Kentucky basketball: Game preview, 3 keys vs Tennessee
By Drew Koch
3. It’s time to e-Ruppt for our Wildcats
Okay, Big Blue Nation, it’s time to embrace this year’s Kentucky basketball team. Malik Monk is not walking through that door. Tyler Ulis is enjoying the desert sun in Phoenix. Anthony Davis is south of the Bluegrass enjoying some cajun cooking. I get it, this is not the Kentucky basketball team that UK fans are used to.
John Calipari gets it too. He took to Twitter on Sunday to express his belief in this team and to encourage Big Blue Nation to support these young Cats.
We need you Tuesday to be at your best from the tip to the finish. If we’re going good, ride it and push us to make the lead unbearable. If we’re struggling some, encourage us and bring us back. The last eight minutes of the game, do not sit down! We need you more than ever now!
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 4, 2018
Even former players like Patrick Patterson have advocated that all of the players on UK’s current roster should return for the 2018-19 season.
I would be utterly thrilled if eveyone of these kids came back next year. #bbn
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) February 3, 2018
Don’t think for one second that these young kids are immune to the criticism. Cal talks about it all the time, these are 18 and 19 year old college kids. I think it’s time to stop being overly critical, and I’m as guilty as everyone else, and start supporting our beloved Wildcats.
Are they going to make mistakes? Absolutely. Are they going to take questionable shots from time to time? You better believe it. Is someone going to revert back to their old self and play ‘me ball’? Tell me something I don’t know.
All that being said, it’s time BBN. Let’s rally behind our team. Cheer them on when they’re on a roll. Encourage them when they make mistakes. Let’s have their back for the remainder of what we know will be a roller coaster season. Who know, this season is eerily reminiscent of 2011-12. Remember that? I know you do. Let’s go Cats!