Should the Kentucky Wildcats Seniors Start on Senior Day?

Since John Calipari’s arrival, it is no secret that the main contributors for the Kentucky Wildcats have been underclassmen. It is for this reason that the Senior Day for our beloved team has been a sort of an enigma the last five seasons. Even so, John Calipari has made sure that the Kentucky Wildcats seniors have started every season, the only exception being Twanny Beckham, which was due to an injury. This season, however, there is some mystery surrounding whether or not the Kentucky Wildcats seniors will start, as all three of them are walk-ons who have played very little over the four years here, and we have an undefeated season on the line.

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However, thanks to Kentucky Sports Radio, there is some evidence to support why the trio of Tod Lanter, Brian Long, and Sam Malone should get the start on Saturday against the Florida Gators. Since Rick Pitino left the Kentucky Wildcats, there have been 41 seniors over 17 seasons. Of those 41 seniors, only two did not start. With stats like these, and a fanbase that enjoys sending off their seniors regardless of how much they’ve played, it is almost impossible to deny this seasons Kentucky Wildcats seniors, even if there is an undefeated season on the line.

While the trio of Tod Lanter, Brian Long, and Sam Malone have combined for 12 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and one assist in 79 minutes over 49 games, their impact to the program cannot be understated. They stuck with the team through the highs (the 2012 National Championship and the 30-0 start this season) and the lows (the 2013 first-round NIT loss to Robert Morris). They’ve also pushed their teammates in practice day-in-and-day-out, knowing full well that their minutes would only come with a blowout of epic proportions.

It is because of their sacrifice they have made over the last four years, both in terms of time spent in practice and tutoring, as well as the spotlight put on them in everything that they’ve done, that they should no doubt be recognized this Saturday against the Florida Gators. They’ve both laughed and cried, been cheered and booed, and seen good times and bad. They’ve been the most loyal of fans and the most credible of teammates to each and every ‘star’ that they’ve played with over the last four seasons.

For these reasons, Tod Lanter, Brian Long, and Sam Malone should have their names uttered over the loud speakers at Rupp Arena as the only three Kentucky Wildcats seniors one this team. And if they’re lucky, they’ll walk off the court with a 31st win and only nine games to go until they are a part of college basketball history as the BEST team to ever take the court.

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