December 31st: On this date...

... in 2007, your University of Kentucky Wildcats made history as they were back in Nashville winning their second Music City Bowl in as many years. It was the first time since 1951-52 (under “Bear” Bryant) the Wildcats had won back-to-back bowl games. A Music City Bowl record attendance (68,661) witnessed a 35-28 squeaker over a probation-laden Florida State squad. Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles were caught in an enormous cheating scandal that led to nearly half the team being suspended for the game. A total of 34 Seminole players were not allowed to play for a litany of reasons, but most due to the cheating scandal. This was not Kentucky’s problem, though, and Andre Woodson shredded the depleted defense on his way to 358 yards, four touchdowns, and repeat MVP honors. Steve Johnson led all wideouts with 126 yards receiving. Rafael Little finished the game with a season-high 152 yards rushing. It was the second consecutive year the Cats had beaten a Bowden in the Music City Bowl.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 30th: On this date...

... in 2002, Chuck Norris’ role model, one Richard “PaPaw” Brooks was named head football coach for your University of Kentucky Wildcats. It was a move that 99% of Big Blue Nation kept bookmarked as a reason to want to fire Mitch Barnhart. Most fans felt we needed to go young and energetic, but we have been proven wrong. Anyone that tells you they liked this hire when it happened has just lied to your face. As much grief as Mitch has gotten over the years, you have to admire his patience with the hire and the football program in general. He got a proven winner head coach to come into a no-win situation and the head coach has WON. It may have taken a while to get here, but no one can tell me anyone else would have done it sooner. Brooks successfully rebuilt a current Pac 10 power and had laid the foundation for the same in Lexington. We might not compete in the BCS year in and year out, but we’re competing. Just remember: all of the current Joker Phillips haters were the Joker Phillips backers just a few years ago. The haters apparently don’t trust Rich Brooks.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.14 - Wall Sets Assist Record

Every bit of the conversation in my house before the game was talking about this being the last game we could guarantee some sort of record for Freak Show. It happened tonight as John Wall set the assist record for a single game breaking Travis Ford's mark of 15 set in the '90s. Other than that, it was an easy W for Big Blue Nation, 104-61, as we countdown the days to having intercourse inside of a restaurant.

To the highlights!

Pat had an easy game with 11 points - 3 rebounds - 4 assists. There were no post game speeches though. Pat must be showing the wear-and-tear from 2009.

Big Cuz got dirty again dropping 19 pints - 12 rebounds - 2 assists. His 19 minutes are starting to concern me. Maybe he should of fouling more.

John Wall had 11 assists in the first half (9 points - 16 assists total). The combo of Tony Delk/Scott Padgett let the staff know what he needed to do in half #2. Someone should suggest to him he needs more Oops!

Darnell Dodson surprised with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Seriously thought he was going for the three-point record tonight. We need to get that back.

Homeboy Darius Miller had a very quiet 16 points and 5 assists. More fact that this team is on the path to World Domination.

Big Blue shot 50% from beyond the arc (14-28) and 57% from the charity stripe (8-14).....Yes...and.....No.

We had 30 assists and only 7 TOs. I'll take it.

I hate Louisville. Thanks Dad!

And now, to the hottest headgear in Lexington! And DeMarcus Cousins foolin' with Freak Show.

December 29th: On this date...

... in 2006, your University of Kentucky Wildcats won their first bowl game in 22 years by taking down Clemson in the Music City Bowl, 28-20. The Nashville scene was glorious as LP Field was packed with Blue from top to bottom. As great as the scene was, the weather was even better. Late-December with sunny skies and temps in the high 50's. Much of the talk leading up to the game centered on how the porous Kentucky defense would handle the promising Clemson backfield of James Davis and C.J. Spiller. The UK defense put the Tigers in passing situations all day and held the hyped duo to a combined 77 yards rushing. Joker Phillips had the entire offense on display by bringing in freshman linebacker Micah Johnson for a touchdown plunge to open the scoring. Moments later, Kentucky called a fake punt deep in its territory to ignite a spark. The next play was just that, as Andre Woodson (20-28 299 yards, 3 TDs - 0 Ints) found DeMoreo Ford streaking down the field for a 70-yard touchdown just before halftime. Clemson’s 12th-ranked defense lot much of it s swagger after this series and the Cats controlled the game most of the day. The lead ballooned to 28-6, before the Tigers scored a pair of late meaningless touchdowns. This game was also somewhat of a coming-out party for one Trevard Lindley, who had a ridiculous behind-the-back interception in the end zone as Clemson was driving.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 28th: On this date...

... in 2001, Restauranteur Rick Pitino came back into Rupp Arena as the head coach of our biggest rival and received the beatdown he deserved as Kentucky pounded Louisville into submission, 82-62. Tubby Smith got his first ever win v. Rick Pitino in front of the fourth largest crowd in Rupp Arena history. Chants of, “Tub-by, Tub-by, Tub-by” rained down on the Rupp Arena floor as the fans let Mr. Pitino know where their loyalties lie. Kentucky had a slew of solid performances led by Tayshaun Prince’s 18 points - 9 rebounds - 3 assists. Other contributors included: Keith Bogans (17 points - 7 rebounds), Marquis Estill (10 points - 5 rebounds), Gerald Fitch (10 points - 5 rebounds). The game-ending dagger, though, came during a 15-0 Wildcat run that featured a crossover of epic proportions by Cliff Hawkins (8 points - 5 rebounds - 5 assists - 6 TO). Rick Pitino may have been the story coming into the game, but Cliff Hawkins’ crossover was the lasting memory. Enjoy. Again.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 27th: On this date...

... in 1986, in just his seventh official game as a Kentucky Wildcat, freshman Rex Chapman gained immediate folk hero status as he dropped 26 points on the Louisville Cardinals in a 85-51 destruction of the birds. King Rex was scoring at will in Freedom Hall, going 10-20 from the field (5-8 from 3-point range). The day was highlighted by a Chapman steal and dunk during the second half in which he threw it down with authority to make the Big Blue faithful go bonkers. Even the older fans stood up and applauded The Michael Jordan of Italian pro basketball, Rob Lock, shut down “Never Nervous” Pervis Ellison, as the world found out that Perv’s nickname was a total sham. Louisville’s Perv ended the game with only four points and four rebounds on 2-8 shooting. Ed Davender (16 points - 8 rebounds - 5 assists) and Richard Madison (9 points - 17 rebounds) were King Rex’s wingmen on this glorious day.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 26th: On this date...

... in 1998, doesn’t necessarily go down in Kentucky history, but it happened nonetheless. I only do this because the man is one of Joe B. Hall’s best friends nowadays and you have to respect the great career he had. It was Denny Crum’s last win v. your University of Kentucky Wildcats, 83-74. Defending National Champion Kentucky came into Freedom Hall that day ranked #3 in the country and boasted a 10-2 record. It was Big Blue’s second straight loss (lost to Duke three days before Christmas), something that hadn’t happened in four years. The Cats actually had sixteen more shots than the Cards, but the Cards were on the free throw line all day long. They capitalized from the charity stripe to start Tubby Smith off 0-2 vs. Louisville to start his Kentucky head coaching career. Wayne Turner (11 points - 4 rebounds - 4 assists) and Scott Padgett (13 points - 5 rebounds) kept us close, but the team shot an uneasy 2-15 from behind the arc to seal our fate. Hopefully this gets your blood boiling for the upcoming tilt v. the junior college down the road.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 25th: On this date...

... in 2009, all of us here at Big Blue Booyah and Tom Leach Productions wish you a Merry Christmas. Eight days and counting. Eight days.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Merry Christmas from The Booyah's!

December 24th: On this date...

... in 1981, an ultra-fast 6'1 point guard (with one of the sickest crossover’s in Kentucky basketball history) was born in Dumfries, Virginia, by the name of Cliff Hawkins. This year he turns 28 years old, allowing all Big Blue diehards to feel just a little bit older this holiday season. Hawkins holds the record for most steals in a single season by a senior with 74 (2003-04). That number (74) places him fourth on the all-time single season mark for steals. He ranks third on the career list for steals with 199, behind only Wayne Turner (238) and Tony Delk (201). Hawkins also ranks seventh on the Kentucky list for assists in a career with 468, behind only a Who’s Who list of UK all-timers. One of his most memorable games came as a freshman (2000-01) when Kentucky and North Carolina renewed their rivalry in Chapel Hill. He came off the bench to spark the unranked Cats to drub the 6th-ranked Heels, 93-76. He finished the game 5-9 FG - 11 points - 5 assists - 3 rebounds in 18 minutes of action replacing Saul Smith at point guard. Oh, and this happened v. Louisville.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.13 - Wildcat Win Sets Another Record!

For all the suckers out there gobbling up the UK2K tees, your University of Kentucky basketball Cats quickly outdated those and presented UK2K1 shirts to the crowd after the game today. At this pace, even the boosters won't be out any money for the Calipari signing. Cal's contract will be paid for from simply black Nike t-shirt sales.

The Kids looked a bit lethargic today, but pulled out a win nonetheless against pesky Long Beach State, 86-73. The win moved Kentucky to 13-0 on the season, the best start for a Wildcat basketball team since the 1977-78 season and the longest winning streak since 2002-03.

Unfortunately, the story of the game was terrible officiating for both sides, as the phantom foul seemed to be almost as prevalent as a Boogie temper-tantrum.

To the highlights:

• Pat (15 points - 11 rebounds) recorded the 27th double-double of his career, sixth of 2009-10. He also moved within eight points of passing Jodie Meeks on UK's all-time scoring list. Pat currently sits in a tie at #34 with Tom Parker.

