Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: The Official Roster Has Been Released

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After months of rumors and speculation, the University of Kentucky has finally released its official roster for the 2013-2014 Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball Team. The biggest question marks leading the charge the last few months were geared toward whether or not James Young and the Harrison twins would qualify and arrive on campus in time for the fall semester. Well ladies and gentlemen, that question was finally answered with the release of the roster this morning. The names of James Young, Andrew Harrison, and Aaron Harrison made the list. The entire roster seems like something out of a video game. With the most hyped freshman class ever coming in and the return of key contributors Willie Cauley-Stein, Alex Poythress, and Jarrod Polson, Kentucky seems poised for a run at a national title once again.

With these question marks answered, the team and fans alike can turn their attention to the season ahead. Will this version of the Kentucky Wildcats more resemble the teams in Cal’s first three seasons here, or the debacle that was last years team? We all know that Kentucky is the odds on favorite to win the 2014 National Championship, but can it all be put together in time do make a run? And if they do put it together, is it possible that they can run the table and achieve the unthinkable 40-0 record? Of course, none of this will be answered until the team can finally get on the court and battle out every game, but it is a fun thing to think about. However, fans must be able to control their expectations and let the players do the work. Likewise, the players must tune out the outside noise and focus on the tasks at hand.

The number one thing these players must do is take it one day at a time, one game at a time. Attack every practice like they’re fighting for their job. Approach every game like it’s their last game and leave everything out on the court. These players can not look at past teams and try to be like them. They need to find their own identity and run with it. This team has the talent to beat any team in the country. No other team really comes close. And all those people that say you can’t win with a bunch of freshmen, well that’s a myth of the past. Back in the day, that may have been true. But with all the summer teams and AAU ball that these players are a part of today, they play with the best of the best and know how to lead a team. They know what they are doing. So while a 40-0 record may be a little bit to much and a lot can go wrong en route to a national championship, fans need to just enjoy the team as is and watch something special unfold. Because with the roster now being official, the revenge tour can start to take form. For Kentucky fans, this is an exciting time. For the rest of the college basketball world, there is one simple message. If everything comes together like 2012, then we’re sorry. Maybe next year…