Wow, it’s hard to believe the last day was real.Twenty-four hours ago, the Kentucky Wildcats were in final preparations for the national championship game. The time since then has been nothing short of a whirlwind.The Cats held on for a 67-59 win over Kansas and a national championship, triggering a ceaseless celebration, most recently coming in the form of a Rupp Arena gathering the likes of which I can’t imagine I’ll see ever again.Upwards of 20,000 fans packed Rupp to its gills, awaiting the team’s arrival from New Orleans. The Cats were shuttled directly onto the arena floor, where they were showered with cheers, standing ovations and more cheers.Athletics director Mitch Barnhart, head coach John Calipari and senior guard addressed the assembled fans in a memorable scene. Throughout the evening and into tomorrow, we’ll have more photo, video and written coverage of the celebration, so make sure you keep checking back here.In the meantime, here are a few notes to help you keep the celebration going:

• En route to the Rupp Arena festivities, the Cats received a congratulatory call from President Barack Obama. Obama lauded the team for playing with “class and dignity,” eventually talking to Anthony Davis as well. Obama also told the team he looks forward to hosting UK at the White House to say congrats in person.
• The final ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll was released today and – you’re not going to believe this – UK is No. 1. They received all 31 first-place votes, while Kansas, Ohio State, Louisville and Syracuse rounded out the top five.
• To the victor goes the spoils. Davis won Most Outstanding Player honors at the Final Four, and on Tuesday it was unveiled he would grace the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated. Check it out.