Big Blue Madness is upon us and college basketball begins to the joy of Kentucky Basketball fans everywhere.
Can the Wildcats repeat and continue the Calipari Dynasty?
The CBSSports.com crew has listed 68 things to watch for the upcoming season and there are several thoughts on Kentucky and it’s fans:
1. November 9: That’s the day the season gets underway with Kentucky vs. Maryland in Brooklyn. I’ll be courtside. And though the stakes won’t be as high for this as they were for the Harrison twins, it’ll still be a fun way to get this year started with the reigning national champion on a big stage. — Gary Parrish
7. Kentucky’s freshmen: Relying on newcomers is nothing new to John Calipari, who rode three freshman starters to a national title. It was a special group, though — and they also had a trio of veterans as team leaders. Will this year’s group be the same? — J.B.
11. Another Final Four for Louisville: The Cardinals are a deserving preseason No. 1 considering what’s returning from last season’s Final Four team. Rick Pitino has, like the rest of the country, been overshadowed since John Calipari’s move to UK. Perhaps this is the season where the Hall of Famer keeps the spotlight (and the national title) for himself. Either way, the two will meet on … — G.P.
12. Rick vs. Cal on 12/29: Last season it wasn’t a fair fight between Rick Pitino and John Calipari. It was as if Pitino went in with a steak knife and Calipari a machete. Now Pitino has comparable talent, maybe even more talent than his rival down the road in Lexington. The two meet on Dec. 29 in Louisville. — J.G.
49. Cat fight in the new SEC: More specifically within conference realignment, how does Missouri adjust in its first year? They’re bound to crash the party, methinks, and challenge Kentucky for that SEC crown. Oh no I did not just do that right there did I? Kentucky fans, I TAUNT YOU. — M.N.
62. Goodman vs. the Kentucky fan base: The over/under on the first flame war from Big Blue Nation toward Goodman is set at Nov. 12. I’ve got the under. By the way, Borzello bribed me to write this. Thanks, buddy! — M.N
68. The second Monday night in April: Yes, this season’s national title game will be played on the SECOND Monday night in April as opposed to its usual first. Blame the calendar. Tom Crean might get his first national title that night. Rick Pitino or John Calipari could get their second. Or something totally unexpected might culminate in Atlanta. Nobody can say for sure. But the five months spent getting there should be a blast. — G.P.
I definitely take the under on Kentucky fans going after Goodman before November 12th.
