For decades, Kentucky basketball has been synonymous with the absolute peak of the sport, eight national championships, 17 Final Fours, and a legacy unmatched by almost any other program. But there's one significant benchmark of dominance that hasn't graced Lexington in a full decade: a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That streak must end if banner number 9 is going to be won.
A decade since dominance
The Wildcats’ last top seed came during the unforgettable 2014-15 season, the year of the 38-1 near-perfect run that ended tragically in the Final Four. Since then, Kentucky’s tournament seeding has been consistently good, but not elite: 4, 2, 5, 2, 2, 6, and 3 in their subsequent appearances. That’s a testament to sustained competitiveness, but it falls short of the outright dominance expected of the program.
For context, the previous longest drought Kentucky experienced between No. 1 seeds (since the modern 64+ team bracket began) was just five years (1998 to 2003). The current drought has now doubled that mark. But it matters beyond just the seeding.
More than just a number
Does seeding truly matter that much? History says it absolutely does. Since the tournament expanded in 1985, No. 1 seeds have won the national championship 25 times in 39 tournaments – a staggering 64.1% success rate.
It's not just a statistical anomaly; it reflects reality. No. 1 seeds typically face more favorable paths, often play closer to home in the early rounds, and carry the undeniable confidence that comes with being recognized as one of the four best teams in the nation entering the tournament. They set the standard.
Step one on the path to banner nine
To realistically chase that elusive ninth national championship banner, Kentucky arguably needs to first reclaim the standard of being a No. 1 seed. That’s what truly elite programs do, they dominate the regular season, secure advantageous positioning in March, and force the rest of the bracket to contend with them on their terms.
A decade without achieving that top-seed status doesn’t diminish Kentucky's storied history, but it serves as a stark reminder of the level the program needs to reach again. Under Mark Pope, a new identity is forming – fast-paced, modern, and relentlessly competitive. With sky-high preseason expectations (No. 9 in AP, No. 4 in KenPom), the potential is there.
If the ultimate goal is to hang banner No. 9, then step one seems clear: Get back to being a no. 1.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion