UK Fans of the Day Want Afternoon Notes and Podcast

It has been a crazy busy day here in Nashville as we get ready for tonight’s first session of the SEC Tournament. Let’s hit some notes before I catch a bus to Bridgestone Arena.

— The question on everyone’s mind right now is whether or not the Cats are in the NCAA Tournament. Joe Lunardi says that if the Cats win on Friday, he’s convinced they’re in. If not, then things are still up in the air and the Selection Committee will have a hot debate on their hands. While a win would likely get the Cats in, two wins could mean they would bypass a play-in game, the best case scenario for this squad. As Cal said, this team can still do whatever they want. Their fate is in their hands.

— Meanwhile, ESPN’S Seth Greenburg thinks the Cats should already be in. He said this during a national conference call this morning: “Kentucky played its best basketball without Nerlens Noel. Their two best wins (Florida and Missouri) came without Nerlens. They have shown the ability beat very good teams without him. When you look at the total picture, don’t you think they are deserving?”

— If you missed it this morning, John Calipari gave the BBN an update on Nerlens Noel’s ACL surgery. Cal says the surgery went well and Nerlens is doing fine. Nerlens called Cal and the team yesterday afternoon and spoke to them via speakerphone, which Cal said lifted everyone’s spirits.

— What about Nerlens’ draft prospects? Chad Ford still has him at #2 on his NBA Draft Big Board, followed by Alex Poythress at 13, Willie Cauley-Stein at 16 and Archie Goodwin at 20. Discuss amongst yourselves.

— Even Kevin Stallings knows that the Big Blue Nation will outnumber Vandy’s “hometown” crowd in Nashville: “There are going to be more people in blue than in black-and-gold. Aside from Kentucky, it’s not going to overwhelming for any fanbase.” This was followed by some sad crunching of a Doritos Cool Ranch taco.

— On your way to Nashville? Don’t forget to check out KSR’s Guide to Nashville eating and drinking. Is this a shameless plug? Yes, but I worked on those flow charts forever. Humor me.

— Tonight, Drew, Matt and I will be courtside for the Tournament’s opening games. We will post a RUNNING DIARY of the shenanigans, which will likely have very little to do with basketball. Come join us.

— On today’s radio show, Alex Risen and Lee K. Howard joined Ryan in studio to talk about the Cats’ chances in the SEC Tournament and what they must do to make the Big Dance. Listen online at talkradio1080.com.