KSR Today: Fireworks, hoops and David Spade

How we feeling, folks? Coming down from that Fourth of July high yet or just starting to ramp up with the weekend officially here? The rain is finally out of the forecast after a wet couple of days in Kentucky, so the holiday can now be properly celebrated outside by some body of water with a grill nearby. It’s a judgment-free zone over here.

Meanwhile, we’re gonna keep on keeping on at KSR HQ, looking to bring you news in the most ridiculous manner possible. It’s what we do and what we love. I mean, where else can you read about David Spade channeling his inner Joe Dirt in Kentucky while also hearing about a 13th-region star at Harlan County losing a finger or two in a firework accident, but is more concerned about his hair and getting back on the basketball court than his own health? The answer is nowhere.

Let’s discuss it all and more this morning, cool? Love to hear it.

Kentucky players visit Harlan County star injured in firework accident

You may remember Reggie Cottrell from Harlan County’s run to the KHSAA Sweet 16 title game, the long-haired starter who stole the hearts of many at Rupp Arena this past March. He’s a talented player with a big personality, a standout alongside Kentucky freshman Trent Noah.

His Independence Day became a nightmare when a firework he attempted to light suddenly blew up, resulting in a serious hand injury that led to the amputation of his pointer finger, along with partial amputations of his middle and index fingers. A total freak accident led to a life-changing emergency, Cottrell flown to UK Hospital in Lexington for surgery.

“I am overwhelmed by the support for me and my family from Harlan County, the 13th region, and the entire state of Kentucky,” he said in a statement via Harlan County Public Schools. “Please continue to pray for me as I recover. I look forward to getting back home to Harlan County very soon and I am thankful for everyone’s love and support.”

His sister shared some lighthearted posts on social media indicating Cottrell is in good spirits, joking that “He was more worried about his hair” than the injury. And when asked if he would continue his career as a hooper coming off a year where he was named to the 2024 Sweet 16 All-Tournament Team, the 6-2 guard gave an all-time response.

“I asked him if he was still going to play ball and he replied, ‘I’m Reggie Cottrell,’” his sister wrote.

Following the incident, Trent Noah took his new teammates Travis Perry, Lamont Butler, Kerr Kriisa, Ansley Almonor, and Andrew Carr with him to the hospital to check on Cottrell.

“We praying for you fam,” Noah wrote on Instagram.

David Spade checks out a fireworks stand in Kentucky

There is no appropriate way to make this transition, but while we’re talking about fireworks and the Fourth of July, comedian David Spade was in Kentucky and brought back an old character of his at a local fireworks stand.

After performing at the Lexington Opera House last week, he checked out a local pop-up stand where he recreated an old Joe Dirt scene giving a fireworks salesman grief over his limited selection.

The woman behind the table immediately recognizes him and says she’s “kinda starstruck right now” before proceeding to sell him on an $899 mega firework named The Godfather, priced down from $1300.

“You think I’ve got that kind of money?!” Spade joked.

A must-watch for basketball nerds

You know Mark Pope’s offense is fast and entertaining, one that prioritizes transition opportunities and three-point volume — 35 attempts per game is always the goal. What makes it so difficult to slow down and game plan for as an opponent, though? And what should you expect to see in Lexington with the personnel Pope added in his first offseason at Kentucky? That’s where Sources Say comes in.

If you’re a basketball nerd or would like to become one in this new era of UK basketball, this show is for you. Shawn Smith and I entered the film room to cut up and break down just a fraction of Pope’s best offense at BYU, highlighting some go-tos you’re likely to see this season at Rupp Arena and who could be on the receiving end of some of these created buckets — Jaxson Robinson, Andrew Carr and Amari Williams being top threats to keep an eye on.

We enjoyed putting together this episode quite a bit and hope you enjoy following along with us. Take a look:

Mark Pope is recruiting in Turkey (and found Derek Willis)

Speaking of Pope’s personnel at Kentucky, he’s looking for more of it in Turkey at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup. Taking a pitstop in London to see his daughter, the first-year coach of the Wildcats made the trip over to Istanbul where he got to see some of the team’s top recruiting targets in 2025 and beyond suiting up for USA Basketball.

Among them? No. 1 overall prospect AJ Dybantsa, who led the United States with 18 points in a 111-60 win over Canada in the quarterfinals. He is joined by the likes of ’25 standouts Cameron and Cayden Boozer, Koa Peat, and Chris Cenac, who all hold offers from Kentucky, along with other notable players of interest such as Brandon McCoy Jr. and Tyran Stokes in ’26.

Assistant coach Cody Fueger was in attendance last weekend, and now, Pope is checking out some potential future Cats on the other side of the globe.

Oh, and he found former Kentucky forward Derek Willis in attendance, as well. He’s currently suiting up for Anadolu Efes of the Turkish Basketball Super League, making the U17 World Cup event a convenient trip for the Louisville native locally.