With Big Blue Madness just hours away, we can officially welcome basketball season to the Bluegrass. And with that, John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats have gotten the number one preseason ranking in a couple of polls recently. First, the folks at Fox Sports say that picking Kentucky as the number one team is easy and bring up that 40-0 talk. Stop it.
"1. Kentucky Last season: 29-11 (12-6 in SEC, T-2nd). Lost in national title game to UConn. One of the most ridiculous seasons we’ve ever seen, from preseason hype to midseason struggles to postseason miracles. This season: Kentucky has all the talent, like it always does, with a lineup that boasts nine McDonald’s All-Americans and as many as 10 future NBA players. But coach John Calipari also has something that he has rarely had at Kentucky: experience. Joining this year’s typically stellar recruiting class are juniors Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress. The Harrison twins may only be sophomores, but last season ought to count for at least two seasons of experience, given how much these two had to play under the microscope. Ditto for the other five returning sophomores. If you see a preseason poll that doesn’t have Kentucky No. 1, you’re looking at the wrong poll. Even with a brutal nonconference schedule, this team has a shot at going undefeated. I don’t think it will happen, but it could – and that’s saying something."
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The college basketball coaches have all gathered in a room and cast their ballots for the top team in the land and sent out a plume of blue smoke to signify that Kentucky is their top preseason team as well. Rather than being something to shy away from, John Calipari seems to embrace it and wants his Wildcats to prove everyone right.
"“The other side of it is, ‘Let’s prove them right. Let’s strive to be the best team out there,'” Calipari said. USA Today’s outlook for the Wildcats described UK this way: “John Calipari has an embarrassment of riches in Lexington. Nine McDonald’s All-Americans. Just one basketball. Finding minutes and touches for everyone on this talent-rich roster could be the toughest challenge.” Calipari told USA Today this “embarrassment of riches” was not what he expected this season. “I never expected my guys to return like they did,” Calipari said. “I’ve never had to coach this way, playing so many guys. It’s the only way to do it right so these kids get the chance they deserve. But there’s a real challenge here. They have to become great teammates. Can they share? Can they sacrifice? Can they handle adversity together?”"
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Ready for another #1 ranking? OK. The folks at Athlon have named UK as the number one team and said that the opponents will be quivering.
"Final Analysis This team is really, really, really good. Each of Calipari’s teams at Kentucky have been loaded with talent. Some of his teams have had solid depth. This one, however, has talent, depth and experience. Will this team be the one to run the table? It’s unlikely. But you’ll have trouble finding a game right now they’d be picked to lose. Kentucky is the overwhelming favorite to the win the national title."