The Wisconsin Badgers have begun to ramp up preparations ahead of the upcoming school year with a series of open practices.

Projecting high school talent isn't an exact science, but it's easier when they remind us of NBA stars at that age.

Jasper Johnson should bring one thing, in particular, to Mark Pope's second UK basketball team. But he knows he needs more to his game.

We will have to be zeroed in on each and every player on the basketball court. All the kids are capable of having big games." Mason Linker can be reached at 727-7324 or at mlinker@wsjournal.com.