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Former teammate of Malik Monk eager to face UK with Abilene Christian

Here's what to know about Kentucky basketball's first NCAA Tournament opponent, Abilene Christian. Brittney Jackson, Wochit

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When Abilene Christian takes the court for its first NCAA Tournament game Thursday, at least one player from the No. 15 seed will bring some familiarity with the challenge at hand.

Senior guard Jaylen Franklin is no stranger to the hype and hoopla that comes with Kentucky basketball.

He saw it up close two years ago while following the program when Malik Monk, his former teammate with the AAU Arkansas Wings, spent one season in Lexington.

“I learned that it’s a great program, great coaching staff, great players that come through there, five-star recruits, McDonald’s All-Americans,” Franklin said Wednesday.