The 9 biggest "what ifs" in Kentucky basketball since 2000

In the second part of our biggest/best series, we are going to take a trip down memory lane, sort of. Before we begin, you can take a look at part one by clicking here.

Since the turn of the century, Kentucky basketball has been defined by moments of glory, heartbreak, frustration, and tantalizing what-if scenarios. From pivotal game decisions to missed recruiting opportunities, these moments could have rewritten the program's modern history. Here are some of the biggest what-ifs for the Wildcats since 2000.

1. What if the Harrison twins had gone pro after the 2014 season?

Aaron and Andrew Harrison famously returned for their sophomore seasons in the 2014-15 season, helping Kentucky to a 38-0 start. But what if they hadn’t? Both came to Kentucky to be a one-and-done. Would Cal have had to recruit another big-time backcourt, or would Tyler Ulis and Devin Booker assume starting roles, potentially giving Kentucky a different dynamic? Would Kentucky's season have looked different and less dominant, or would they have earned number 9?

2. What if William Buford’s shot had went in, in 2011?

Knight’s game-winner in the Sweet 16 is one of the most clutch shots in Kentucky history. If Buford had hit the three as time expired, the Wildcats wouldn’t have reached their first Final Four under John Calipari. The program’s momentum in the early 2010s could have been drastically altered. Instead, the shot clang off the rim, and the Cats advanced.

3. What if the 2020 season hadn’t been canceled?

The pandemic erased a promising postseason for all teams in 2020. Kentucky entered March riding high with SEC Player of the Year Immanuel Quickley. The Wildcats were peaking at the right time and had a legitimate shot at a deep tournament run. Could they have added another banner to the collection in Rupp's rafters?

4. What if Kentucky had landed Zion Williamson in 2018?

Despite being a finalist for Zion Williamson, Kentucky lost the recruiting battle to Duke, who went on to the number 1 class that year. Paired with PJ Washington, Keldon Johnson, and Tyler Herro, Zion’s blend of power and agility could have taken the Wildcats from a 2019 Elite Eight team to a national champion.

5. What if the 2010 Elite Eight game against West Virginia hadn’t been a shooting nightmare?

In one of the most baffling performances in Kentucky history, the Wildcats went 4-of-32 from three-point range in their Elite Eight loss to West Virginia. Was this the start of the Calipari zone rivalry? Kentucky entered the game averaging 35.2% from deep on the season. A normal shooting night from Eric Bledsoe, John Wall, or Patrick Patterson might have sent Calipari to the Final Four in his first season at UK. Instead, it was miss after miss, and the Cats.

6. What if DeMarcus Cousins had stayed for a second season?

The 2009-10 Wildcats were electrifying, but Cousins left for the NBA after one year, and he almost came back. Had he returned, Kentucky would have paired them with incoming recruits Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones. With Cousins’ dominance in the post, a 2011 championship seemed likely. Instead, Demarcus went on to have a solid pro career, and the Cats fell in the Final Four to UCONN.

7. What if Ty Ty had hit the jumper at the end of regulation against Saint Peter's?

It wasn't supposed to end that way for consensus Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe, but it did. Kellen Grady hit a big three to give Kentucky a two-point advantage, but Doug Edert tied it up. It was Ty Ty Washington with a jumper at the horn, but he missed sending the game to OT, where Kentucky lost. But what if it had gone in, Kentucky went on a magic run, and maybe Calipari regained the magic? The last 4 years could look a lot different.

8. What if Kentucky hadn't went cold vs Uconn?

In a magical run, Aaron Harrison nailed clutch three after clutch three to send the Cats to the title game. It seemed they were the team of destiny, but they went cold late in the second half against Uconn. The Cats could only muster three made field goals and four free throws, ultimately losing 60-54.

9. What if Kentucky had hired the other Billy in 2007?

Few teams and coaches like Billy Donovan and Kentucky have had a love affair. Donovan, at the time, was riding high at Florida with a back-to-back title-winning machine, and Kentucky was trying to find its way after a bitter end with Tubby Smith. Donovan opted to remain at Florida, and Billy Gillispie was hired. But what if Donovan had taken the job? Would Cal ever have gotten his shot? Would Billy had Kentucky back to prominence and winning titles all through the 2010s? We will never know, but it's fun to think about.

Kentucky basketball’s rich history is filled with moments that could have turned out differently, both for the better and the worse. Each scenario offers a glimpse into alternate realities where fortunes were reversed or banners added.

Let me know if I missed any here.