Vicky Graff Photo
The last time I attended a Kentucky basketball game in person was against Texas A&M in the 2024 SEC Tournament.
In retrospect, that game against Texas A&M was eye-opening on so many levels.
The night started off when I arrived at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with plenty of time to spare only to realize I had forgotten game times were listed as Central Time and I was still living on Eastern Standard Time. I missed social hour and somehow made it to my seat five minutes before tipoff.
There was a feeling of defeat that swept throughout the arena during the first half. Everyone just knew the Cats weren’t going to win. Coach John Calipari was in one of his screaming moods, players looked detached and the look on athletics director Mitch Barnhart’s face outside the locker room summed up the frustration of every fan who had made the trip to Nashville.
The other realization, I finally accepted the fact I was around two years past due for hip replacement surgery.
I made my return to Rupp Arena Tuesday night. Twelve weeks from a total hip replacement and I was off the injury list picking up where I left off watching the Cats play Texas A&M.
The atmosphere at Rupp is totally different than the past few years. There is no grumbling among the faithful, and no lottery picks coming off the bench. The crowd loves this team and they love Coach Mark Pope. They will this team to win when trailing and do not head to the exits.
The first half reminded me of the last two times the teams played. However, fans never gave up hope and willed the team to a momentum swing in favor of the Cats at the end of the half.
The second half belonged to the Cats. There were dunks, inbound plays, timeout set plays, smiles on the players’ faces, and Big Blue Chants. It’s been years since I have experienced those things in Rupp Arena.
This is Kentucky Basketball. This is Rupp Arena.
Alabama took a loss Tuesday night at home to Ole Miss and will “roll” into Rupp on Saturday. The Cats will have their hands full but they believe and so does the Big Blue Nation.
As a side note … thanks to all my media buddies for the welcome back. All the good wishes and hugs meant the world to me.
3 Responses
The feeling is mutual, Tina!
When was Cal ever NOT in a screaming mood?
On a side note, Big Z will transfer again after this season. What are the odds Pope brings him back? He would have thrived in this system.
Continued Prayers for a speedy recovery, tell Rusty "Heh" from The P’Pool Boys, and Go Big Blue! 💙🏀💙
Cal was always about himself and his ego. The way he acted on the sidelines drove me crazy. I remember one time Dick Vitale was saying Cal is coaching them up. I thought, no you coach them up in practice, not a failed offense from the sidelines. Cal is a salesman, not a coach. The fans and University was never his priority. Patino could coach circles around Cal in his sleep. I am curious how recruiting will go for Cal with the Arkansas brand. The Kentucky name brand and reputation is a lot easier to sell than Arkansas.