This Year's Kentucky Wildcats Young but Scrappy

Under the blaze of fireworks and stunning pyrotechnics, twelve Cats walked into Rupp Arena as fans screamed and cheered like crazy. The lights in the arena were turned back on so fans could catch their new Cats in action as they dunked, competed, and played up and down the court. No less than five freshmen have joined the team, which this year consists of only seven seasoned players.

The record-setting crowd of 23,312 was eager to get a first look at the new players on the team, and a fresh look at the players returning from last season. After the women played, the arena resounded with the screaming fans when the men’s basketball team (the highlight of the entire UK sports program) took center stage. Head coach Tubby Smith could be seen on the sidelines smiling, sometimes yelling, and always encouraging his players.

Encourage them he’d better, because last year’s somewhat lackluster season has left much to be desired in the heart of die-hard UK fans. At Big Blue Madness, the emcee team (which featured former beloved UK player Kyle Macy) repeatedly stated that Kentucky fans are “the best in the world.” While this is arguably true (UK fans are known as “The Big Blue Faithful” for their tendency to travel with the team on away games), UK fans are also the hardest to please in the world. The Big Blue Faithful fully expects a Final Four appearance at the NCAA Tournament every year.

And it’s been a while since Tubby Smith, head coach of the University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball team, has made it to the Final Four. Though the last National Championship was won by UK less than a decade ago (in 1998), fans have been screaming for another victory ever since. And because this prize has not yet been delivered, some fans are screaming for Smith’s dismissal from the team.