Big Blue Madness Recap for Saturday Morning Wake Up

by:Maggie Davis10/15/16

@MaggieDavisKSR

  [caption id="attachment_208973" align="alignnone" width="656"]@SECNetwork @SECNetwork[/caption] After Big Blue Madness last night, it’s safe to say we are quickly approaching the most magical time of the year: basketball season in the bluegrass. Yes, yes, it’s “hoodie season” and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back on the menu, but the best part about fall has nothing to do with colder weather or pricey coffee. The real beauty lies in UK fans starting to really know this year’s team, listening to a new John Calipari speech and catching up with former players. Big Blue Madness delivered on all of these accounts. So let’s get down to business, starting with a recap of last night’s show.

Big Blue Madness was Bigger Than Ever

For this year’s BBM, UK Hoops did something truly special by bringing in as many former players as possible, ranging from 1977-1980 Kyle Macey to 2005-2009 Jared Carter to the more recent John Wall, Willie Cauley-Stein and DeMarcus Cousins. The “Welcome to the Family” video included Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis, Michael Kidd-Gilcrest and John Wall, and brought chills to the fans in attendance and the thousands of members of the BBN watching from home. “This is family. The Big Blue Nation makes up one big family that will continue to be the gold standard of our sport,” said Coach Cal in his address. https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/status/787065914432876544 The players seemed to agree. John Wall called Kentucky “a second home,” and Boogie said it “feels good to be back in front of the craziest fans in the world.” Another former player with some powerful words was Willie. “If you come here, you’re probably going to be a pro.” Strong words regardless, but even stronger when said in the presence of the star recruits who were in attendance. Speaking of recruits…. Here’s what some potential new members of the BBN had to say after BBM. Trae Young, the five star point guard from Oklahoma, tweeted this cryptic but possibly positive tweet: https://twitter.com/thetraeyoung/status/787098823764152320   Quade Green, another five star point guard, retweeted this: https://twitter.com/wildcat1121/status/787056541530599424   This year’s team had just as much fun. The walk outs and dances were, once again, amazing.   https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/status/787086008059826176 Whose moves were your favorite? http://poll.fm/5oqe5  

Matthew Mitchell stepped it up with his intro

The Women’s coach started their portion of the night with a music video, set to Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” and continued by teaching us how to “JuJu.” Watch the full video here. The UK cheerleaders were impressive as always. The 21 time National Champions took the mat last night and once again showed us why they’re the best. https://twitter.com/AlexForknerTCP/status/787078684612100100   Overall, this year’s Big Blue Madness was bigger than ever. For a full recap, check out Drew’s article here.  Only 15 more days until the season opener against Clarion!!!!  

Other UK Sports are KILLING it right now

UK Women’s Volleyball is on a hot streak, as they have won 11 consecutive games and are currently ranked #23. Last night, they swept Arkansas 3-0. The women will hit the court again tomorrow at 1:30 against Ole Miss in Memorial Coliseum. https://twitter.com/KentuckyVB/status/787063399490420736   Men’s soccer has a game tonight against Old Dominion. Head to The Bell tonight at 7:00 to cheer on the cats.

Bye Week does not mean a week off

UK football might technically have this weekend off, but that doesn't mean the team isn't getting down to work. Next Saturday's game against Mississippi State is crucial, not just to keep bowl dreams alive, but to simply improve morale. The players need the fans, and the fans need another win. “That’s great about a bye week," said Eddie Gran. “You can work on fundamentals. You can work on technique. So it’s a great time for this to be happening.” A bye week also gives the injured players a chance to heal. Stephen Johnson's sore wrist can rest, and Drew Barker's injury can be reevaluated.

Cats in the NBA

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-107 last night, with major contributions coming from Eric Bledsoe and Tyler Ulis. Bledsoe scored 17 points and recorded 7 assists, while Ulis came off the bench for 14 points. The Denver Nuggets fell to the Golden State Warriors in a heartbreaking 129-128 loss, but Jamal Murray still had a great night. He was the Nuggets' second leading scorer with 16 points, three of which were 3-pointers. https://twitter.com/nuggets/status/787130740999802880 It's good to see the whole bow-and-arrow thing is catching on over in Denver.

Students: It’s not too late to get discounted tickets for tonight’s Wizards vs. Kings game.

UK students can purchase lower level end zone tickets for $25, or upper level sideline tickets for $15. Grab your UK student ID and make your way to the Rupp Arena Ticket Office for the chance to watch John Wall and the Washington Wizards face off against DeMarcus Cousins, Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere of the Sacramento Kings. Tickets will be available until the 7:00 tip-off while supplies last. [caption id="attachment_208978" align="alignnone" width="844"]Rupparena.com Rupparena.com[/caption]  
Twitter: @MaggieDavisKSR

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