College basketball has officially tipped off in the Commonwealth as Big Blue Madness took place Saturday night in Rupp Arena.
In what was a full day, it was also the first time we got an up close look at both
the women’s and men’s teams. With still plenty of questions for both teams, the BBN did get a taste of what each player can do on the floor for Kenny Brooks and Mark Pope as they take the floor for their first official games in just a few weeks.
For the men, Collin Chandler was the dunk champion, while Trent Noah won the 3-point contest.
For the women, Amelia Hassett won the 3-point contest.
Now, let’s take a look at three takeaways from tonight’s Big Blue Madness. Go Cats!
Kenny Brooks Brings The Hype
Two years ago, the Kentucky Women’s basketball team was one of the worst in the country. There was no juice, and seemingly no shot in one of the toughest conferences in the sport.
Now insert Kenny Brooks, and that has completely changed. Brooks and his team last year broke records, but it appears this team might be just a step better than last season. Will they compete for an SEC Championship this season? It appears they are trending that way once again this year.
Mitch Barnhart catches a lot of flak (and rightfully so), but this may be one of his best hires of his tenure.
John Wall Returns
We have been waiting for the moment, and it has finally happened. JOHN WALL HAS RETURNED TO BIG BLUE MADNESS.
With one of the most iconic moments of the event when he broke out his dance back in 2009, John Wall is one of the biggest superstars to ever wear the jersey. He helped bring the program back to life after the Gillispie era. Now we continue to celebrate him even in the Pope era.
Welcome back to BBM, John.
Mark Pope Breathes Life Back Into Big Blue Madness
The event needed new life, and it appears Mark Pope is looking to continue to make the annual event a new and refreshing thing for the fanbase.
Last year, we had the return of Rick Pitino. This year, we got John Wall.
At this rate, next year’s Big Blue Madness might be played at Kroger Field with the way Coach Pope is bringing this event back to life.
You love to see it.
