UK beats Tennessee, Ian Jackson Watch, and more Sunday Headlines (UPDATE)

UPDATE 2

According to ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi, five-star guard Ian Jackson will announce his commitment Monday at halftime of the 3 pm ET game between Montverde Academy and Sunrise Christian. So look for an announcement around 4 pm.

Jackson’s final list includes the Kentucky Wildcats, Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks, and North Carolina Tar Heels.

The talented shooting guard is a consensus top-three recruit in the 2024 class.

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UPDATE

KSR’s Jack Pilgrim is reporting that Ian Jackson is expected to make a decision on Monday.

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Good morning BBN! Safe to say this is one of, if not the most pleasant morning we’ve all had following a Kentucky Basketball game this season.

Of all the wins Kentucky has ever had over the Tennessee Volunteers — 159 to be exact — this one is up there.

It wasn’t just that an unranked Kentucky team went into Knoxville and beat a top-five Vols team. This was a win John Calipari and his Wildcats needed as much as they’ve ever needed a win under his watch.

After the loss to South Carolina, the vibes around the program had reached an all-time low under Calipari.

And in typical Calipari fashion, Kentucky got off the mat and got a season-shifting win that’s brought renewed hope to the best college hoops program in the land. Hope that wasn’t present prior to that noon tipoff vs. a Vols program that had won six of nine against the Cats, including two SEC Tournament oustings.

Boy, that one felt really good.

Elsewhere, a decision from arguably the best player in the 2024 class is imminent, as five-star shooting guard Ian Jackson is expected to make a decision today or tomorrow.

Kentucky has already cleaned up in the 2023 class, but Jackson would have an argument as the best player in either ‘23 or ‘24 to pick Kentucky.

Yes, Jackson is that good.

If you’re looking for any tea leaves, Jackson is clearly a fan of UK legend John Wall.

We can only hope Saturday’s win over the Vols helps seal the deal...

Tweet(s) of the Day

Chin Coleman bleeds blue.

Papa Brooks knows what’s up.

The future stays bright.

Headlines

Kentucky Fights Past No. 5 Tennessee in Knoxville – UK Athletics
Kentucky’s bench came up big on Saturday. The Cats got 18 points, and a ton of crucial minutes, from the bench. The Cats also moved the ball on Saturday, which led to 14 assists on 18 made baskets in the game.

Kentucky Track & Field Totals 10 Wins at McCravy Memorial – UK Athletics
Masai Russell reaches top 10 in NCAA history, Keaton Daniel sets school record, Jordan Anthony sets UK freshman record.

Cats, Gators Square Off in Gainesville on Sunday – UK Athletics
The Wildcats have won seven of the last nine meetings with the Gators, including two of the last three, while Florida won the last matchup in the series on Jan. 20, 2022, in Memorial Coliseum, 77-52.

Kentucky basketball after Tennessee upset. 'You're telling me there's a chance?' - CatsPause
In a moment such as this, when words fail mere mortals attempting to describe a situation, we are best served to lean on the wisdom of the great Lloyd Christmas.

John Calipari took away his player's phones ahead of win at Tennessee - KSR
To help reduce some of the outside noise, Kentucky head coach John Calipari took away his player's phones ahead of Saturday's win.

CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin on how Kentucky regrouped to upset Tennessee - KSR
A players-only meeting helped Kentucky regrouped from back-to-back losses to upset No. 5 Tennessee in Knoxville.

How Successful Has the Endangered Species Act Been in its 5 Decades of Protection? Hint: It's Very Good News - GNN
The Endangered Species Act has been around for 5 decades. How successful has it been in protecting threatened species?

Brock Purdy’s 4 TDs lead 49ers to wild card win over Seahawks - ESPN
Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth score in his playoff debut, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 41-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a wild-card game on Saturday.

Damar Hamlin visits teammates for 1st time since injury - ESPN
Damar Hamlin visited with teammates at the Bills’ facility Saturday for the first time since being discharged from a Buffalo hospital, ESPN/ABC sources confirmed.

Examining where all five head coach searches stand entering Super Wild Card Weekend - NFL.com
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero examine the head coaching searches for the Broncos, Cardinals, Colts, Panthers and Texans after the first week of interviews.

A Discreet Set of 'Weable Muscles' Restores Mobility in Those Who Have Trouble Moving Their Arms - GNN
These discreet mobility enhancing intelligent prosthetics are growing in number and variance, and offer patients the chance of a normal life.