Monday Quickies: Rise of Tyrese Maxey Edition

Good morning.

There’s been no slowing down Tyrese Maxey, who’s been one of the best players in high school hoops during the spring AAU circuit.

Now, Maxey has taken his talents to USA Basketball, where he’s already shining in the FIBA U18 Americas Championship. In a 105-73 victory over the Dominican Republic, Maxey went for 14 points (5-of-8 shooting), five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Tweet(s) of the Day:

Well said.

Word.

I could watch this all day.

Your Quickies

Kentucky Basketball: Keion Brooks keeps UK on finalists list - Courier-Journal
"I’ve always grown up liking Kentucky," Brooks said. "They always make deep runs into March and they also have a good reputation for putting guys in the league. … If I was to go there, I think Coach Cal could help me fulfill my dreams."

More praise for Tyrese Maxey from the recent USA Basketball training camp
On Maxey: "An effortless shooter with solid strength for his size, Maxey can take opponents off the dribble and finish creatively around the basket while also getting hot and burying contested jumpers. Improving as a point guard, Maxey has a lot of natural talent and charisma that gives him an ability to be a team leader at almost every level. Playing with a solid motor,”

Is USA Basketball gig a recruiting advantage for Bill Self? | Lexington Herald Leader
Five-star recruits and UK targets Matthew Hurt, Keion Brooks, Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis talk about USA Basketball training camp and whether the U18 experience is a recruiting advantage for Kansas head coach Bill Self.

UK baseball: outfielder Ben Aklinski will sign with Phillies - Cats Pause
Aklinski was First-Team All-ACCAC in 2017 at Phoenix College. He was honored as the NJCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Year and won the Rawlings JUCO Gold Glove award. With Aklinski signing, UK is likely to lose two starting outfielders. Left fielder Tristan Pompey was selected in the third round by the Miami Marlins and is expected to sign.

Tyrese Maxey talks future at UK, possibility of move to 2018 | Lexington Herald Leader
Five-star point guard Tyrese Maxey has been committed to the Kentucky basketball team for a month, and he's one of the top recruits in the 2019 class. He talks about the possibility of reclassifying to 2019 and his future with the Wildcats.

Field makeover at Paul Brown Stadium is complete
Paul Brown Stadium has a fresh new look. The Cincinnati Bengals decided to get the turf redone this offseason, resulting in a bright new look that pops off the screen. The Motz Group shared a few photos

What's next for Triple Crown horse racing champion Justify? | Lexington Herald Leader
Justify became horse racing's 13th Triple Crown champion by winning the Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Trainer Bob Baffert became the second trainer to campaign multiple Triple Crown winners. Baffert also trained 2015 Triple Crown champ American Pharoah.

Countdown to 2019 Kentucky Derby is already underway
A countdown clock in a Louisville store caught Bob Baffert's eyes the day he left for New York in advance of the Belmont Stakes. It read 332 days, the hour and minute standing still with seconds ticking to indicate time remaining until the 2019 Kentucky Derby next May.

Mat Latos sparks nasty brawl in Independent League game | Lexington Herald Leader
Former Reds and Padres pitcher Mat Latos sparked this ugly, huge brawl during an independent league baseball game on Saturday night.

Madden NFL 19 Release Date, New Trailer Revealed at EA’s E3 2018 Presser
The trailer for Madden NFL 19 made its debut Saturday as part of the EA Play press conference at E3. Soon-to-be Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens, who will be available via Madden Ultimate Team, is a central figure in the trailer

Steve Young on Terrell Owens Skipping HOF Ceremony: ‘I Beg Him to Reconsider’
Former 49ers quarterback Steve Young urged former Niners teammate Terrell Owens to reconsider his decision to skip the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony in August.

Rob Gronkowski on Patriots Trade Rumors: ‘Shows How Much Fake News Is out There’
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski dispelled rumors of a potential trade on Saturday, referring to the buzz that’s circulated of late as “fake news.” “Just shows how much fake news is out there,” he told WBZ-TV’s Lisa Gresci. “Hashtag fake news.”