Tonight was not fun. But this season surely was. After more than 5 years of inept basketball from the greatest program in the nation, it was truly a joy to watch a fellow alumnus, a classmate of mine, and a Wildcat captain lead our school back to prominence on and off the court. I am proud of the amazing season without returning one single point from last season. I am amazed at the second most threes made by a Wildcat team in a season for a school that has been known for long range shooting since the late 80’s. And, I’m dumbfounded by the record tying 8 wins against top 15 teams in the toughest conference in the country, including that big one against that team from Durham, North Carolina. The future is already looking very bright for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball program. We have already signed arguably one of the best young transfers in Kam Williams, we have some great building blocks that will likely return, we are in the running for several top recruits, and the word is out… Kentucky is back.

As the final buzzer sounded tonight, the mood was understandably somber. The season may not have ended with the ultimate goal, but this year’s Kentucky Wildcats basketball team has unquestionably reignited the passion and pride that once defined this storied program. After over five years of underperformance, it was nothing short of a revelation to see the Wildcats return to the top of the college basketball world, with a season full of thrilling moments, stunning victories, and most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose.

There are few things more thrilling for fans than watching their alma mater succeed, and this season, that thrill was amplified by the leadership of a fellow alumnus. A Wildcat captain, who once walked the same campus as many of us, has helped guide this team back to national prominence. His leadership both on and off the court has been a beacon for this Wildcats squad, who had to rebuild from the ground up after losing every point from last season’s roster.

The resilience shown by this team is nothing short of remarkable. The Wildcats finished this season with an impressive record, setting the stage for an exciting future. Despite starting fresh without a single returning point from the previous year, the Wildcats not only remained competitive, but they thrived in the most challenging conference in the country—the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This accomplishment, after years of frustration and missed opportunities, has brought a sense of hope back to Big Blue Nation.

One of the highlights of this season was Kentucky’s shooting, a hallmark of the program since the late 1980s. This year’s team finished second in all-time threes made in a season, an impressive feat for a program historically known for its long-range shooting prowess. The Wildcats embraced the modern style of play, shifting to a more perimeter-oriented offense. The balance of sharp shooting combined with a high-paced game plan has been a thrilling aspect of their transformation.

However, the most jaw-dropping statistic came in the form of the Wildcats’ performance against top-tier competition. The team tied the school record with eight wins against top-15 ranked teams in the nation. To put that in perspective, these victories came in the SEC, which is widely regarded as the most challenging conference in college basketball. Among these top-tier wins was a statement victory against a traditional powerhouse from Durham, North Carolina. That win alone spoke volumes about how far this team had come and how far they could go in the future.

Looking forward, the future is already shining bright for the Wildcats. Kentucky has already secured a commitment from one of the best young transfers in the nation, Kam Williams. His addition to the roster brings another layer of talent and depth to an already promising squad. Additionally, the Wildcats have several key building blocks returning next season, setting the stage for even greater success. Kentucky is also in the running for several top recruits, which further suggests that the program is on the right track to compete for national championships in the coming years.

The word is out, and it’s clear: Kentucky basketball is back. After years of rebuilding and uncertainty, the Wildcats have re-established their place among the elite programs in college basketball. This season was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting era for the Wildcats, one filled with hope, pride, and championship aspirations. Fans can be proud of what the team has accomplished, and the future is nothing but bright for Big Blue Nation.