Dick Vitale says Kentucky is Awesome, baby, with a capital A!

Life couldn’t be better for Big Blue Nation right now, on cloud nine after watching Kentucky destroy No. 1 Purdue from start to finish on the Wildcats’ home floor — or could it? Dick Vitale, arguably the most iconic face and voice in college basketball history, believes the best is yet to come for Mark Pope’s group in year two.

The 78-65 win inside Rupp Arena was fun with UK leading for 37:20 of 40 total minutes with a second-half lead of 17 points, but with the Wildcats just starting to learn each other and Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance still waiting to be unleashed, things could get scary in a hurry in Lexington.

Vitale shared his thoughts almost immediately after Kentucky sent Purdue home on Friday.

“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!”

Wow I know it was an exhibition but @KentuckyMBB was very impressive in beating a pre season # 1 @BoilerBall 78-65 – @CoachMarkPope is DEEP & multi talented – will be a big year for BBN!

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) October 25, 2025

Big year, indeed — a sign with Kentucky looking for banner No. 9 after entering the season ranked No. 9.

It’s not the first time Vitale raved about the Cats under Coach Pope. He attended a game last year and came away impressed as the shorthanded group managed to fight in Tuscaloosa against Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Down a couple of guards? No problem, a stance that proved to be true with UK returning to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.

“After seeing Kentucky in person vs the talented Alabama team, I’m impressed by what Coach Mark Pope has done,” Vitale shared. “With the return of Lamont Butler & Jaxson Robinson, BBN will be a legit threat (during) March Madness time. Playing in the SEC without your starting guards is TOUGH!”

Get back to Rupp Arena soon, Dickie V. There’s an ice cream cone (and a very talented Kentucky team) waiting for you.