How I Know Its Basketball Season

by BigSkyCat on Oct 7, 2009 4:19 PM EDT Comment 29 comments

I am a creature of the senses. So, without looking at a calendar (because that's just plain boring!), and since I also don't currently have the benefit that the majority of you have of living in the unbelievably exciting environment of the bluegrass, where reminders of the season are EVERYWHERE -- I rely on my senses to alert me that the seemingly endless wait for basketball season is almost over.

When I say that I am a creature of the senses, I mean, of course, that in addition to using the typical sense of sight to define things, maybe more importantly and more invigorating there are distinct sounds, tastes and smells that remind me of certain seasons or particular events in my life. I'm sure this is the same for most of you, too. You know, I'm sure that hearing certain music, eating certain foods, tasting certain drinks and smelling certain aromas can, on occasion, instantly transport you to a specific time or event. For example, perhaps hearing a familiar song takes you back to your wedding day, or the aroma of a certain food takes you back to your most favorite vacation or holiday, or likewise, the smell of chlorine and the taste of gin and tonics and refreshing fruity umbrella-like drinks may remind you of summer.

The other evening, it was a bit chilly around these parts, so I decided to pour myself a lovely Maker's Mark for a warm-up as bourbon is my typical go-to drink in the fall and let me tell you, in one sniff, and in one incredibly delicious sip, I was instantly transported to the memory of basketball season. I could envision seeing the players on the floor, I could see the UK blue-and-white surrounded by fans, the lights, the scoreboard, the ball being passed down the court, I could recall the high of a remarkable win, or the moment of sadness after a loss -- all of it. All the memories that previous basketball seasons have given me were instantly brought to my mind with that one smell and that one taste, and it was wonderful.

For some of you there might be different reminders that basketball season is right around the corner, maybe you are a huge MLB baseball fan and the play-offs send a signal to your brain that it's almost time for some hoops, but for me, the taste of mouth-watering bourbon, the feel of cooler weather (I'm not a football enthusiast, so I instinctively think of basketball season once the cooler weather hits), the desire to go out, buy, and wear all the latest absolutely beautiful fall clothing, the sight of Halloween costumes, the sound of children trick-or-treating, and the feel of simply sitting around a fire on a frosty day are just a few of the unmistakable sights, sounds, feelings and smells that let me know that basketball season is almost here.

To say that I am excited for basketball season is a given, a no-brainer, really, as it is that way for me every year, and every year I totally plan our lives around the season making sure we are able to see each and every game, but considering all that we have on deck for this upcoming season (just a few of those reasons are pictured at left) it would seem that this particular season has the potential to be extremely wonderful and will hopefully be able to provide us all with some lovely lasting memories, perhaps even brought on by one of the senses.

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Living here in the Bluegrass

I guess my sense of sight takes hold and hits the ground running. I am so thankful to see blue most anywhere I go. It can be a restaurant, a mall, or a day out for a drive and spotting all the UK pride that our glorious fans love to display.

First, football starts. The weather turns cooler and the tents start encompassing Memorial. Yesterday I found my copy of Renaissance Blue. I was so happy. It has to be soon now. Soon I will cheer my team in a game and be so hyped up afterwards that I can hardly manage to sleep. I know that basketball season is nigh. And if I listen really, really hard, I can hear the squeaks of rubber soles on the hardwood. I just love that sound.
:-)

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Oct 7, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

a2,

you are right on the money about the sound of the shoes on the hardwood. All the new shoes are great, I suppose, but none of them makes the same sound as a brand-new pair of Converse All-Stars. The soft swish of a rimless, “nothing-but-net” shot is pretty good too, but the squeak of a hard cut in a new pair of “Chucks” is music to this old guy’s ears.

No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!

by oldcat'69 on Oct 7, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know oldcat'69

Chuck Taylor’s make a beautiful sound. Of course the sound of a dribbled ball is nice, but I have always been partial to the squeaks. I think the swish of a nothing-but-net shot is right behind the squeaks. :-)

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Oct 7, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am trying to figure out why there must be an off season....

because frankly, I am thinking its just a few months between games……no off season for me……lol……besides…..since the web came into existence, April to Oct is simply time for studying what to do at the next tip-off…..lol…..learn your opponent…..his strengths, his weaknesses, find out at what point a time-out can be called to disrupt him the most……learn what the freshmen need to do to contribute…..lots of things to learn…and time to practice free throws…..and layups…..and reverse one-handed dunks….and alley-oops…..and then there are new unis to work on…..(we got to design something better for next year folks)……oh, and summing up new recruits…..

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Oct 7, 2009 6:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Basketball has been here year round!

Yout got it year round since last season. First we got the ’didn’t fit’, then what really means its a contract, then we had major sports reporters questioning why we would go after a guy who had lost one NCAA Final appearance and ended up losing another. and then we wallowed in misery with Memphis, Worldwide Wesley, who took who’s test. They we have the imfamous tree cut down. Then every national story about Tricky Ricky and his dining habits mentioned he was a former coach at Lexington.
Kentucky hasn’t been out of the spotlight since before Billy ran away for reporters, no sorry, since they failed to get into the Big Dance.
Basketball never has spend a week off the front pages of ssports sites this year..

by ParisGuy on Oct 7, 2009 9:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And it certainly is right for you to do so

And that’s the way it should be. Any thing short of Erin Andrews that can get grown men getting a ‘Jones" should fill his time night and day.
I’ll just continue to follow the perils of playing football in the SEC and get hack to you all on how we’re doing.

by ParisGuy on Oct 7, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never fear ...

… we won’t stop covering football. Not by a long shot.

We can walk and chew gum around here. :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Oct 8, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Walk and chew gum -- Speak for yourself, Tru :)

by Ken Howlett on Oct 8, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

very nice post, bsc

I am so with you. I also think of myself as a “creature of the senses,” which is a nice way of putting that. That certain crisp smell of the air in the early evening that only happens in early fall…yup, that means basketball season approaches. The start of football, while not something I look forward to for its own sake, is also one of the big basketball-is-coming-again-Hooray cues. Ditto the baseball playoffs. And the placing of strappy sandals in the back of the closet, and the fishing out of the knee boots. A bloody mary starts sounding better than a pina colada.

I’m so glad basketball season is in the fall/winter. Although all seasons have their charms, summer is my sentimental favorite. So at the end of the season in March (with any luck it won’t be until April this year!!), I’m happy because I’m looking forward to days at the pool, having a tan, sundresses and sunglasses, grilling out and having beers on the deck…and then when summer ends and fall comes, I’m happy because I’m looking forward to college basketball again. It’s a win-win!

by blue kentucky girl on Oct 7, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I so agree with your last paragraph!

I like cold until Christmas, then once it’s over, I ’m ready for spring. Basketball season helps me get through the bare trees, bitter cold, brown grass and nights that start at 5pm. Once that “fall scent” is in the air, I know bball season is on its way!

by uk1982 on Oct 8, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks BSC for reminding me of how my heart is being pulled back to Lexington . . .

This time of year, Murray, KY likes its football, but I love UK BASKETBALL. This last year, you may remember, Tymber, my Elkhound/Chow mix died. Tymber showed she loved UK basketball by rising and barking as I screamed at the TV. This year I need to introduce you to Charlie. He is a two year old “Boxet” (Boxer/Whippet mix). Charlie has not yet experienced our family’s brand of UK basketball fandom, but he will. Where Tymber was a Power Forward in build, Charlie is definately a speedy wing player.

Now that the season is approaching, I am beginning to see signs of Charlie’s puppy-like enthusiasm. Why just the other day he shreaded up the Louisville Courier Journal. Probably too much news about the Cards. The hot chocolate (sorry tea toater here) and spiced tea will smell up the house. Maybe a pumpkin pie will be in the oven. A fire in the fireplace. To me it is the smells of the season that alert my senses tthat it is time for UK basketball.

I grew up with the sounds of Caywood, but I really feel a new tradition is beginning. I wonder what it will look, sound, smell and taste like?

by Blueobsessed on Oct 8, 2009 6:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is great stuff..

Sitting at my desk being rushed backward in time to those days as a boy growing up in a small east Tennessee town..where I laid in bed many nights with a tiny pink transistor radio..spinning the dial hoping to catch the faint muffled sounds that meant Caywood and the Cats were about to bring another opponent to their knees…sneaking into the Unicoi County High School gym on weekends to practice my 25-footer hour after hour so that I could “fill it up” like Louie Dampier…thanks for the nudge that sent me hurdling down memory lane..

by BlueOrion on Oct 8, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I miss living in Lex

I liked driving down Fontaine (what Euclid becomes after passing Chevy Chase) during the first few fall days when they trees one the sides of the street (young maples, I believe) all turn bright yellow at the same time. It’s a very beautiful picturesque sight if you ever get to see it.