• After another game of early foul trouble, Boogie stormed back into the picture with a strong second half. Cousins notched his fifth double-double on the year (15 points - 10 rebounds) and his first technical! It's a matter of time before he gets thrown out of a game. I'm guessing a road game in the SEC against a veteran low-post guy. Big stretch, eh?

• Freak Show ended the game with a quietly efficient 19 points - 4 rebounds - 5 assists - 4 steals. Early foul trouble hurt Wall, but he finished the game 2-3 from behind the arc and only two turnovers. Ho-hum.

• When all of our studs got in foul trouble in the first half, the role players really stepped up to keep us in the game. Ramon, Harrellson, and DeAndre provided solid(ish) defense and enough competence on offense to keep the game close until intermission.

• The over/under for the phrase "already had their bags packed" on the news or in the paper should be set at approximately 38.5.

Merry Christmas to Big Blue Nation.

Go Cats.

December 23rd: On this date...

... in 1993, Jeff Brassow tipped in an errant shot by Roderick Rhodes as time expired to give your University of Kentucky Wildcats the Maui Invitational Championship. The tip gave Kentucky a 93-92 win over Arizona in what was Big Blue’s first ever trip to Maui. Bill Raftery exploded from the telecast shouting, “BRASS-OW... BRASS-OW... COMES UP BIG!!!" Rick Pitino went ballistic rushing the court in celebration grabbing Brassow and doing a doe-si-doe around the court. He then realized Lute Olsen was waiting for him to shake hands and he quickly wiped the smile off his face. Tournament MVP Travis Ford led all Cats with 25 points on 7-14 3-point shooting in the final contest. As a team, Kentucky went 15-34 from behind the arc, but only 6-7 from the free throw line. Arizona was led by one of the most prolific backcourts in Arizona history, Khalid Reeves and Damon Stoudamire. Basketball Gods took note of this game and Arizona cashed in its voucher a few years later in the most heart-breaking fashion.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Another Ho-Hum John Wall Highlight

Calipari 1.12 - Y-UK2K? Because We Can

In just eight months on the job, John Calipari won his 2,000th career game for your University of Kentucky Wildcats Monday night with a 88-44 beatdown of the Drexel Drexlers. This epic atmosphere showed what Kentucky basketball is all about. A celebration of its past and present showcasing everyone from descendants of Adolph Rupp to John Wall and everyone in between, except Eddie Sutton and Billy Gillispie!

To the highlights:

• BREAKING: John Wall is apparently a freak of nature. The final six points of half number one left Big Blue Nation in a "rabid" state.

• Pat hurt his rebounding average tonight with only one rebound, but finished it up with a post game speech. We'll call it even.

• Big Cuz padded his stats throughout the game banking bunnies back to himself finishing the game with 18 points and 13 boards.

• DeAndre Liggins could make things interesting in 2010.

• We only committed seven fouls. I know there's a homecourt advantage, but seriously.

• I loved seeing The Cat and Big Cuz doing the John Wall Dance in the celebration afterwards. Its sweeping the nation.......and the team.

• I also loved seeing Pat call Bledsoe out (sarcastically) on the bench after Bledsoe left the game due to injury. Pat yelled, "He's weak!" Bledsoe looked at him and shook his head. Minutes later, while everyone was sitting on the bench, Pat stood up and checked himself in the game. The advantages of being The Man.

In other news, Derek Anderson is making a documentary about the '96 Untouchables due out in February.

What a night.

Go Cats.

December 22nd: On this date...

... in 2001, your 7th ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats took out an unranked Indiana squad, 66-52, as 12 Cats saw action in Indianapolis’ RCA Dome. Kentucky was led by all-timer Tayshaun Prince’s 17 points and 11 rebounds and Cliff Hawkins’ 17 points and five assists. Once again Tubby’s defense was the story of the game, holding the Candy-Stripers to 32% shooting on the day. Hoosier head coach Mike Davis let his feelings be known days leading up to the game when he announced he, “hated Kentucky with a passion...in the worst way.” That was great and all, as his team apparently did more hating than scoring. Tayshaun bottled up Indiana star Jared Jeffries by holding him to 4-15 shooting, while dominating him on the offensive end. It was Big Blue’s ninth win in eleven tries in the storied basketball rivalry. Kentucky shot a solid 46% from the field and held a 43-36 rebounding edge to keep things in check.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 21st: On this date...

... in 2002, a border war between Kentucky and Indiana contained a meltdown of epic proportions as Indiana head coach Mike Davis stormed the court to protest a non-call from the officials. To this day, it’s the longest an official has taken to give a coach a technical foul in the history of the universe. Davis was literally flailing around on the court for what seemed to be an eternity before he got the first technical. Then, the referee (Bert Smith) tried to get Davis to “Walk away” numerous times before finally ejecting him. The sixth ranked Hoosiers came into Freedom Hall on a high note, but walked out shell-shocked. The 16th ranked Kentucky Wildcats took down the candy-stripers 70-64 in Freedom Hall to push the series run to eight wins in nine seasons. Big Blue grabbed 19 offensive rebounds that day to key the win. Keith Bogans (17 points), Gerald Fitch (16 points), Marquis Estill (14 points), and Chuck Hayes (8 points - 9 rebounds) helped the Cats to the memorable win.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 20th: On this date...

... in 2003, sixteen different Wildcats saw action as your University of Kentucky blasted Indiana, 80-41, in Indianapolis. Only four Hoosiers scored on the day as Kentucky exploded after what was only a six point halftime lead. The Kentucky defense held Indiana to a paltry 24% shooting in what was a basketball clinic in the second half. Chuck Hayes (22 points - 10 rebounds), Erik Daniels (19 points - 10 rebounds), and Kelenna Azubuike (11 points - 8 rebounds) dominated the post on their way to helping UK have a ridiculous 54-25 rebounding edge. The second-ranked Cats (top-ranked in ESPN/USA Today poll) shot 55% and held IU to just 15 second half points. The 39-point margin was the biggest win ever in the storied history of this rivalry and was Kentucky 11th win in 13 tries in the series. Azubuike mad the only three-pointer on the day to keep the streak alive, as Big Blue was only 1-8 from behind the arc. A classic game for Wildcat fans everywhere and a season where Tubby’s guys would earn a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 19th: On this date...

... in 1891, prior to a football game with Centre College, students of your University of Kentucky Wildcats adopted its school colors......................Blue and...........Yellow? The shade of Blue of was decided on when a student asked “What color blue?” A football letterman, Richard C. Stoll, then took off his necktie and raised it into the air. The particular shade of blue on Stoll’s necktie was then adopted as the school’s official color. The yellow part of the school color was a light yellow and lasted less than a year. The second color (White) was adopted in 1892 and has stayed ever since. Blue-White rolls off the tongue a bit better than Blue-Yellow you have to admit.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 18th: On this date...

... in 2004, a Freedom Hall record basketball crowd of 20,088 witnessed Patrick “Booger” Sparks hit three free throws with 0.6 seconds left in regulation to push #8 Kentucky past #13 Louisville, 60-58. Sparks had two Louisville big men running at him with time running out and (instead of getting blocked) faked a three-pointer to draw the most crucial foul of the afternoon. The day didn’t start out so great, though, as Kentucky shot 5-24 in the first half and trailed 32-16 at halftime. It tied the largest halftime deficit UK had overcome to win a game (with the 1994 Mardi Gras Miracle) in program history. Sparks was on fire from deep going 5-8 and finishing with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Kelenna Azubuike added 12 points and Chuck Hayes gave a solid 6 point - 9 rebound - 4 assist effort to keep everything under control down low. Tubby used his bench to the tune of thirteen players seeing floor time, compared to seven on the Rick Pitino side. The win stopped a two-game losing streak to Rick Pitino and the Restaurants.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 17th: On this date...

... in 1930*, legendary basketball coach Adolph Rupp got the first of his 876 wins as the head basketball coach of the University of Kentucky. The game occurred in Alumni Gymnasium v. Georgetown College and Big Blue dominated the Tigers 67-19. The break neck fast-break style of game led to many uncontested baskets for Kentucky as the outmanned Georgetown squad looked on in amazement. Harrodsburg, KY-native Forest “Aggie” Sale led the Wildcats that day with 19 points, further proving the point that you don’t mess with Mercer County. After dominating the first half 38-9, Georgetown rallied to only lose the second half 29-10 for the final tally. Coach Rupp went on to post a .961 winning percentage for the rest of his time in Alumni Gym and a career mark of 876-190 over 41 seasons (an .822 winning percentage). The Cats started Rupp’s first season with 10 straight wins and finished the season 15-3, losing in the Southern Conference Tournament Championship to Maryland, 29-27.

* - Actually happened on December 18th, but you have to include this, right? You’ll see why tomorrow.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Wazoo Sports Releases Schedule, Christmas in Kentucky Delayed

In a bold move that will surely make the wives' of Big Blue Nation members irate, the people at Wazoo Sports have released their TV schedule for December 25th. Apparently, they are some sort of extremist group trying to put an end to Christmas in Kentucky, or at least delay it. Families all across the Bluegrass best be high alert and/or have a clean DVR. Without further ado:

Wazoo Sports Classic Basketball for December 25th (Digital Channel 18.2/Insight Cable Channel 524)

7:30 am - Kentucky v. Syracuse (1996) - spending quality time with family, opening stocking, presents, etc.

10:00 am - Kentucky v. Duke (1992) - upon arriving at first family function of day, spike egg nog and start hittin' it hard. Sit quietly in corner and rock back and forth until lunchtime.

12:30 pm - Kentucky v. Duke (1998) - after engulfing lunch, abruptly leave table, stopping along the way for more Nog.

