It’s finally September, we’re finally coming down to that stretch run where the season is almost here. I’m like a child waiting for Christmas right now, and honestly, my roommates want to kill me for all the basketball talk.
“But Brian isn’t it too early to look at the schedule?”
NO. Not even close, my only regret that it’s taken me this long to do this. If you’re reading this thinking “it’s too soon.” You’re wrong, and I might have to question your fanhood. When reading this keep in mind that this is ment to be a fun take on the games, the fact of the matter is that no one has seen all of the teams enough to really know how each game will play out. With that in mind, here it goes.
Marist, November 11th- The first game of the season, Marist isn’t a powerhouse, This should be a good first look at the freshmen to get their confidence up.
Kansas, November 15th (At MSG)- The first real test of the season will come early for the cats. Kansas is rebuilding after losing the Morii and Brady. Kentucky and T. Jones should pull this one out in the end. This might be Thomas Robinson’s party.
Penn State, November 19th- Penn State is currently rebuilding and probably wont stand a chance against the young but talented Wildcats. Teague will go H.A.M. this game, I’m calling it now.
Old Dominion/South Florida November 20th- I really think that Old Dominion that will Mollywhop the Bulls. They’re going to be a top mid major team next year. Unfortunately for the Monarchs probably won’t have enough talent to top the Cats in this one.
Radford, November 23rd- The Big South champs are primed to make another run at the regular season championship but Big South isn’t the SEC and Liberty isn’t Kentucky, can’t wait to watch this bloodbath.
Portland, November 26th- Another guarantee game for the Wildcats, not a chance that Portland wins this game.
St. John’s, December 1st- This will be the meeting of arguably the two youngest teams in the country next year. The Johnnie’s have one of the best recruiting classes this year as well and I’m curious to see how St. Lavin uses his 8 billion wing players. There might not be a player that can guard Anthony Davis on the roster, I fully expect Kentucky to keep their undefeated non conference record alive.
UNC, December 3rd- All good things come to an end. Entourage is almost over, Friends has been over and Kentucky will finally lose a game in the non-conference schedule. Yes I know it’s at Rupp, but the Tarheels are ridiculously stacked this season. They’re probably the only other team that has a legit NBA frontcourt on their roster, and they are just a bit deeper this season. The Cats will put up a fight but go down in the end.
At Indiana, December 10th- Having a week off after the UNC game is a nice touch for this team, they need this week to build up confidence after losing to that giraffe Tyler Zeller, as well as Supposed Superman Harrison Barnes. If this game is next season when Cody Zeller is a year older and the best class to hit Bloomington in ten years is finally on campus I’d be a bit worried. But it’s not, Zeller is still just a freshman, and even though Davis is too, I really think he’ll bully him around in this one.
Chattanooga, December 17th- After a jam packed November coach Cal gives his guys a good amount of time to rest before the SEC season. This is another guarantee game that will help boost the record, without boosting the overall profile of Kentucky.
Samford, December 20th- UPSET ALERT. Kidding of course, by this time the freshmen will be starting to mature more as players as Kentucky marches towards the SEC slate. If the spread isn’t 30 points for this one I’m betting at least 50 on it and laughing all the way to the bank. (Note, the amount of money made on this game off a 50 dollar bet is probably 7 dollars, OH YEAH)
Loyola (MD), December 22th- See Portland, The ultimate guarantee game.
Lamar, December 28th- Seriously Cal? At least schedule some solid mid majors. Gonzaga, VCU, Xavier, Butler. Someone. Anyone. For the love of god these guarantee games are tough enough to write about, never mind watch. Good thing there will be four pros on the floor every game. What’s even better is that they’re UK guys.
Louisville, December 31st- Man this has to be the best way to end the year. This is one of the best rivalries in the country, and a personal favorite beside Syracuse vs Georgetown. (Remember I’m from NY people) Growing up as a Cuse fan, nothing makes me happier than watching Kentucky beat Louisville. I hate Pitino, I hate Edgar Sosa, and now I hate Wayne Blackshear. This will be a close one but I expect Kentucky to win, I want them to win, no I need them to win.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff, January 3rd- I should’ve saved my “schedule better coach” rant for this one, but I couldn’t take it any more. Kentucky will wrap up the non-con with another win. Worst case scenario The Cats come out with a 12-3 record, dropping games to L’ville, UNC, and Kansas. More than likely Big Blue Nations should be happy when Coach Cal and co. finish up with a 14-1 mark. Who knows, maybe they knock off the Tarheels and finish a perfect 15-0.
So what should we take away from all of this? Well that Kentucky is about to have a really good season, one that could see them winning it all at the end. What we should really take away is that fact that the season is almost here. Basketball is almost back, and when it does Christmas will come early for basketball fans everywhere.New Article
