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UK’s Madness theme: Basketball excellence past, present and future

Big Blue Madness this year could be likened to Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Kentucky celebrated Basketball Past, Basketball Present and Basketball Future.

Players representing UK’s first three national championship teams (1948, 1949 and 1951) took a bow at center court during Friday night’s festivities. Future championships, perhaps as soon as next spring, were understood if not boldly proclaimed.

As has been customary since he became UK coach in 2009, John Calipari served as ringmaster.

Calipari began his semi-annual State of the (Big Blue) Nation speech by reflecting on his upcoming 10th season as Kentucky coach.