Vicky Graff Photo
Kentucky’s basketball fan base is well known nationally not only by media members but also by many athletes and opposing fan bases.
Recent West Virginia transfer Tre Mitchell made that clear even before he got to feel the love from Big Blue Nation fans in Toronto last week.
“Before getting here, obviously I knew that Big Blue Nation was one of a kind. That’s for sure,” Mitchell said at his first UK press conference. “But since being a part of it, it has stepped up to a whole other level.”
Mitchell has not been overwhelmed by the UK support but he has been impressed.
“You can see the love and the passion that everybody in Lexington, whether it be online or in person, that they carry,” Mitchell said. “You see that UK shirt everywhere you go and I think it is an amazing opportunity to even be a part of something like that.
“People who care this much about the game and are willing to support new people, support young dudes, old dudes — whoever it is — they got that jersey on, they’re supporting them. I just think that’s amazing.”
5 Responses
Thank you for choosing the Kentucky Wildcats!
Looking forward to watching you play on TV!
Welcome to the BIG BLUE NATION!
Amen Margie
That’s BBN
Tre Mitchell introduced himself to the BBN is as good a fashion as imaginable. In the 4 games in Toronto, Mitchell was the most efficient player for UK. He was not the only highly efficient player for these 4 games, but there is no doubt he was the most efficient. Other efficient players in order were:
#1 Mitchell 0.60 ppp
#2 Burks 0.56 ppp
#3 Sheppard 0.49 ppp
#4 Thiero 0.37 ppp
#5 Reeves 0.28 ppp
These 5 players were outstanding, led by Mitchell. The other 3 players that logged significant playing time were not particularly efficient. Wagner finished at -0.09 ppp, followed by Edwards at -0.10 ppp and Dillingham at -0.22 ppp.
It will be interesting to see how Onyenso and Bradshaw work with this group of players, and it will be even more interesting to see how the three freshmen improve their game between now and October.
Coach Calipari should be allocating playing time and devising player rotations to maximize team efficiency, which means the most efficient players must be on the floor for the most minutes, and the most efficient players must be the ones taking the shots and finishing the plays.
Time will tell how this group develops, and how Calipari will manage playing time and player rotations.
You are right Professor. Was a lot to like but also some things to worry about