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John Wall recreates 2009 Big Blue Madness intro with Mark Pope

Jack PIlgrimby: Jack Pilgrim10/12/25
John Wall returns to Big Blue Madness (Photo via UK Athletics)
John Wall returns to Big Blue Madness (Photo via UK Athletics)

The Big Blue Madness king has returned. 16 years after he became a viral sensation on this very night, John Wall brought it back to 2009 by recreating the world-famous John Wall Dance — and he did it with Mark Pope.

The players went one by one, rising from the floor on platforms and dancing like we see year after year. Then came Pope from behind the stage, up on a lift with Sirius by The Alan Parsons Project playing over the loudspeakers, best known as the intro music for Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Music goes out, transitions over to Ice Cream Paint Job by Dorrough — yes, that Ice Cream Paint Job. Pope points down next to him as the next lift rises to reveal none other than John Wall, who brought back the iconic dance we all know and love — with Pope following his lead.

One generation of Kentucky basketball to the next, coming together under one roof in year two of a new era. Rick Pitino was the surprise guest in Pope’s first Big Blue Madness, and now, we managed to match that energy, at minimum.

Did it top Pitino’s return? You be the judge.

Take a few other looks at Wall’s return — it’s worth it, trust me:

“It’s always great. It’s a great opportunity to come back. I only played one year but it felt like I played here forever,” Wall said on the SECN+ broadcast. “Even though Coach Pope is here, I still wanna have that tradition and come back and show them my support. They give me a lot of love, so why not show the love back?”

Back in blue, welcome home John Wall. Right where you belong in Lexington.

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2025-10-19