I was looking at the announced jersey numbers for this season yesterday, and it hit me. Of the twelve guys on the team for next season, only six of them were around last year (and only one, Kyle Wiltjer, playing meaningful minutes).
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Pictured: Kyle Wiljer, wondering who all these new people are.
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Of course we all know that we live in the “One-and-Done” era in Kentucky basketball, whether we like it or not. Not that any of us can complain too much. After all, we do have a spiffy new banner to show for it. So long as we keep winning championships and bringing haters out of the woodwork, I’ll not complain one bit.
Of course, when you sit and look at the roster, there’s only one senior: Wright State transfer Julius Mays. Yes, even our seniors are one-and-done these days.
All this got me thinking the other day. With the graduation of Darius Miller last season, have we truly seen the last of four-year seniors?
Let me clarify that a bit. I’m sure there’ll still be seniors on this team, what with walk-ons and such. But I’m talking about a senior who can make a real impact on a game. These days, it seems that any player who even shows a hint of talent will be guaranteed to be out the door after two seasons. For a talented player with potential to stick it out to his senior season is more unheard of than getting back-to-back-to-back #1 recruiting classes.
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[SIZE=1][I]Some team did it though, I just can’t remember who…
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Have we reached an era where Senior Night is simply a formality? Only a few years ago, Senior Night was an EVENT. Everyone stood as “My Old Kentucky Home” was sang. Fans stood weepy-eyed as players hugged their mamas and their coaches. Said senior would then be pumped and energized on his night, with his friends and family in attendance, and proceed to light up Rupp.
Now, I fear we’ve reached the era where Senior Night is just “Hey, you’ve been around for four years! Jump through this paper hoop!”, or “This is your last year of eligibility! Here, have a framed copy of your jersey!”.
[I][SIZE=1]”Oh my goodness, Jon Hood, you’re still here?!?”[/SIZE][/I]
Yes, we may very well have seen the last of the four-year impact senior, but I’ll be honest: I’d probably trade it for a few more banners.
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