Dick Vitale believes Kentucky vs. Louisville will be a top CBB storyline to watch

Dick Vitale just can’t get enough of Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats — can you blame him? The college basketball icon was quick to praise the blue and white following the win over No. 1 Purdue, and now, he’s including UK among his top storylines to watch in the sport entering 2025-26.

Joining the Cats? Pat Kelsey and the Cards, of course. It only makes sense when the two rival coaches got into it this offseason over a recruit with the fanbases at each other’s throats constantly, Kentucky leading the head-to-head series 1-0 to open the new era. November 11 is going to set the tone for the entire season, Louisville looking for revenge at the KFC Yum! Center.

“Two proud programs, two coaches in their second year with their respective teams, and a whole lotta barking flying around,” Vitale wrote. “Kentucky’s Mark Pope went wild in the portal, pulling in Jaland Lowe (Pitt), Kam Williams (Tulane), Denzel Aberdeen (Florida), Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) and top-five NBA prospect Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State). The Wildcats are big, fast and defense-first.

“Over at Louisville, Pat Kelsey brought in a five-star recruit and potential NBA Lottery pick in Mikel Brown Jr., who made a gold medal run with Team USA at the FIBA U19 World Cup. He’s a lightning-quick point guard with one of the smoothest jumpers in the game. Add Germany’s Sananda Fru along with three 1,000-point scorers in Ryan Conwell, Isaac McKneely and J’Vonne Hadley, and this group of Cardinals can light it up.”

His opinion? There is a real chance the Cats and Cards both make it to Indianapolis for the Final Four — and they could play each other with a championship banner on the line.

“Both teams are Final Four contenders, and if the bracket gods smile, they might meet again in March Madness,” he continued.

Vitale’s other top teams and storylines to watch include:

• 1. Florida is GUNNING for history
• 2. Cameron Boozer takes the torch at DUUUUKE!
• 3. Houston has liftoff!
• 4. Cal’s new blueprint at Arkansas is a WHOLE NEW HOG
• 5. Braden Smith, assist king in waiting

“Let’s get this party started, baby!” Vitale said. “I’m talking PTPer after PTPer, big-time performances and March Madness dreams being built every night. College hoops is back, and I just can’t wait!”

It’s just a few days after Vitale raved about Kentucky’s performance against No. 1 Purdue, just like the rest of us.

“Wow I know it was an exhibition but (Kentucky) was very impressive in beating a pre season # 1 (Purdue) 78-65,” Vitale said. “(Mark Pope) is DEEP & multi talented – will be a big year for BBN!”

We’re counting down the days to UK vs. UL — and Dickie V’s return to Rupp Arena.