That’s what it reminds me that basketball season is fast approaching. This coupled with the frequent posting of “UK sucks” or “Kentucky is overrated every year, and this year is no different” on many an ESPN message board by nervous SEC and ACC fanboys. These things let me know that basketball season will soon be here to rain down losses upon those who play us and make those fanboys eat their words.

by BlowOutYourBlood on Oct 8, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hehe.

Embrace. The. Hate!

I love reading those comments. They just make me laugh, and I have a feeling we’ll be making those posting them cry. :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Oct 8, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Been there and seen and smelled the season. Old Lexington is just majestic.

Go Big Blue!

by Blueobsessed on Oct 8, 2009 7:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's That Ends In A "Y"

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…

by FortyYearCatFan on Oct 8, 2009 8:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great post BSC

by Ken Howlett on Oct 8, 2009 8:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BB Season In Tropics

Residing in Panama where there are virtually no season changes makes it a bit difficult to anticipate and embrace the coming roundball season. I read BSC’s piece while relaxing in Le Bon Cafe across from Parque Llevar in Medellin, Colombia. Trying to capture the mood was a chore but shortly after completing ASoB, lo and behold what should appear but a jogger wearing a UK cap, noticing my own blue cap with the large white K he stopped and immediately brought up Calipari and the upcoming season. Not surprising it happens often in my travels around the world. Point is UK BB is perennial and global.

"The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."
—Thomas Jefferson

by Wild Weasel on Oct 8, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I love that story WW

I have tried to tell a few outsiders that you don’t have to be in KY to talk UK with a perfect stranger. I know it :-)

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Oct 8, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're in Medellin, Colombia?!

Are you a drug kingpin? Kidding : ) That’s a great story.

by blue kentucky girl on Oct 8, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pablo Escobar, AKA Wild Weasel

Actually, of course, Pablo has joined the great drug cartel at another level – lower I presume – but cocaine still has its place although not as open. Medellin is a fantastic city of 4 million and great entertainment with equally grand weather and quite inexpensive. I would encourage a visit. Just returned from a visit to a local watering hole owned by a ‘Cock alum and FB player. He’s been here for a dozen years and doesn’t keep up with sports so no game talk. Makes a great Mojito Cubano though.

"The principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale."
—Thomas Jefferson

by Wild Weasel on Oct 8, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mmm,

Mojito’s. Now there’s a drink that totally makes me think of summer! I absolutely adore mint (and even grow it on occasion in my herb garden). So refreshing!!

Wild Weasel, you are quite possibly “the most interesting man in the world”. Sorry, I totally couldn’t resist. : ) I don’t personally drink Dos Equis, but I just love those commercials, and you and your incredibly interesting stories fit the bill for that campaign slogan rather nicely. : )

by BigSkyCat on Oct 9, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love Dos Equis.

We have a Mexican restaurant here in J-town that serves the most awesome chiles rellenos poblanos that I have had anywhere, and they also serve 45oz Dos Equis on tap. I dearly love that place.

I have been many places in my life, but never South America. I don’t know why, really, I would love to go there. Every time I think of Colombia, I think of Romancing the Stone, and Michael Douglas turning to Kathleen Turner and saying, “This has turned out to be one hell of a morning!” :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Oct 9, 2009 7:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ww IS very interesting!

While bsc is seeing the guy in the Dos Equis commercials, I keep thinking of the character Will Ferrell played in that SNL skit…you know, “Do you like luxury?”

mmmm…mojitos

by blue kentucky girl on Oct 9, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

very interesting indeed,....

and he is always finding great links to share with us too :-)

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Oct 9, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The 2 Best Kinds Of South American Beer

Cervesa fria y gratis.

I’ve been to Venezuela, Ecuador, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Of those, I liked Chile best and Argentina second.

by FortyYearCatFan on Oct 9, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great Forty,

but where do they serve those cold and free ones???….lol

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Oct 9, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, ya'll! : )

Wow. What great comments! Just lovely.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts; they were a pleasure to read. : )

by BigSkyCat on Oct 8, 2009 9:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I usually know it's basketball season

because as the football team starts crumbling I have to tell myself, “At least it’s almost basketball season.”

This year is a little different, though; we have winable football games at the end of the season, and my anticipation of basketball began as ‘Calipari leaving Memphis’ rumors began. In fact, this has been the longest summer of my life awaiting basketball.

by tyler cottrell on Oct 12, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs