Top Moments from 2026 Big Blue Madness
Kentucky held its annual basketball showcase, Big Blue Madness, on Friday night inside Rupp Arena. Both the women’s team, with head coach Kenny Brooks, and the men’s squad, under the direction of head coach Mark Pope, were able to show off their skills to the Big Blue Nation.
As usual, Rupp Arena was packed with approximately 20,000 blue-clad hoops fans, who thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s festivities.
Wildcat and Scratch Get it Started
Both UK mascots opened the festivities by repelling from the top of Rupp Arena onto the floor, thrilling the crowd in the process.
NBA Champion in the Attendance
After the 2026-27 UK men’s basketball players were introduced, along with head coach Mark Pope, the UK head man had one more surprise waiting in the wings.
Pope unzipped his jacket to reveal a number 12 jersey, then introduced former Kentucky All-American and 2026 NBA champion Karl-Anthony Towns, who led the New York Knicks to their first NBA title in 53 years.
Once a KAT, always a Cat 😼 pic.twitter.com/vfJGVMQQ4d
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 3, 2026
Wilkins Wins Three-Point Contest
On the men’s side, six players entered the three-point contest at Madness. Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic would have been considered the favorite entering the contest.
Momcilovic scored 22 points in the 70-second shooting period. However, Alex Wilkins lit up the contest, scoring 31 points, outscoring everyone by at least six points.
In the finals, Wilkins scored 21 points to top Ousmane N’Diaye.
.@AlexWilkins_1 putting on a clinic 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PGGQ2g3H6a
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 3, 2026
McBride Takes Dunk Title
Justin McBride led off the BBM dunk contest with an athletic dunk, but the judges would only give the James Madison transfer a 43. McBride would get his revenge.
After making the finals against N’Diaye, McBride brought down the house with a spectacular, spinning, one-handed slam, scoring a perfect score of 50 to claim the title.
That’s how you win a dunk contest 🤯🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/t3DTSXd6XE
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 3, 2026
Strack Leads Team to Shooting Drill Title
The first drill for the UK women’s basketball team was a shooting competition, with three teams of four competing against each other. Shots from various spots on the floor were worth varying values.
The winning team consisted of All-American center Clara Strack, transfer guard Diana Collins, Jemma Amoore and freshman Emily McDonald.
Boone Wins Tight Three-Point Contest
There were four participants in the women’s basketball three-point contest, with three players advancing to the finals. In the final round, Asia Boone, McDonald and Me’Arah O’Neal each scored 20 points.
To break the tie, all three players went to half court, with the first player making a shot declared the winner. After just a few missed attempts, Boone connected to claim the title after finishing as runner-up last year in the same competition at BBM.
For the win!!!!! 3⃣💪
Say it with me now, BOON333333333! pic.twitter.com/wTB4T6mGlt
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) October 3, 2026
Cheer Squad Shines Again
The Kentucky cheerleading squad put together yet another exhilarating performance on Friday night, showing amazing technical skills and athletic ability. The 24-time national champion cheerleaders will look for title number 25 in January at the UCA Championships in Orlando.
Youthful Dance Team Hits Hip-Hop Performance
The UK Dance Team got the crowd on its feet with their hip-hop routine on Friday night. The team, which has 20 freshmen, performed a high-paced routine on Friday, energizing the crowd with their performance. The UKDT will compete for a national title at the UDA Championships in Orlando in January.