3:00 pm - Kentucky v. Stanford (1998) - Either speed back home or to the next house, obviously with your wife driving. Bum-rush the Nog and sweet treats at the new location. Don't try and hide the liquor any longer, we're on the verge of a Championship!

5:30 pm - Kentucky v. Utah (1998) - Your entire family is in the corner now, fearing for their life. This was supposed to be Little Timmy's most memorable Christmas. Instead, you've let him in on a dirty lil' secret. Daddy is maniacal about this Blue basketball team. And will celebrate his love at anyone's cost. Big Blue Nation grows by one as you approach the 8:00 pm hour.

8:00 pm - Louisville vs. Duke (1986) - Really? Be sure and check the ratings dip for me Wazoo.

10:30 pm - Louisville v. UCLA (1980) - Seriously? Even Louisville fans care nothing about this.

1:00 am - Louisville's other big win? - Sorry. Didn't catch the rest of it. You won't be watching anyway.

Jeff Sheppard and his boys over at Wazoo sure are testing their limits pushing all of this on Christmas. Congrats Jeff, you may have just become Grinch to all the ladies of this Blue Dominated World. Don't worry, though, the fellas of Big Blue Nation have your back.

December 16th: On this date...

... in 2006, was the last time Kentucky beat Louisville in basketball. It was also Orlando “Tubby” Smith’s last time playing Louisville as the University of Kentucky head coach. The 61-49 victory wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win against those filthballs down I-64. Freshman Jodie Meeks scored a career-high 18 points (4-7 from beyond the arc) and junior Ramel “Smooth” Bradley added 15 points and a team-high six rebounds to key the Wildcats. It was Tubby Smith’s third consecutive win in the series after starting an uneasy 3-4 against the Red Birds to start his UK coaching career. Tubby’s defense led the way, holding the Losers to 27% shooting (3-24 from 3 point-range). Randolph Morris was out of the game by the first TV timeout due to fouls, which allowed the Polish Nightmare Lukasz “Woo” Obrzut to get some quality minutes. His line: 3-5 FG - 6 points - 5 rebounds - 4 fouls. Solid.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.10 - Second Half Spurt Hoses Hoosiers

The Blue's look on point again as Eric Bledsoe showed Big Blue Nation that he has a lil' Tayshaun in him. Some highlights from Bloomington:

• Bledsoe's performance (8-10 FG, 4-5 3PM, 23 pts)

• Pat's double-double (19 pts - 11 rebs) and Freak's near triple-double (11 pts - 8 assts - 7 rebs).

• Trying to find celebrities while the Cats were shooting free throws.

• Big Cuz showing his potential with another gritty second half performance (14 pts - 8 rebs - 5 offensive)

• Ramon is finding his niche with this team. Its amazing how much better he looks when he's not depended on for 36 minutes/game.

• Liggins finally getting some PT, 60 seconds, and being seemingly lost for 58 of them.

Oh, and this Freak on the fast break:

December 15th: On this date...

... in 2003, senior offensive extraordinaire Derek Abney was named a second team All-American by the Associated Press. He was named to the team as simply an all-purpose player, as you had to get him in the fold somehow. Abney led the Southeastern Conference in all-purpose yardage averaging just under 152 yards per game. Big Blue used Abney in almost every facet of the game, as he ran, caught, and returned his way to the record books. All of this came on the heels of a consensus selection as a first team everything across the board in 2002 (AP, ESPN, Football Writers, Walter Camp, CBS Sportsline, CNNSI, to name a few)after returning a record six kicks for touchdowns. Abney ended his career with five NCAA records, 11 Southeastern Conference records, and 14 University of Kentucky records for returns and all-purpose yards. He was also the first player in NCAA history to have 2,000 receiving yards, 2,000 kickoff return yards, and 1,000 punt return yards in a career.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 14th: On this date...

... in 1924, your University of Kentucky Wildcats played their first ever basketball game in storied Alumni Gym, beating Cincinnati, 28-23. The Gym was completed for the 1924-25 season after the Board of Trustees complained the Barker’s Hall Buell Armory was unsafe for the amount of fans trying to see the game. Near riots occurred as fans were turned away game after game because of safety concerns. Known as the “White Elephant”, the 2,800 seat, $100,000 structure is considered the birthplace of Kentucky’s storied basketball tradition. In 1928, torrential downpours flooded downtown Lexington and Alumni Gymnasium, which included all of the basketball offices in its basement. Any and all records for Kentucky basketball were thus lost. (After a bit of research, I concluded that Kentucky basketball went 126-0 and won 22 National Championships.) In 1930, Adolph Rupp came in and started the official reign of dominance. In 19 seasons, Rupp’s record at Alumni Gym was 201-8.......seriously. The University’s overall record in 26 total seasons was 247-24, a .911 winning percentage.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 13th: On this date...

