Just passed the 4,000-word plateau on the epilogue after reaching the January checkpoint. No real cliffhanger tonight, but the highlights were getting approved for the Final Four, and the piece on RaShawn Stores and Tyler Wilson.

Still a long way to go to catch Brian.

West Virginia hired a basketball coach with more NCAA tournament wins than the basketball coaches hired by Louisville and Kentucky combined.

Kentucky fans who are mad at this should’ve never ran one of the greatest recruiters of all-time out of town.

I've been thoroughly amused by the legion of Kentucky fans who thought they could buy Dan Hurley, even after everyone with a brain told them no. He's a northeasterner for life -- and he already has a better job.

The Pope news comes with this context, via multiple sources: UK did not aggressively pursue Billy Donovan at any point over the past four days, sources told CBS Sports. Was also told there was no contact with Rick Pitino.

Just off the top of my head, top of the second half at best.

You’re not ranking him ahead of Cal, Oats, Pearl, Barnes, Buzz, Porter, Beard or Jans.

You could even justify Todd Golden, Lamont Paris and Mark Byington ahead of him at this point.

And Rokas Jocys at Manhattan also went in the portal this morning.

Hey Mike, you think they might get together for lunch? Jimmy Brunn Joey Jarzynka Mike D’Amico

If you can’t get Hurley, why not get the guy whose on-court histrionics and demeanor are worse than Hurley’s ever were?

Iona (D1) transfer Greg Gordon will visit UAB, he told The Portal Report.

Mitch Barnhart got a call from Pitino.

Canisius AD Bill Maher says Griffs supporters will introduce NIL collective next week. Initial focus will be on player retention.

NEW: Shared my thoughts on why Dan Hurley turned down Kentucky's lucrative offers to stay at UConn and continue building what could be a modern dynasty. The Naismith Coach of the Year isn't messing with happiness -- and winning at the highest level.

foxsports.com/stories/colleg…

ICYMI — “We’ve gotta reload the program and get it going in the right direction… You can win here.”

A new era began Wednesday as Marty Richter was introduced as the new USC Upstate Men's Basketball head coach.

Story for Jaden Daly: dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2024/04/marty-… Matt Martin martin richter

Arkansas has contacted Seton Hall transfer Dre Davis, per Adam Zagoria.

6’5”, 220. Averaged 15.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks on 49.2 fg%, 35.0 3fg%, and 84.0 FT%.

First contact of the Calipari era.

Kentucky walked right into a humiliation. Walked straight into it.

Up there with Brad Underwood’s handling of the Elite 8 game.

Said one source on Hurley to Kentucky: “They could offer $20 million a year and he wouldn’t go.”

Hurley, the national coach of the year, has the perfect job for him, has the top staff in the country and is running the best program in the sport.

Always seemed far-fetched as is.

Kam Jones is returning to Marquette next season for his senior year, per his Twitter page.

Will be a preseason All-American in 2024-25.

Scott Drew has released a statement.

Bills haven’t even acknowledged OJ’s passing. Neither has USC or the 49ers.

In the last three weeks, Scott Drew has turned down both Louisville and Kentucky. It’s a dream situation for Baylor because there aren’t many who would be willing to do that. 446 wins there, the program’s first national title, three Elite Eights, five Sweet 16s. And he’s staying.