildcat so far.
www.kentucky.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:59 PM
From last night: Collin Chandler was sick for days before turning in what was arguably his best game yet as a Kentucky Wildcat.
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"Man, he put together a really incredible performance."
Inside the UK sophomore's big night in an 85-80 win over Texas: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
"When he can just be really decisive, it helps him be more forceful. He’s got a very probing, slippery nature to his game, which is one of his talents."
Jasper Johnson finally broke through against a good team Saturday. How he did it was a bit unexpected.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Jasper Johnson finally broke through against a good team Saturday. How he did it was a bit unexpected.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Jasper Johnson turned a corner against Tennessee. But this was the best part
Kentucky freshman Jasper Johnson tallied 12 points and four assists in a comeback win over Tennessee. How he did it was a positive sign.
www.kentucky.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:41 PM
"When he can just be really decisive, it helps him be more forceful. He’s got a very probing, slippery nature to his game, which is one of his talents."
Jasper Johnson finally broke through against a good team Saturday. How he did it was a bit unexpected.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Jasper Johnson finally broke through against a good team Saturday. How he did it was a bit unexpected.
Story: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Reposted by Ben Roberts
Kentucky was written off by some as a poor shooting team. Well, the Wildcats are currently No. 1 in the SEC in 3-point%.
And UK's success in this area has been earned. A closer look at the Cats' much-improved 3-point shooting, and how they did it at Tennessee: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
And UK's success in this area has been earned. A closer look at the Cats' much-improved 3-point shooting, and how they did it at Tennessee: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
Not buying Kentucky basketball yet? Here’s one big reason to believe in the Cats
A surprising thing has happened to this UK basketball team since SEC play started. It could be a sign of better things to come.
www.kentucky.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Kentucky was written off by some as a poor shooting team. Well, the Wildcats are currently No. 1 in the SEC in 3-point%.
And UK's success in this area has been earned. A closer look at the Cats' much-improved 3-point shooting, and how they did it at Tennessee: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
And UK's success in this area has been earned. A closer look at the Cats' much-improved 3-point shooting, and how they did it at Tennessee: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...