Big Blue Madness highlights: Standout moments and competition winners

1. The Floor

The ABS floor was absolutely incredible. It did things that blew my mind; even just the women's player introductions were flat-out stunning. They were able to walk in to their video shoots and just how seamless and fun it was.

But the skills competition added a cool element, like a video game in real life. When it didn't feel like a video game, it felt like a movie, and when it didn't feel like either of those, it had something else cool on it—even a football field at one point. It created an amazing experience for fans in the seats and even those watching on TV.

2. The Kenny Brooks Entrance

It was very, very cool that the women's program had such a prominent role in this and that Kenny Brooks had a moment that was purely dynamic. When he stepped out of that door under the arena and brushed off his Kentucky coat, it was a moment. And then he slowly walked his way into the arena, which created a build-up of energy.

When he finished the walk-in after a minute or two, they brought the lights up, and he saw the crowd for the first time, and you could see him on TV say, "WOW!" He couldn't believe the support and the size of the crowd for the event.

If you missed it, here it is again:

Coach Brooks is bringing something back to the women's program that has been missing, and the camaraderie between the two programs is evident.

3. The Mark Stoops Appearance

Can you believe that the Head Coach of Kentucky's football team, who has been at his job for 12 years, came to his first Big Blue Madness? It seems insane to me, but there obviously was a reason. Not sure what it was, but he did address that it was his first Big Blue Madness, and he was in awe. He did say, "We are all in this together." It was great to see Coach Stoops welcome the two new coaches, and the basketball floor looking like a football field was cool, too.

4. The Men's Basketball Team Entrances

This may have been my favorite part for what it means and how it was orchestrated. I know the final highlight (number 5) will steal the press clippings, but this was meaningful. Each of the players was in a different section of the arena, sitting with the fans when they were introduced. Even Head Coach Mark Pope was way up in the nosebleeds for his entrance. It was incredible and symbolic. Saying, we couldn't do it without you, the fan. We see you and recognize your involvement in this. Big Blue Nation is special and that was a clear nod to that. "This is our team!"

5. Rick Pitino

There were rumors Rick Pitino was going to make an appearance and it's almost like they were being circulated to see how fans would react. He was a villain not too long ago but a hero before that. He was Coach Mark Pope's college coach at Kentucky, and they won the 1996 National Championship together. This was a huge moment for Kentucky basketball, and then, after a stint going back into the NBA, Pitino went to Louisville and cemented his villain narrative arch.

However, the villain seems to have repented of his ways and returned to the good side. It's the story we all want to see and believe about our world and ourselves. Even Rick Pitino realized that Kentucky basketball is the best place on earth, or as he called it, "Camelot." He looks good in blue.

If you missed the intro with him marching in with the other champions, here it is:

And Big Blue Nation, like the father in the prodigal son story, welcomed their long-lost son home to a standing ovation. It was an amazing moment that left Pitino in tears (and I'm sure many others).

The basketball season is now officially on us with a blue and white game, some exhibition games, and then the real deal. Let's go Cats!