What to expect at Big Blue Madness
October 13, 2011
In John Calipari’s first season at UK, we saw the John Wall Dance and a lengthy “State of the Union” address from the coach. The second year, we saw Enes Kanter’s memorable entrance.
What will it be this year?
A sampling of what to expect from Big Blue Madess:
- Another Calipari speech, at a level in between what he did his first year (a lengthy, showy presentation) and his second year (a quick, five-minute talk to the crowd). Speaking on ESPN’s Front Row podcast, Calipari said: “I’m going to give a State of the Union address like I did my first year. They’ve been begging me to do it, and I didn’t want to do it last year. I’m giving a shortened version, though.”
- Calipari also said, “We’re going to have a lot of former players here.” John Wall recently tweeted he was in Lexington, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make an appearance.
- The freshmen, all of whom were committed to UK at the time of Madness last year, taking center stage. “I came down here last year for Big Blue Madness and it was crazy,” Anthony Davis said. “I was hanging out with Doron, Terrence, Darius.” Now, Davis will be on stage with them.
- Doron Lamb, on what advice he had after going through Madness once: “I just told the freshmen to go out there, have fun, and don’t be scared. I told them that whatever you do (the fans) are going to like you anyways, so just have fun.”
- We won’t see Davis get dunked on, but not because his teammates won’t try. “Marquis (Teague) wanted me to let him dunk on me, but I told him no, I can’t do that,” Davis said. “This is going to be on ESPN. I can’t let you do that.”
- The walk-ons to be caught up in the moment. Sam Malone said he had never been to Rupp Arena before yesterday. Brian Long said, “I was there last year, it was really cool. That was a first and tomorrow night will be a first, too, since I’ll get to be out on the court.”
- Ryan Harrow and Twany Beckham to show their stuff. Harrow, especially, who said his teammates realize that this is one of his only times to play with them in front of fans this season. “My family will be here,” Harrow said. “I know they’ll be excited for all my dunks and stuff .”
- Who might dance? Harrow called out Jarrod Polson. “I think the one that’s definitely dancing though, is J.P. I saw his whole routine and everything.” That was backed up by Marquis Teague, who said, “Polson is going to try to dance.”
- A talented array of recruits: Shabazz Muhammad, DaJuan Coleman, Alex Poythress, Willie Cauley, and the Harrison brothers, Aaron and Andrew. UK’s first and only commitment, Archie Goodwin, will also be in attendance.