[-STAT-]

The last time I watched Big Blue Madness, I was actually there and that was back in 2008.

For obvious (and some personal) reasons, I hadn't watched in 15 years, until Friday night. I had covid so I had nothing else to do.

First off, it was awesome seeing the 3pt contest come down to the 2 KY boys, Perry & Noah, seeing these 2 in the bright lights of Rupp just a few nights ago, and 7 months ago at the Sweet 16, was very special. Yet again Perry got the best of Noah, but 2 great players, and representatives of this state & this team.

That nostalgic feeling hit me, seeing all the former players coming out, with all the National Championship trophies, even hearing the sped up version of bittersweet symphony, something I hadn't heard in such a long time! I looked at my dad and said "he has to be there, he has to come out", he replied "I don't think he's there." Then all of a sudden there he is, Rick Pitino. We both started yelling & clapping like we'd won a National Championship, a tear nearly came to my eye. I was so glad to see him back at Camelot, I honestly never thought I'd see him there ever again in that capacity, it brought back so many great memories, of how his players & his teams represented the name on the FRONT of the jersey, just like Pope is doing now, the betterment of the team.

Obviously haven't played any games yet, but all the right buttons have been pushed, just a renewed since of energy & enthusiasm is back with this program that hasn't been there in many many years. I sure am excited for the first time, in many, many years!