... in 2003, in a game that would be titled “Basketbowl”, your University of Kentucky Wildcats played the Michigan State Spartans at Detroit’s Ford Field. The reason the game was called “Basketbowl” was because the schools were attempting to set a World Record for basketball game attendance. And they did. The official attendance was 78,129, setting a mark unmatched by anyone else in the history of the Universe. Big Blue never trailed throughout the contest and won the game by a score of 79-74. Tubby Smith proclaimed, “We aren’t intimidated by this kind of atmosphere.” No word on whether 2009 Tubby would be intimidated by 2009 Detroit, a shell of its former self. The Wildcats were led by Gerald Fitch’s 25 points (4-6 shooting from 3-point range) and Chuck Hayes’ dominance down low (17 points - 12 rebounds - 4 assists - 2 blocks - 2 steals). The uncommon atmosphere proved no big deal for Kentucky, as they shot a fiery 60% from the field.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 12th: On this date...

... in 1987, your #1 ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats moved to 4-0 as they escaped with a 76-75 squeaker over unranked rival Louisville. Cedric “Swoop” Jenkins tipped in a basket as time was running out to give the Wildcats a victory in front of 23,489 fans at Rupp Arena. After racing out to a 45-32 halftime lead, Kentucky allowed Denny Crum’s Cardinals to cut it to 60-59 with just under nine minutes left to play. Louisville’s Pervis Ellison ( 20 points - 13 rebounds - 5 assists - 4 steals - 3 blocks) was a big part of the comeback as he dominated the low post for 39 minutes and 59 seconds of the rivalry game. That lone second turned out to be huge as Ellison left Jenkins under the basket alone (to cover a wide open Rex Chapman) for the winning tip. High scorers for the Good Guys were: Rex Chapman (21 points); Ed Davender (20 points); Winston Bennett (14 points), and Eric Manuel (8 points).

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Superman

The legend of John Wall is going nationwide faster than a private jet carrying Tiger to a late night booty call in Vegas. How can you argue though? No doubt about it, if John Wall played for anyone else I would hate him with as much passion as I have ever hated anyone. However, the fact is he is wearing the blue and white and I am just going to enjoy these 35 or so games we get with him and hope it brings a new banner to Rupp.

My brother brought up a good point that it is about time we as UK fans start treating Wall the way Florida treated Tebow. So to get us started off the right way I will say:

Tim Tebow wears John Wall underwear.

December 11th: On this date...

... in 2004, your 10th ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats beat Indiana 73-58 at Freedom Hall. Patrick “Booger” Sparks led the way for Big Blue that day tallying 16 points and six assists. Senior Chuck Hayes led the low post guys with 14 points and nine rebounds. The win pushed the Cats to 6-1 on the season and was the fifth straight win in the annual series with the Hoosiers. After Kentucky got out to a 33-24 halftime lead, Indiana cut the lead to five, 42-37, with eleven minutes to play. Kelenna Azubuike (7 points - 5 rebounds - 4 assists) then sparked an 11-0 run to put the game on ice. The candy-stripers from Bloomington were dominated in the post as Kentucky outscored them 38-10 in the paint. Along with Hayes, Randolph Morris (11 points) and 7'-3 Shagari Alleyne (10 points - 5 rebounds - 4 blocks) dominated down low. Bracey Wright led IU with 31 points on 6-12 shooting from 3-point range.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

UP UP AND AWAY!!!!

Diaper Dandies doin' work...



And look at that elevation....

Calipari 1.09 - Tha Gahden!!! Mr. Shulman!!! Mr. Vitale!!!!!

Um......John Wall looked decent, eh? Feels good to witness a March Madness game in December, especially at the Mecca. After coming out on fire, Big Blue made the run it needed in the second half to secure yet another close win, beating UCONN 64-61. For some reason, I'm liking the close games this year. Cal's Cats move to "4-5" on the 2009-10 season in their Quest for 2000.

A few highlights from MSG.........BAY-BAY!

• I really loved the Refs tonight. There was so much flow to the game, especially when we got a lead in each half! Wished we would've had 6-7 foul out tonight. Almost positive Tim Donaghy was on the court.
  

• Love me some Daniel Orton: His line doesn't do him justice.

• Lost one of my lives when Pat went down early. The picture of watching him with a limp scared the begeezus outta me.....BAY_BAYYYY!!

• Demarcus Cousins needs a stomach punch from Coach Cal before every game. He was a monster in the second. He stepped up when Pat was having trouble in the 2nd 20. I will admit to being on his side for the majority of his fouls tonight. This will be my apology to Big Cuz.

• Big Blue Booyah Totem Pole hero Ramon Harris came up YOOOOGGGEEE, as they say nowadays. Darnell looked very iffy with the ball tonight, and in general (could be due to his....ahem....inactivity)

• Randall Cobb is no John Wall ................ per Randall.
  

• I'm still having trouble putting my head around the fact this is our team. John Wall is a 6th grader among infants. The quickness, thievery, and newfound J gives the privilege to the Big Blue Nation to see "LeBron in college". The whole world wanted to see LeBron play in college...................we are the fan base who gets to cheer for it. Think about that for a second.

Patrick Patterson. The Most Deserving Man in the History of The World.

How 'Bout Them Wildcats!

December 10th: On this date...

... in 2002, your 12th ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats outmanned Tulane 76-60 in New Orleans to win their fourth straight game. The Cats traveled to the Bayou as a favor to former Tubby Smith assistant coach Shawn Finney. It would hopefully give the Cats an early look at the scenery for the upcoming SEC Tournament and Final Four. (Dwayne Wade had other plans though, single-handedly taking us out in the Elite Eight with a triple-double: 29 points - 11 rebounds - 11 assists) Keith Bogans led Big Blue by going 5-5 from 3-point range and finishing with 21 points - 5 assists - 6 steals. Kentucky got out early and took a 45-26 lead to halftime and cruised from there. Tulane led for only two minutes at the beginning before UK got into its rhythm. Marquis Estill added 10 points and 7 rebounds. Jules Camara had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Sophomore Chuck Hayes added four points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 9th: On this date...

PaPaw's version of the shocker?

... in 2002, in what has easily become a blessing in disguise, Kentucky head football coach Guy Morriss resigned from his position at the University of Kentucky. It was a move that even the most loyal Kentucky fans knew in their heart he couldn’t be blamed. The NCAA was on the verge of coming down hard for the transgressions of the previous coaching staff, and Morriss didn’t want to be around that one bit. Scholarship numbers would be destroyed for the near future and Morriss had already spoke to Baylor about their head coach opening. The Wildcats would need a super-human. A man that even the great Chuck Norris would be impressed. A man that loved the outdoors. A man that would not be afraid to flip over in a boat on a fishing trip. A man who loved to watch tomatoes grow like an average human likes to watch television. A man who knew what he was getting himself into. A man looking for a challenge. This man’s name was Richard P. Brooks. The “P.” of course standing for PaPaw. It was a decision that gets held against Mitch Barnhart to this day, which is impossible to understand. Look who’s laughing now.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 8th: On this date...

... in 2001, all-time Kentucky great Tayshaun Prince had his signature day as a Kentucky Wildcat. As Bill Raftery so duly noted, Prince had his “puppies set off the bus” as he came out on fire in Kentucky’s game vs. North Carolina in Rupp Arena. He started the game 5-5 from 3-point range, ending with a dagger from 105 feet away. The fifth had to simply demoralize an outmanned North Carolina bunch. Big Blue went on to win 79-59 in what was North Carolina’s first trip to Rupp Arena. Prince actually hit his sixth straight 3-pointer eight minutes into the game and ended the day 7-11 behind the arc. The line for the Compton, California native was 31 points - 11 rebounds - 4 assists - 4 steals. Seeing ya boy shaking his head after the second one gives me goosebumps to this day. It was an outstanding way to welcome the boys from Chapel Hill to Lexington. While the Heels were in their Billy Clyde-esque Era, I’m sure no Kentucky fan lost any sleep over it. Enjoy.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Having Trouble Waking Up This Monday Morning?

December 7th: On this date...

... in 1996, fresh off winning their sixth National Championship, your University of Kentucky Wildcats thrashed Robert Montgomery Knight and Indiana University in Freedom Hall, 99-65. The Hoosiers were ranked #8 that day, so it sent a message to everyone in college basketball that Kentucky was coming out swinging in defense of its title. Derek Anderson (30 points) and Ron Mercer (26 points) proved too athletic for the Chair-Throwing Candy-Stripers as the lead had grown to 55-31 by halftime. Even the human victory cigar Steve Masiello got in for three minutes and scored three points, all on free throws. I’m not going to lie, watching a young Rick Pitino blast Bobby Knight and Indiana each year was one of my favorite memories of the Pitino Era. The amount of frustration of Knight’s face during the games was abundant, as I’m sure we got to witness almost all of his “game-faces.”

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 6th: On this date...

... in 2003, your ninth-ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats took a road trip to Los Angeles to play UCLA in the John Wooden Classic. The outcome was a 52-50 slugfest win for the Good Guys. Some called it a game of defensive mastery, others called it a poor shooting effort from both teams. Big Blue shot only 27 percent from the field, as a hot Bruin team made 34 percent of their field goals. Erik Daniels finished the game with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Chuck Hayes added nine points and 13 rebounds. Hayes, Cliff Hawkins, and Gerald Fitch finished the day a combined 6-32 from the floor. The embarrassing 27-17 score at halftime was awful, except for the fact we were leading. Ben Howland’s team cut the lead to three multiple times in the second half, and the final tally was the closest UCLA ever got. Kentucky never trailed on the day. Something even John Wooden could appreciate.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

THIS IS WHY THE BIG XII IS A JOKE

Because when they're best team loses, they put time back on the clock.

Calipari 1.07 - Cackalackee

December 5th: On this date...

... in 1953, Cawood Ledford called his first game as “The Voice of the Wildcats”. Coach Adolph Rupp led Kentucky to a 86-59 rout of Temple. The game was played in Memorial Coliseum. All-time great Cliff Hagan led the Wildcats that day with memorable performance of 51 points. Frank Ramsey (10 points) was the only other player in double figures. Cawood had to be smiling from ear-to-ear after witnessing Hagan score that many in his debut. The 27-year-old Ledford wouldn’t leave the radio broadcast for the next 39 years, as impressive a run as we’ve ever seen. Radio broadcasts would start off by Cawood signing in, “Hello everybody, this is Cawood Ledford.” He is also one of, if not the first, radio personality to announce which way the game would be played on the radio dial. His last game was in 1992. I’ll leave it at that.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

December 4th: On this date...

... in 2008, your University of Kentucky announced plans to celebrate the life of long time equipment manager Bill Keighley during a December 7th game vs. Mississippi Valley State. Mr. Wildcat’s jersey would be retired into Rupp’s rafters for the final time during halftime. The University wanted to mark Keightley’s legacy in a multitude of ways. Among them were: a permanent spot on the Arena floor in front of Mr. Wildcat’s seat at the head of the bench; a black “K” on the uniforms; a silk ribbon on the shoulder of the uniform that read “Mr. Wildcat”; a Mr. Wildcat Catspy Award; an annual golf tournament; and a scholarship fund set up for future UK men’s basketball managers. The most visible difference on December 7th would be the black uniforms with each player’s number, but with Keightley’s name on the back. A very classy tribute for an all-time Wildcat legend.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Where is Rob?

December 3rd: On this date...

... in 2006, your University of Kentucky Wildcats accepted its first bowl bid in seven years after they were invited to the 2006 Music City Bowl in Nashville, TN. The seven year bowl drought, along with the fact Nashville is a morning drive away for most people, all but guaranteed Big Blue Nation would come out in full force for the December 29th showdown with Clemson. Big Blue finished the season on a strong note, after getting blasted by LSU 49-0 in Baton Rouge, winning four of their final five games. Those four wins gave UK a 7-5 overall record, and a 4-4 mark in the toughest division in college football. That record was good enough for a third place SEC East finish, but still not good enough to beat Tennessee or Florida. It was good enough, though, to beat any trash coming over from the ACC.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Because The Driver Gets More Distance?

Something tells me Tiger's gonna have a few less friends on Tour this year.

Jesper Parnevik, the Swede golfer who set Tiger up with his current wife, has a few things to get off his chest. When asked about Tiger-Gate recently, this was his reply:

"Maybe not just do it, like Nike says,"... "I would be especially sad about it since I'm kind of -- I feel really sorry for Elin -- since me and my wife were at fault for hooking her up with him," Parnevik said. "We probably thought he was a better guy than he is. I would probably need to apologize to her and hope she uses a driver next time instead of the 3-iron."

Boom. Roasted.

AOL FanHouse

December 2nd: On this date...

... in 1972, Kentucky great Joe B. Hall coached his first game as the head basketball coach for the University. The #8 Wildcats faced Michigan State at Jenison Fieldhouse in East Lansing, with the good guys winning 75-66. Jim Andrews led the way for UK, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The honeymoon was over after game one, though, as Hall lost his next three games. I’m going to go out on a limb and say the rabid Kentucky fan base took these three losses with a grain of salt and moved on with their lives. What, you don’t think that’s how it went down? Joe B and kids rebounded nicely and ended the season 20-8, including a 10-game win streak from February-March. The last loss of the season was Regional Finals loss to Indiana. Hall went on to coach 13 seasons at the University and compiled 297 wins, losing only 100.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.07 - UNC Asheville

John Wall's left-handed "Kiss The Rim" was easily the second best highlight of the night.

What tops that, you ask?

The near universe-shaking Hood-to-Krebs fast break ally attempt. Just the attempt is enough for me to be the top highlight o' the night! If they throw that down, then turn around to John Wall and throw a DX "Suck It", it's the best moment in the history of Kentucky basketball. That's inarguable. It's physics.

December 1st: On this date...

... in 1950, your University of Kentucky Wildcats played their first basketball game in Memorial Coliseum, beating West Texas State. Bill Spivey led the Cats that day with 18 points, hitting seven field goals and making four free throws. The official attendance was 8,000 to see Adolph Rupp usher in what would become an overwhelmingly difficult place to play for Kentucky opponents. The Wildcats hold an all-time winning percentage of (.890) in Memorial, with a 307-38 record. The most recent win coming in the Spring of 2009 as there was a conflict between Kentucky’s NIT game vs. UNLV and the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen. It was a raucous atmosphere, as the tickets were given out in a first come-first served basis, virtually guaranteeing no one sleeping during the game, like most Rupp Arena crowds. Memorial Coliseum cost $3.9 million to build, roughly equivalent to how much John Calipari makes per win.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach