Kentucky Wildcats Basketball and Pro Day
By Alex Otte
The Fire is lit
Since the beginning of the season, I have said that this team has immense potential. They just needed something to spark their game and get them going as a team. It seemed from Friday night’s game against LSU, that the fire had been lit. The fight that this team displayed is something that big blue fans always hoped they would have. A lot of this may be attributed to their actions before the game. As a team, they were having very organized warm ups with strength and conditioning coach, Rock Oliver, before the game. Team dynamics and teamwork are showing great improvement.
“We’re going to need all of you tonight in a tough game. Be loud, be proud, wear blue! #WeAreUK” –Coach John Calipari tweeted prior to the game Friday night
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to the Team
Earlier in the season, it appeared as though the team was very strict and they really weren’t enjoying the game or the fact that they were playing. Friday night, the Big Blue Nation joyously watched as the team smiled, and laughed together on the sideline. It was encouraging to see how genuinely happy every player was for the success of their teammates. This finally feels like a team, and just in time.
One for All, and All for One
Friday night was one of John Calipari’s shining moments where he undoubtedly did the right thing. With seconds left in our first appearance in the SEC tournament, the lineup changed. 5 guys, who don’t typically get any playing time, came off the bench into the game together. Not only were they in the game together, but they also were given the opportunity to contribute to Kentucky’s tournament game win.
Myself and Cartier Rice at Pro Day last year. Credit: Picture taken off my website athleticaspirations.com
UK Football Pro Day
From the perspective of the University of Kentucky football team’s biggest fan, part of me hates pro day. I hate it only because it’s makes me feel like they’re never coming back, but I couldn’t be more proud of these men. Not only the men who participated in pro day this year, but also lineman Kevin Mitchell who opted out, and players who participated in the past. Kentucky running back, Jonathan George, surprised many, maybe even himself at pro day today and hopefully gained seriously recognition from NFL scouts.
“I love these guys. They put their heart and souls into this program. They’ve really embraced us in this new coaching staff and the change. None of these kids asked for that. It’s never easy for the seniors to come in and deal with the new coaching staff and have to learn a new system and all those things, but they’ve been very good, working hard.”- Coach Mark Stoops said about the athletes today
Avery Williamson and I. Credit: Picture taken off my website athleticaspirations.com
Avery Williamson
Linebacker Avery Williamson, who participated at the NFL combine earlier this year, tied for 6th in his position group in the 40-yard-dash. He ran a 4.66 at the combine and participated in pro day today. After impressing people at the combine, Williamson was offered the chance to visit the Tennessee Titans later this month. Earlier in the year, I was able to interview Williamson about various things in his life, including football. When asked what inspired him the most, Williamson said, “I inspire myself. I think that letting myself fail is the biggest pressure, and not being the best person on and off the field. I also look up to my dad because he’s so dedicated to succeeding.” Williamson also credits his own success to God and his faith, an example that every young athlete should look to for motivation.