There are over 1 million of us in the world. We inhabit every corner of this universe. From ocean to ocean, UK fans have been described as a “mist” and a “nation”. While our definition is based on our sheer numbers or quantity, UK fandom is much more than just a large gathering of basketball fans. We are a unique type of animal in this wild, wild sports world. So what makes a UK fan? Or rather, what makes a UK fan different?
It all starts with the brain. The UK fan brain is an impressive object to behold. It is well trained and heavily concentrated on the game of basketball. It never forgets the bad moments, always remembers the good ones and everything in between simply dissolves. UK fans remember where they were when Brandon Knight hit the game winning field goal against Ohio State last year. They also remember how mad they were when West Virginia (and future homeless person Joe Mazulla) beat Kentucky out of the 2010 NCAA tourney. Specific moments against non-conference opponents at Rupp, even this past year are not so easy to remember. While this may be true with many sports teams’ fans, UK fans have a selfish memory bank and only allow UK memories to occupy that space.
The hands of a UK fan clap while at the game or at home in front of the tv. They also tweet, type on message boards, text or write articles (hey, that’s me). Both are very loud and can’t be ignored. While the noise created by hand at Rupp Arena is loud, the words created and stirred up in the social media are 100 times louder. They type terms of disgust after a missed free throw or statements of joy after putting a nail in the coffin of a terrible Florida team in a conference tournament (loved that game). That hand is also extended to a Kentucky player after a good game AND a poor one.
The eyes of a UK fan are easy to notice. They are usually blue. Not like an eye color on your license blue, blue like the tint that creates a bias and shades every point of view and opinion. They perceive Kentucky as having the greatest school, coach, and players of all time without an ounce of doubt. This blue tint causes UK fans to observe things in an exaggerated manner. Rondo, Crawford and Morris were the greatest collection of talent the college basketball world has ever seen, right? And Keith Bogans was an overrated/overhyped player heading into his senior year, remember? Also, these eyes never miss a single game…or box score….or big blue madness practice.
Have you ever gotten into a heated discussion with a fellow UK fan? Or how about a UK fan that just asks a lot of questions? The mouth of a UK fan is my favorite anatomical part. It is always interesting and insightful. No matter who the head coach is, what the record is or who the players are UK fans always have something to talk about. It is in these particular discussions the ear becomes the least used part of this fascinating creature. Always makes for interesting pre-game entertainment.
Lastly, the heart of a UK fan is its largest single organ. Collectively it beats slowly in the off-season and rapidly in the final seconds of a close game. It pumps as much passion as it does blood. It is happy when a former or current UK player does well or is rewarded. It is saddened as well; like the moment Mark Krebs shared his senior day with his mom. The heart of the UK fanbase is strong and never wavers. It doesn’t quit or give up, it perseveres (Cal can use that line in Bounce Back 2).
The most important part of the UK fan is the individuals it’s comprised of. The unique personalities and traits of all the fans make UK fans combined make us the greatest fans in the world. The crazies mixed with the intellectuals create a balance to form an impenetrable force that can’t be matched.
Whether it’s healthy or not, this is the way it is. It’s been this way for 100 years and it will be for another 100. Go. Big. Blue.
