FanPost

Kentucky Basketball is New York Yankees of College Basketball

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

This guest post is courtesy of Samuel Goldman of The Hardwood Nation.

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Why do so many people hate the New York Yankees Baseball team?

Is it because they win it all almost every year? Could it be because they spend so much money every year? Or is it because they almost consistently assemble dream teams?

Many of those same questions could apply to the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program. The questions aren’t the only thing the two teams have in common. They both wear Blue and they’re both hated by their non-fans. I think it’s fair to call the Wildcats the Yankees of College Basketball.

Do you agree? I only watch college hoops in March and I couldn’t wait to watch the undefeated Wildcats. My desire for an upset was quickly replaced by admiration. How could players my age or younger be so good? Their ability to completely manipulate the game reminded me of a video game. I’ve had similar thoughts during Yankee games.

Baseball was my favorite sport growing up and my favorite matchup was the Yankees vs. Red Sox. Watching Kentucky pull off a fast break alleyoop reminded me of the feeling, I used to get when I would watch A-Rod murder a pitch. Calipari’s demeanor on the sideline reminded me a little bit of Joe Tore.

Who could forget the John Wall dance? Who could forget the Yankees fan falling asleep behind home plate? The two teams have off-field similarities as well. Kentucky Basketball and the New York Yankees are both extremely valuable global brands. The Yankees are arguably the most popular sports team on the planet.

The Wildcats UK logo is instantly recognizable and extremely popular. If you still don’t believe that the Yankees and Wild Cats have a lot in common compare their championship pedigree. I mentioned earlier in the story that Wild Cats and the Yankees have both dominated their respective sports.

The Yankees own 27 championships. Kentucky’s 8 championships justify the Yankees of College Basketball nickname. Every evil sports empire possesses the ability to reload talent immediately. What Calipari is doing appears to be working. The Wildcats' ability to consistently build one-and-done dream teams rivals the Yankees front office. Now that’s impressive can you imagine how talented the wildcats would be if they were allowed to spend money?

I can and I think the results would be mind blowing. I heard March Madness commentators claim that the 2014-2015 Kentucky Wildcats couldn’t beat the Sixers. Their comments didn’t surprise me because everyone hates an empire. The New York Yankees have been attracting hate for centuries.

They embraced it and so should the Wildcats. The N Y logo doesn’t symbolize New York it symbolizes success. In my mind the U K logo has a similar meaning. How many schools have won eight championships? How many schools consistently assemble rosters featuring some of the best players in the country?

How many schools are hated by the rest of the country? Many of the same questions could apply to the New York Yankees Baseball team. I guess that makes the Kentucky Wildcats the New York Yankees of college basketball. You can hate both teams. But at the end of the day they will always remain successful and relevant.