Kentucky prepares for 'little brother' Louisville amid 'f*** them' trash talk: 'I just can't wait to see them. That's all.'

Four Kentucky Wildcats are back from last year’s matchup vs. Louisville, Otega Oweh returning as a starter and second-leading scorer with 17 points in the 93-85 win, followed by Brandon Garrison off the bench with five points, four rebounds and four assists — plus one dust-up, mixing it up with the Cardinals on their bench. Collin Chandler and Trent Noah were DNP-CDs, but they will likely be rotation guys this go-round in the return trip to the KFC Yum! Center.

There was a lot to remember and enjoy from that one, specifically the energy from Big Blue Nation inside Rupp Arena. That was the Lamont Butler show, the former Wildcat going for a career-high 33 points on a perfect 10-10 shooting.

He didn’t see the floor, but Chandler enjoyed every second of his first Battle of the Bluegrass.

“Well, one, I remember there wasn’t much red in the arena. So we haven’t really gotten a taste of Louisville fans yet when we’re actually playing,” he said Monday. “I remember Lamont Butler in that game. That was pretty unforgettable, that was pretty legendary. I just remember the energy was awesome. It was like all the other rivalry games, like Arkansas, Tennessee — just the energy is fun.”

For Oweh, he loved the energy and environment, too, but the moment that sticks out most to the SEC Preseason Player of the Year is Garrison comfortably taking on the entire Louisville bench by himself, Mark Pope running over with the other Wildcats to help settle things down.

He was ready for the smoke, whether anyone was there to jump in or not.

“It was a great environment, especially since it was at home last year. Just seeing the energy, the red versus blue, that was really cool,” he said. “I’d say BG (stuck out most), when he was in the fire on their bench and we was just all around there, I just like environments like that.

“I feel like he stood with ten toes, so that was my favorite one.”

No technicals were called as the officials decided to let it all go upon further review, the temperature quickly cooling down after spiking just as fast.

In Oweh’s eyes, it was probably for the best. Little brother can poke at big brother all he wants, but we all know what would happen if big brother needed to take matters into his own hands.

“I mean, it was smart that they ain’t escalate it,” he said. “For me, it’s like big brother, little brother. It was a smart decision.”

Louisville showed similar lil bro behavior last week ahead of this year’s matchup, Kasean Pryor guaranteeing a win before leaving his own postgame press conference by saying “f*** them,” talking about Kentucky.

Needless to say, tempers could run hot once again this time around in the true road matchup for the Wildcats, and using that energy for good and staying level-headed rather than stooping to the Cardinals’ level will be important.

Chandler doesn’t know what Pryor was going for there, but his side will be mentally prepared to overcome any of the extra-curriculars their rival decides to throw Kentucky’s way. Their focus is on winning, not getting caught up in any trash talk.

“That’s one that’s super important for our team, our discipline is keeping people in the game,” he said of avoiding costly technicals or ejections. “Because emotions can run high and can lead to you not being in the game. That’s part of the worst-case scenario for us, so it’s just gonna take self-discipline. As a competitor, emotions are high, but I’m not too worried about that. 

“I don’t know what their goals are with that, but we’re just going and trying to win.”

As for Oweh, he’s taking the same approach, not treating this game any differently from the rest. He’s going to have the same preparation and lead-up, continuing to do what has worked for him for all opponents.

“It’s a normal game, it’s a normal game for all of us,” he said. “So I’m not gonna change my routine.”

Some would turn their phones off in hopes of shutting out the outside noise to maintain a clear headspace, but not Oweh. Again, why switch up from what he’s always done? His way works.

So, yes, like most, he saw Pryor’s comments about Kentucky. And he will be sharing his response on the hardwood when the ball tips off at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

“I’m on social media, I see it all, it’s cool,” Oweh said. “… I just can’t wait to see them, I just can’t wait to see them. That’s all.”