I know this picture is about as far from historical fact as possible, but it’s the representation of Thanksgiving we grew up with as kids. This post is not about historical facts and myths about Thanksgiving, but it could be since I have a minor in history; this is a post about why we should be thankful as Kentucky fans. This should be fun.
Be Thankful for Coach Cal
This one is obvious. The energy, the swagger, the success and the wins makes coach John Calipari number one on my lists for reasons to be Thankful. With three #1 recruiting classes in a row and deep runs in March, Coach Cal has made Kentucky one of the elite teams in college basketball once again after the troubling BCG era of pop-tarts, bathroom stalls, late night golfing (drinking) and all around embarrassment.
Cal also give us quotes that we all love and that the press just eats up like they are your Gradma’s famous stuffing. Quotes such as: “I know I’m not a saint, but I’m not the guy made out to be by others”; and “Enjoy it. Take a breath, kick back and enjoy. Because this doesn’t happen every year at Memphis. It happens at Kentucky, Duke and North Carolina and those other programs. It doesn’t happen at Memphis; and who can forget “Do you know what the buy out in the SEC is? It’s zero. If you want to leave, beat it. You will be replaced in 45 seconds.”
Thanks Coach Cal.
Be Thankful Rick Pitino is no longer a Wildcat
Many moons ago, as our Native American brethren are accustomed to saying, Rick Pitino was just as popular as John Calipari in the Blue Grass State. Not anymore. Now he is the second most hated man in the Commonwealth next to Christian Laetner.
There was a time when Kentucky fans would have never thought that they: A). Would hate Rick Pitino; or B). Be glad that he is not their coach. Now both statements are true.
Pitino has become an absolute embarrassment to himself and his University with the Sypher scandal, under achieving teams, off the court player issues and constant mis-judgments in speaking (i.e. “Mike Marra is the best three point shooter I have ever seen”).
Nicknames like Quick Rick, two Pump Pitino and Sticky Ricky would have been unthinkable at Kentucky. What also would have been unthinkable are early tournament losses to Morehead State and California, recruits like Mike Marra and Steven Van Treese, players being arrested and tased at every turn, T-Will, the massive amounts of injuries his team suffers, and any other idiotic thing you can think of that Rick Pitino has done during his tenure at Louisville.
Thanks for the Final Fours and the Championship, Rick. Now enjoy mediocrity in the Ville and never come back unless it is when you bring your little Cardinals to town to get stomped by the Cats in Rupp Arena.
Be Thankful this guy is no longer in the SEC
Be Thankful that these are not our fans
Be Thankful for the NBA Lockout
It’s not for certain that the lockout will last the whole season, but there are a few reasons for us to be Thankful. Since there might not be an NBA, all basketball fans will be glued to the NCAA and will be able to witness the greatness of the Wildcats.
Also, there is a chance that after this is resolved that the “one and done” rule will be thrown out and it will be replaced by a “two and done” rule that could give us Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague for an extra year. Could you imagine those three guys plus Kyle Wiltjer and the incoming class of Alex Proythress, Willie Cauley and Archie Goodwin (maybe Shabazz Muhammad?)? It’s not set in stone that this will happen for sure, but we can dream.
Be Thankful for these random items:
Danny Trevathan’s awesomeness
Anthony Davis’ unibrow
Terrence Jones’ flexing ability after dunks
The train wreck that is Ole Miss football
Porcini’s
Ashley Judd
This:
7 national titles
Tony Woods didn’t come to UK
Austin Rivers didn’t come to UK
Terrence Jones told Washington to stick it
Marquis Teague told Louisville to stick it
The most wins in the NCAA in basketball. Ever.
John Calipari’s total disdain for everything Louisville and Rick Pitino
Randall Cobb gracing us with three years of amazing excitement and his amazing blue eyes
The John Wall Dance
Boogie’s elbow
Jorts vs. Sullinger
Jorts vs. Louisville’s entire team
Rich Brooks’ fishing and tomato growing advice
Hopefully a very healthy and successful season for our basketball team
Happy Thanksgiving Big Blue Nation. Let me know what you are thankful for in the comments section or send them to me via Twitter @TheStreeb. If I get enough I will share them on the site.