Calipari, Elzy Thrilled to Have Fans Back at Big Blue Madness
Big Blue Madness, Kentucky’s annual tip-off to the basketball season, has always been an event for the fans.
This year, that sentiment probably meant more than it ever has as the Big Blue Nation was able to return to Madness, in person, to watch their beloved Wildcats after being relegated to watching the event on television last season due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The two-hour event was a memorable one for the entire Big Blue Nation. From National Player of the Year favorite Rhyne Howard displaying her talents during the women’s basketball portion of the evening to Jacob Toppin winning the slam dunk contest for the men, there was something for nearly everyone on Friday.
And ultimately, that’s what this event is all about – the fans.
UK head coach John Calipari told the Rupp Arena crowd that this event was truly about the fans.
“Tonight is about your dedication, your passion, and your support of this great program and these incredible young men,” Calipari said. “Tonight, as we tip off the new season, we remind everyone what separates Kentucky from everyone else. And that is you, Big Blue Nation. Tonight, we celebrate you.”
Calipari knows that his team missed having a packed house every night at Rupp Arena last season and he’s glad those days are behind the Cats.
“As I stand here before you tonight, I am reminded of how much we missed the energy you provide,” Calipari said. “We truly understand the advantage you provide us.”
That home court advantage, which has led the Cats to great success during Calipari’s tenure, was missing last season.
“You create an environment unlike any other for our guys to perform, and support them along every step of their journey,” Calipari said. “Cheering on our 43 NBA draft picks, 32 first-rounders and three No. 1 overall picks as they’ve reached their dreams.
“You lift us up and you elevate us to another level in the biggest moments,” Calipari said. “You’ve been our heartbeat while we’ve gone to more Final Fours, more Elite Eights and won more NCAA Tournament games than any other program over the last 12 seasons. You’ve been there as we’ve won six SEC regular-season championships, six SEC Tournament titles and … the 2012 national championship. You have played a part in all those accomplishments.”
Following the women’s scrimmage and prior to the men’s, the 24-time national champion Kentucky cheerleaders, under the direction of head coach Ryan O’Connor, took the floor, putting on a spectacular display that pleased the masses.
While Big Blue Madness is all about the fun, Calipari did want the Big Blue Nation’s cooperation.
“Our challenge to you today, Big Blue Nation, is let’s come together like never before,” Calipari said. “You have always been the difference maker for us, and I ask you tonight and this season to take it to a new level. We missed you last year and we look forward to taking the court in front of you again.
UK women’s basketball head coach Kyra Elzy had her own plea for the fans. Elzy asked the Big Blue Nation to “commit to it”, which happens to be the motto for Elzy’s team this season.
The evening finished with a high-energy performance from the UK Dance Team, under the direction of head coach Dawn Walters. The UKDT routine featured Bailey Munoz, winner of season 16 of “So You Think You Can Dance”, who helped the team entertain the crowd.
Overall, it was a night for the fans and it had something for just about everyone.
