Thursday Headlines: Bryce Hopkins Edition

Good morning BBN!

It was a crazy night across the college basketball landscape last night with a major upset in the SEC as the Florida Gators easily knocked off the Tennessee Volunteers. It also featured a key matchup in the Big East, that included former Kentucky Wildcat, Bryce Hopkins.

Hopkins has had a breakout season after transferring this past offseason to Providence, as Ed Cooley has seemed to tap into the potential many knew he had during his time in Lexington.

He recently sat down with Brian Hamilton of The Athletic and broke down a little about his time in the Kentucky program and what we are seeing from him at Providence this season.

“Doesn’t sound like a lot, but it means a lot, because you’re not having to look over your shoulder when you make a mistake,” Hopkins told Hamilton. “I feel like last year when I got out there, I was under a microscope. (Calipari) only wanted me to do certain things, and it was like I was playing like a robot. Now when I get on the court, it’s like coach Cooley is allowing me to do whatever I want, but under his system. I just can’t thank him enough for that.”

Last season at UK was an interesting one for Hopkins. In the preseason, he was the talk of camp, before a back injury seemingly pushed him further down the rotation. With limited minutes, Hopkins decided to go thrive elsewhere, and that is exactly what has happened with the Friars.

This season, he is averaging 16.4 points on 48.6% shooting from the field and 33.3% shooting from three. He is also adding 9.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

It would have been awesome to see Hopkins tear it up in the Blue & White, but it’s also great to see him thrive in the Friars’ system.

Tweet of the Day

The GOAT calls it a career.

Headlines

Kentucky, No. 1 South Carolina Rematch in Columbia on Thursday – UK Athletics

The University of Kentucky women’s basketball program will rematch No. 1 South Carolina on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 pm ET on the SEC Network.

Kentucky Signs Four-Star Defensive Lineman on National Signing Day – UK Athletics

A four-star defensive lineman by Rivals, which ranks him as the No. 2 player in the state of Indiana and a No. 15 player in his position nationally

What John Calipari said during his radio show on Wednesday night - KSR

John Calipari had plenty to say during his weekly radio show on Wednesday night as Kentucky prepares to take on Florida this weekend.

Kendrick Gilbert commits to Kentucky- A Sea of Blue

The Cats flip the talented D-lineman from Purdue.

Are the Miami Heat the future of NBA defense? - SBNation.com

The Heat’s defense is great. It’s revolutionary, too.

Woo Spencer commits to Louisville- A Sea of Blue

Cats miss out on an in-state prospect to round out the class of 2023.

Dane Key donates autograph signing proceeds to Breast Cancer research- KSR

An awesome gesture by the talented UK wide-out.

Devin Booker to return from injury soon- ESPN

Big news as the former Cat comes off a groin strain.

Jimmy Garoppolo likely done with the 49er’s- ESPN

Jimmy G will be looking for a new home next season.

Winners and Losers from National Signing Day- CBS

The class of 2023 has come to a close. See who are some winners and losers from across the country.