Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Big Blue Madness Recap and Thoughts

Once again, Big Blue Madness lived up to all the hype and was a spectacular event.  From the basketball team to the dance team, and everything in between, it was certainly a night to remember.

The night began in attention-grabbing fashion as the University of Kentucky mascots, The Wildcat and Scratch, repelled from the rafters of Rupp Arena.  That garnered the crowd’s attention and prepared them for what was to come.  Then, the UK women’s team was introduced to the crowd.  Each player received a thunderous introduction, full of lights, smoke machines, and music.  However, the women’s head coach Matthew Mitchell stole the show.  He appeared on stage dressed as Bruno Mars and enthralled the crowd as he sang a couple of Mars’ songs and pulled off some dance moves.

The women’s team would then go on to warm-up and play a scrimmage against each other.  Their scrimmage ended with a score of 19-11.  Alyssa Rice and Alexis Jennings each had six points.  Janee Thompson also played well and dazzled the crowd with some nice ball-handling skills.  This team has the potential to be very good.  They have good size as Jennings and Jelleah Sidney are 6’2″, while Rice and Azia Bishop are 6’3″.  Not to mention Ivana Jakubcova who is 6’6″.  The team should also have good guard-play from Thompson and others.

Following the women’s team, the UK cheerleading team performed a floor show.  The 20 time national champions showed off their incredible talents as they put on a fantastic performance.

Next up was the UK men’s basketball team.  The crowd was alive and jumping as the anticipation built for those young men to introduce themselves and display their talents on the court.  Finally the players began to come out, each introduction louder than the one before.  Again, each introduction was full of lights, smoke machines, music, and more often than not, dancing.  The speakers boomed and the crowd’s thunderous applause seemed to shake Rupp Arena.

Following the players, the rap artist Drake was introduced on stage.  He was a great hype-man as he engaged the crowd and had them chanting and cheering.  Drake spoke about the UK basketball program and the importance that John Calipari has in his life.  Drake called Calipari “one of the most important people in my life.”  Drake then introduced Calipari to the crowd, who received a massive ovation.  The most memorable moment from Calipari’s address to the crowd was at the end.  Calipari said, “Enough talking.  Let’s ball.”  He then proceeded to drop the mic and walk off stage.

Then, the men’s team warmed-up and played a scrimmage against each other.  The Blue Team starters were Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, Trey Lyles, Marcus Lee, and Karl Towns.  The White Team starters were Devin Booker, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson, Alex Poythress, and Tyler Ulis.  The White Team won by a score of 42-36.  Several players stood out and the team looked impressive and highly talented as a whole.  Poythress was aggressive and led all scorers with 14 points.  Lee led the Blue Team with 10 points.  The size and skill of this team is overwhelming.  All of the guards showed they are capable of making the right moves and knocking down jump-shots.  The height on this team speaks for itself.  However, the big men showed they are very athletic and have an array of moves as well.

Big Blue Madness was a thrilling event.  However, it was just a taste of what’s to come this season.  A season which could be very fun and special.