The Big Blue Nation certainly aren't strangers to the word "tradition." Kentucky Basketball specifically has often been dubbed the "greatest tradition in college basketball," which is a sentiment that fans have held close to their hearts even as the program fails to meet it.
What goes on at Rupp Arena beginning in the fall is simply unlike anything anywhere else. Every game feels different, even the smaller ones - if you've been, you know.
That's why I'm here to rank the three best traditions that basketball's most sacred palace has instituted over the years. Every Cats fan will have a different interpretation of this list, so take this with a grain of big blue salt! Although, I believe I could make a compelling argument that this list is definitive... but I'll spare you that today.
3. Annual Pregame Video
This may seem like a broad pick, but the new hype video that debuts right before every season, and then plays before every game, is one of my favorite ongoing routines at Rupp. Somehow, the video team finds a way to top themselves every year, and thematically, the clips are suited to each team.
Last year was all about legaacy and, of course, repeating Kentucky's historical excellence. I don't care how that team turned out; their video had me thinking No. 9 was on the way. You can't beat it.
2. The "Y"
An easy one, right? Whether the Wildcats are up or down in the second half, seeing the mascots and cheerleaders spell out the state's letters all the way up until the "Y" before bringing out (more often than not) a Kentucky legend to complete the act always gets fans fired up.
We've seen everyone from LeBron James and John Wall to Tubby Smith and Joe B. Hall take part. When the blue lights hit the hardwood, you never know who will walk out into the center. And, every now and again, I truly believe the team gets a boost of energy, too.
1. Winning
Come on, can you blame me for this one? I know this is typical Kentucky fan braggadocio, but as the literal winningest program in college basketball history, how could that tradition not take the top spot?
Even in the wake of John Calipari's leave and Mark Pope trying to find his footing as a result, no program has been able to overtake Kentucky's 2,444. Kansas is close, at 2,438, but I both like the Wildcats' season-long chances and head-to-head odds against the Jayhawks this year.
I'm a more optimistic guy than most, but for some reason, I just can't imagine any Cats team letting this thing go. Winning is the most important metric, in the end, and no track record matches that of Kentucky's.
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