Lexington, Ky – October 11, 2024 – Michael Willis
The basketball season in the Bluegrass has officially started with Big Blue Madness, once again, kicking it off. This year’s BBM was similar in many ways to the past BBMs. Tickets sold out within minutes, the fans lined up around Rupp Arena hours in advance, and all the lights and fireworks for player introductions. However, this year the anticipation and curiosity of the fans are at an all-time high.
There are all new basketball staffs for both the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. Fans greeted Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks on to the court for the first official on court basketball coaching. The fans were treated to their first glimpse of their basketball rosters, many of which fans did not know what to expect.
The Big Blue Nation was greeted in Rupp Arena to an illuminated court that seemed to kick off anew era in the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The Kentucky Women’s team were the first to take the floor tonight. The fans cheered for all the players, but the loudest cheers were for the new Head Coach Kenny Brooks. The Skills Challenge was the first event for the women which was won by the White team. The Hot Spot Challenge was next with different spots lighting up on the court worth different points. Amelia Hassett and Teonni Key took home the win in Hot Spot. The three-point contest was next and Dazia Lawrence took home the trophy.
The 24 time NCAA Champion Kentucky Cheerleaders performed next and were followed by the UK Dance Team. Both put on great performances and got the crowd ready for a surprise visit by Coach Mark Stoops.
The Kentucky Men’s team was up next with the players and Coach Mark Pope entering from the stands all around Rupp Arena. The team ran through drills to warm up and the fans were interested to see what they do in practice. The players competed in the three-points contest next, but before a winner could be rewarded Collin Chandler was named Slam Dunk Champion. The finals of the three-point competition was between two Kentucky natives, Tent Noah and Travis Perry. Perry took the trophy in a very close competition.
Perhaps the single greatest moment of the night was the return of Rick Pitino. Dressed in Kentucky blue, Pitino gave an emotional speech calling Kentucky “Camelot” and how he knows Mark Pope will lead Kentucky to greatness. The Kentucky fans gave their former coach a standing ovation that nearly brought him to tears. It was the perfect end to a night of celebration.