Let me start by saying I get that Kentucky is missing 3 players. I totally understand that would impact any team. But the fact that you can't stay within single digits of Texas A&M, and then have just an absolutely embarrassing first half against Florida on Senior Day when Rupp was rocking an hour before tip? You deserve to get ripped, and Dick Vitale took a moment to stop glazing Florida, to do just that.
Mark Pope's $22 million flop
When the season started, there was so much hype around this roster; NBA scouts were saying they "had 2 of everything." Mark Pope said he was ready to drive his new "Ferrari." #9 was the assignment. It was plastered on the practice facility walls. And then the season started, and everyone almost immediately knew they would flunk that assignment.
I watched this team play lazy, uninspired basketball against Georgetown and then say they would lock in when the games count. All the games count when you are a Kentucky Wildcat. I knew from that moment this season would be a nightmare.
While watching Florida race out to a 17-point halftime lead, Dick Vitale took a moment to speak on Kentucky's roster.
"I'm gonna say this...I've done several Kentucky games now. Win or lose, $22 million this team is, according to reports, is the NIL for their players. With $22 million, they could have put together a better roster than they did.""
Truth hurts.
Kentucky built a roster that can't compete with the best teams in the country, despite spending more than they did. Florida had 17 fast break points at halftime and Kentucky had 0.
Vitale would close it out by saying he believes BBN deserves better than what was out on the floor. Again, he is right.
These fans showed up long before tip, and they had wristbands syncing up with music. They roared before tip, and then Kentucky went down 11-2. They tried to get loud when Kentucky got it down to 1. And they booed when Kentucky got down by allowing another monster run.
This isn't Kentucky basketball, and BBN deserves better.