Live from Lexington – Big Blue Madness
The Kentucky Wildcats kicked off their 101st basketball season Friday at midnight in a packed Memorial Coliseum with their appropriately named Big Blue Madness.
Ashley Judd and former players Sam Bowie and Larry Conley emceed the festivities but it seemed as if all eyes were anxiously focused in on the newest members of the Wildcats. Randolph Morris, Joe Crawford, and Rajon Rondo, the three incoming McDonald’s All-Americans were the focus of the attention of over-zealous UK fans, and the youngsters did not disappoint.
Fans were pleased with what they saw from the newcomers in the dunk contest as Rondo and Crawford duked it out for the crown. Though it looked like Crawford, a 6-4 shooting guard from Detroit locked up a victory by bouncing the ball, jumping in the air and pulling it through his legs for a silky smooth flush, Rondo stole the show with his next dunk.
After seating fellow freshman Ramel Bradley in the paint in a folding chair, Rondo, a 6-1 point guard from Louisville, bounced the ball off the floor and caught it as he glided over Bradley for a one-handed jam. This sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Western Kentucky transfer Patrick Sparks, the forgotten member of this year’s class of newcomers, reminded everyone that he is a pretty fine player as well by winning the three point contest.
One noticeable buzz kill to the ‘Cats party was the absence of sophomore forward Sheray Thomas who sat out after having a surgery, which UK officials are keeping secret. All they would say is that Thomas would be out up to six weeks recovering from the surgery.
Coach Tubby Smith said that he is expecting a lot out of the youngsters this year. Something he does not typically do.
“I’m anxious to see if this talent level that we’ve been able to recruit can overcome that lack of experience,” Smith said. “It will take a lot of patience early on in the season, so we can help them understand and appreciate our style of play.”
UK students in attendance seemed to share Smith’s enthusiasm.
“This year’s team is too talented to not make the Final Four,” said senior Steven R. Hay, “If they listen to Tubby, there is no reason why they shouldn’t out-achieve his past teams.”
Hay’s enthusiasm was echoed by fellow student Taylor Abrams, although with a hint of that typical UK pessimism.
“I think that Randolph Morris is going to lead this team to the promise land,” Abrams said, “and if they don’t win the title this year, then Tubby should be fired.”
With all of these expectations abounding again in the bluegrass, it sounds as if it is just the beginning of Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness.
