Dick Vitale’s enthusiasm for college basketball cannot be stopped. Days after announcing his lymphoma diagnosis, Dickie V is forging ahead with his college hoops coverage, releasing his preseason Top 40 rankings for ESPN this morning. Your University of Kentucky Wildcats are No. 12, one spot behind Duke, the Cats’ first opponent, and two spots behind Alabama.
Big Blue Nation had a shocking, disappointing campaign a year ago. This will be a different year as outside shooting has improved and John Calipari added several experienced transfers. CJ Fredrick comes in from Iowa, though he is coming off an injury.