Thursday 28th March 2024,
The Hoop Doctors

UK Midnight Madness: Rupp Arena Lightshow, MC Hammer, and Noel Gets Dunked On

When it comes to virtually everything involving the Kentucky Wildcats’ prestigious basketball program, it would be an understaitement to say that Big Blue Nation does everything big.

That’s especially the case when it comes to their annual Big Blue Madness that signifies the beginning of the hoops season as the event usually features something spectacular involving player introductions, musical performances, or special guest stars.

Fresh off winning the 2012 NCAA Tournament and losing all 5 starters to the NBA Draft, Coach Cal brings in yet another high rated recruiting class led by #1 overall recruit Nerlens Noel.

Despite not fully cleared by the NCAA, Noel made his first appearance in a Wildcats uniform with the now famous “UK” still shaved into the back of his head, along with showing off his trademark flattop hairstyle.

While Noel had arguably the biggest cheers during player introductions and had some brilliant moments during the blue-white scrimmage, it was some of his fellow incoming recruits like Willie Cauley-Stein, Ryan Harrow, and 2nd year forward Kyle Wiltjers that had the most memorable moments of BBM.

After a dazzling light show projected onto the 94 foot Rupp Arena floor, and the always entertaining dance off during player intros, and an MC Hammer themed performance by womens coach Mathew Mitchell, they got down to the real action in the scrimmage.

Incoming NC State transfer at PG, Ryan Harrow, showed his support for Noel by also sporting a flattop in addition to a bulked up frame plus some deft ball-handling and highlight reel dunks before Cauley-Stein pulled off the highlight of the night by dunking on fellow incoming 7 footer Nerlens Noel, making the flashbulbs pop………

Willie Cauley-Stein Dunks On Nerlens Noel At BBM:

UK Women’s Coach Matt Mitchell As MC Hammer:

UK’s Dazzling Light Show On Rupp Arena Floor:

Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.  Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.

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