Kentucky Basketball: Who was that Wildcat team that dismantled Florida?

Brooks excited for a chance to play

First, it was Allen that Kentucky fans wanted and needed to see bringing some needed outside shooting that was missing. He surfaced three games ago.

Now it was Brooks getting the news this week he was medically cleared to play.

Had the game been in Rupp Arena the roof would have probably come off when his name was announced.

Instead, he showed what he had witnessed over the long rehab of his leg injury and despite some nerves hit the court running, diving, dunking, and fueling his team.

Calipari reflected how the events unfolded saying he told the team when Brooks talked to the doctors, he was scared to death.  Brooks’ hands were shaking and he came to see his coach saying they cleared him.

"He and I got emotional. I hugged him. I said ‘We’ve got to figure out how we slide you in.’ He looked at me and said, ‘Coach, I trust you. You do whatever you think is best for this team.’ And I told the team that. And I said, ‘Think of some of you. You get subbed and you’re like, why’d he sub me? Think of you. Think of how he responded to this. He’s a leader by example. He’s not a confrontational guy. That’s not who he is.’ You saw the kind of athlete he is."

Brooks played 24 minutes, was 6-for-8 shooting, pulled down six rounds had four assists a block, and a steal. Oh and not to mention some mean dunks and dives for the ball.

Welcome back, Mr. Brooks!