It’s not often that I disagree with John Calipari. Today on CoachCal.com a poll appeared for fans to vote for the 2012 championship team’s nickname. It’s not unusual that championship teams get nicknames. The Fiddlin Five, The Fabulous Five, The Untouchables and the Comeback Cats are all teams that won an NCAA title. Heck, even some teams like Rupps Runts and the Unforgettables didn’t win titles, but they were so legendary that they were given the honor of having one.
And I’m not saying that this team doesn’t deserve a nickname. It’s the first time that a Wildcat basketball has won a title since 1998 and this is one of the most talented teams ever at Kentucky. So, what’s my beef?
I’m not a fan of the nickname being voted on by the fans. The nicknames in the past were earned and collectively bestowed on the teams. Many of the nicknames were given by local or national media, not voted on by a UK website.
It’s kind of like giving yourself a nickname. If a friend of yours walked up to you and said, “Hey dude, from now on, call me Wild Stallion,” how would you respond? Of course you would tell him, “Hell no, I’m not calling you that,” and then laugh at him for giving himself a nickname.
Another thing I have a problem with are the nickname choices. Let’s be honest, some of them a pretty lame.
The Young and the Relentless
The Young Guns
Team-8 (Teammate, get it?)
The Selfless Seven
The Undeniables
I have no problem with The Undeniables, I think that one is pretty good. But, the Young and the Relentless? That’s a reference to a now defunct soap opera that had it’s popularity peak in the 1980’s. And don’t even get me started on Team-8.
I just find this nickname thing forced. Cal, you haven’t wiffed in my eyes up until now. I wish you could take it back, but it’s too far gone for that.
The Undeniables it is. Maybe it should have an asterisk.