Big Blue Madness Preview

With Big Blue Madness just a few minutes away, a new season is dawning. Fresh off of a national championship run, this team will have the pressure of trying to repeat as champs. No team has had to do that since 1999. Something tells me this team will not be effected by that stat, because Cal will not let them. As crazy as the BBN is, Calipari has always said that he will always be the hardest on himself.

I expect this team to resemble the 2010 team a little. This year’s edition of ‘Cats is not the overwhelming #1 team, and they really don’t have a signature “star” just yet. Many will argue that Brandon Knight was the “star” of the 2010 team, but he had to grow into that roll. I believe if there will be a “star” it could be Nerlens Noel and/or Alex Poythress. The 2010 team seemed to fly under the radar all year before bursting out in the SEC Tournament. Next thing you know there is another SEC Tournament crown and they are dancing into another Final Four appearance. Oh yeah, and they also knocked off #1 overall seed Ohio State. Can this team replicate or even be better than those expectations?

Not only are the fans super hyped, the players are too. Look out for Archie Goodwin and Nerlens Noel doing a little dance and gettin’ down tonight. Maybe UK Hoops coach Matthew Mitchell will bust out some more moves after showcasing the “Dougie” last year. What will this year’s signature moment be? We all remember the John Wall flex. We remember Josh Harrellson and his Carlton dance. And who could forget Enes Kanter and the “Undertaker” intro. What will this year’s BBM leave us as fans talking about tomorrow?

A very impressive list of recruits will be in the stands for tonight’s festivities. I hope the staff at Rupp arena has put extra precautions in place because Rupp will be rockin’! I know the knowledge of the BBN is very strong and they already know who is supposed to be in the crowd. Usually the student section leads the cheers of recruit’s names ringing through the walls. If they continue that trend, they will be a very busy bunch tonight. Andrew & Aaron Harrison, Derek Willis, and James Young will be attending as UK’s commitments for the 2013 class. Also joining them is California native, Marcus Lee. Trey Lyles, JaQuan Lyle, and Cliff Alexander will be in attendance from the 2014 class. And the #1 player in the 2015 class, Karl Towns will be coming back to Lexington to see some old friends.

The basketball season is near Big Blue Nation. The expectations are set, the banners are hung, and #8 is complete. Sit back and enjoy the latest edition of your University of Kentucky Wildcats as they welcome a new season of challenges. It’s now time to drive for #9.