Kentucky Wildcats Quickies: Big Blue Madness Edition

It’s finally here.

Big Blue Madness, on paper, sounds like nothing more than a glorified practice that would draw a few thousand fans at most schools.

But in Kentucky, UK’s version of midnight madness is a tradition seemingly as old as the legendary program is christens in every season. It’s also the biggest recruiting event of the year, not to mention the first look we get of the new men’s and women’s hoops Cats.

Oh, and it means college basketball is back in our lives.

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Your Quickies

Calipari predicts Kentucky will be special defensively | Lexington Herald-Leader
“I would say we are going to be a mauling, helping, rotating, shot-blocking team. ... On offense, a team that tries to score within three seconds. ... I’m going to be disappointed in February if this isn’t the best defensive team (he’s had at Kentucky).”

Cal doesn’t expect best version of Wildcats until at least February | KyForward.com
A year ago, it was Tyler Ulis who steered the Kentucky offense. This year, multiple players — Fox, Monk and Isaiah Briscoe and Dominique Hawkins — will share the ball handling duties, giving Calipari more options in the backcourt and on the perimeter.

Power, effort a ‘personal thing’ for Bam Adebayo kykernel.com
“It came from my mom’s struggle. It’s a personal thing for me. It’s not I just do it because they want me to do it,” Adebayo said. “It’s more so a personal thing because if you’re a male around our age, you don’t want to see your mom struggle. I don’t ever want to see my mom struggle any more.”

Some question perimeter shooting, but Cal says too early to tell | Lexington Herald-Leader
Kentucky Coach John Calipari was not prepared at media day Thursday to judge his team’s shooting ability. It’s been called into question. Calipari said it could be a problem, but this might also be his best-shooting team.

Interactive Light Show at #BBM16 Presented by Papa John’s | UK Athletics
This year’s Big Blue Madness will feature an interactive light show originating from fans’ mobile devices. To participate, fans should download the Kentucky Wildcats Gameday app.

Calipari would be disappointed if UK won a national title but no one got drafted - 247
"Generational poverty, most of us don't know what that means," Calipari said. "But these kids, not all of them, but a lot of them, this is the opportunity for their family, and I don't take it lightly."

Justus will be Calipari’s representative with young recruits | Lexington Herald-Leader
John Calipari elevated Joel Justus to a full assistant coach last month, meaning he will be one of UK’s main recruiters. Justus talked Thursday about his new role at Kentucky, identifying young prospects and keeping tabs on them for possible scholarship offers from Wildcats down the road.

UK Sports Network to air ‘Before the Madness’ special - CoachCal.com
In addition to the show, JMI Sports will live stream UK’s behind-the-scenes, VIP “Blue Carpet” entrance from 6-7 p.m. on UKathletics.com. Fans will be able to watch live as former and current players, coaches and staff, and special guests enter Rupp Arena for Big Blue Madness.

Lexington kid making an early run at SNL career | Kentucky Sports Radio
Jacob Ernst is a 14-year-old drama major in Lafayette High School's SCAPA program and he's trying to get a head start on his competition for a spot on Saturday Night Live.

Anonymous thoughts on Big Blue Madness - CatsIllustrated.com
Cats Illustrated contacted several parents that at one point attended Big Blue Madness. Most were positive, some not so much.

LSU Tigers, Florida Gators agree to Nov. 19 makeup game - ESPN
LSU and Florida will make up their SEC football clash that was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew; the teams have agreed to meet Nov. 19 in Baton Rouge instead of Gainesville.

LSU vs. Florida: Winner is common sense - SDS
The result is after a week of shouting, screaming and finger-pointing, LSU and Florida have settled their differences and rescheduled their football game. This was a mess. An absolutely avoidable mess, too.

Saturdays have terrible early games. Here's why we love them - SBNation.com
Give us your best story from a college football nooner, 11 a.m. CT kickoff, or what have you.

The latest Rogue One trailer: a breakdown of all its hidden clues - The Verge
Rogue One already has a teaser and a regular trailer, but the latest (and apparently final) trailer contains a lot of additional new footage.