I’m A UK FAN NOW
Since immigrating to Louisville, in the mid-80s I was a committed University of Louisville basketball fan. I was on every message board reading every comment and occasionally voicing my dismay at choices made by the athletics department. For those of you reading who have known me for many years you know that I bled red for decades and my loyalty was unwavering to the city that had welcomed me years ago was strong.
After Tom Jurich was fired my loyalty to UL crumbled and when I met my pretty, a lifelong University of Kentucky basketball fan, everything changed. I attended my first UK game in February at Rupp Arena. Not only was it my first game it was my first time in the iconic Rupp Arena. This experience was nothing short of life-changing. The atmosphere was electrifying. For a few months, I kept hearing “Free Z” referring to Zvonimir Ivisic’s status with the NCAA. Just as we were leaving for Lexington it was announced that Zvonimir was declared free and clear to play by the NCAA.
We were sitting in the lower arena with a great view of the bench and the entire game. Zvonimir's Kentucky debut was memorable as he had a few blocks and four 3-pointers! There was a camaraderie among fans that I had never experienced before at UL games. I immediately felt a new level of appreciation for BBN.
Fast forward to April after following UK and the drama with Calipari for months. When it was announced that Mark Pope was going to be the new head coach of UK basketball and his press conference was going to be opened to the public I knew my pretty lady would want to go.
We met our BFF’s from northern Kentucky for pizza a Smashing Tomatoes and then headed on to Rupp. I was shocked by the number of people outside waiting for the doors to open. My anticipation was building up as we stood in line for thirty minutes, surrounded by passionate fans.
Stepping inside Rupp, I was blown away. The atmosphere was even more electrifying than the game we attended in January. This press conference It wasn't just any UK event, it was a testament to the community's love for basketball and their high hopes for Coach Pope's tenure. Seeing my pretty lady excited for UK basketball again made me really happy. It was evident she was ready for a change as well as all of BBN.
On a very personal note, I have really enjoyed seeing Coach Pitino back in the spotlight in a positive way. He seems genuinely happy for Mark Pope and I can see him getting a lot of cheers when he returns to Rupp Arena to play UK. I was a casual observer of UK basketball and now I’m a full-blown UK fan. I will be supporting this team with all the vigor of a lifelong fan!
