9 Great Moments From Big Blue Madness

Because it’s better than talking about football.

 

*****

1. The floor transformation was the coolest thing you’ll ever see.

Cawood’s Court was transformed into a 94-foot projection screen for the men’s basketball team’s introductions.

It’s not even fair anymore. Kentucky is the gold standard.

 

2. Archie Goodwin dancing to “Swag Me Out.”

 

3. The video montage to end the night

It didn’t air on TV or online, unfortunately; only those in Rupp Arena got to see the lengthy tribute to Kentucky basketball, which included a replay of “One Shining Moment” and other highlights from the John Calipari Era.

I want it on DVD.

 

4. Dunks.

And dunks.

And dunks.

 

5. The players’ intro music

Kyle Wiltjer went with Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It,” while Jon Hood surprised everyone by coming out to Nelly, not Eddie Montgomery.

 

6. Willie Cauley-Stein’s dunk over Nerlens Noel

It was the first and last time anyone will ever dunk on Nerlens.

Ever.

 

7. Matthew Mitchell’s Hammer Time

Gangnam Style was the heavy favorite for his annual Madness performance, but it was Hammer Time once Coach Mitchell was introduced to the crowd. It wasn’t quite the Michael Jackson tribute of 2011, but it was pretty close.

The guy sure knows how to have fun and put on a good show for Big Blue Nation.

 

8. Brian Long’s two-handed slam during warm-ups

I hope he appreciated the boost he got from Alex Poythress.

 

9. Former UK greats re-raising the eight NCAA banners

Coach Cal brought out Joe B. Hall, Wah Wah Jones, Derek Anderson, Ron Mercer, Jeff Sheppard, Kyle Macy, Goose Givens, Cliff Hagan, Vernon Hatton, and Odie Smith to help him re-raise Kentucky’s eight national championship banners in Rupp Arena.

On a night to kick off the new season and meet the new team, a tribute to the past stole the show.

Photos via UKAthletics.com