This Team is not Giving Up and Neither Should You

Loyalty has never been a question for Kentucky fans, yet this season has pushed some to their limit. After the Wildcats’ third loss in a row coming to Tennessee on Sunday night, there was no shortage of criticisms. Despite the noise, head coach John Calipari is still holding onto this season.

After Kentucky’s 12th heartbreaking loss of the season, some tough questions were thrown Calipari’s way. One of these questions came from The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker, who referred to next season and Calipari potentially looking beyond the present circumstances. Calipari responded swiftly and directly, to say the least.

“I’m worried about next game, Kyle,” Calipari said. “I’m not worried about postseason, conference tournament—Look, we’re not that far off. We just played three ranked teams and we had a chance to beat them all.”

Although Calipari may be holding out hope for a late-season miracle, many fans are tapping out, and honestly, it’s upsetting. I’ve grown up around Kentucky basketball and this season has shown some of the worst sides of Big Blue Nation. Being a Kentucky fan is about being steadfast, not booing your own team when the going gets tough.

Kentucky “fans” booing their own players now. Cute.

— Dr.SicilianoCalipari (@TheErinCalipari) February 7, 2021

https://twitter.com/Hogs_All_Day/status/1358251048528474112?s=20

Being a Kentucky fan is about being proud of the history of your program, not turning your back on the coach who contributed so much to it. There’s no doubt Calipari has struggled this season. Whether it be on the court or on the microphone, he’s undoubtedly made some mistakes. But, I can assure you Calipari hasn’t forgotten the history of this program.

“I owe it to these kids and this program to do whatever I can to get this thing flipped around,” Calipari said.

pic.twitter.com/tUrDqnAPIC

— Grant Grubbs (@grant_grubbs_) February 7, 2021

Being a Kentucky fan is leaving recruits in awe of BBN’s support, not driving them away in fear of a negative environment and hounding the players who are already Wildcats. And if you think the players are planning to surrender the season and look to the future, you’d be wrong there as well. Keion Brooks Jr., for one, is still going to leave it all on the court every time he suits up.

“I’m eager to go out there to give it everything I got,” Brooks said. “My teammates, as well. Everyday we still come and work hard and practice hard. We listen to our coaching staff and do everything we can to try to win these ball games.

“Quite frankly, it’s just not happening for us, but it’s not due to a lack of effort or a lack of trying.”

This team is still going to give everything they have to honor the blue and white. The question is are Kentucky fans willing to do the same?

BBN is the ‘Cats’ 6th man and always has been. And with the “starters” struggling, Kentucky needs its 6th man’s help more now than ever. Through blood, sweat, and tears, Kentucky has brought BBN countless happy memories throughout the years. It’s time to pay it forward and help deliver this team some lifelong memories of their own.