One of the greatest traditions in all of college basketball returns Friday night when the Kentucky men's and women's basketball teams kick off their annual 'Big Blue Madness' event inside the Mecca of college basketball, Rupp Arena.
The primetime fan entertainment night is a major recruiting event for the teams on top of introducing their new team to its most loyal fans. Each October this night officially begins the basketball season and gets fans in-tune for what's to come throughout the following 5 months.
The event will consist of these top recruiting targets for the men's basketball team, per Jack Pilgrim of KSR.
DJ Wagner: Five-star and No. 1 ranked combo guard in the class of 2023. Ranked No. 1 overall in the class.
Aaron Bradshaw: Five-star and No. 2 ranked center in the class of 2023. Ranked No. 6 overall in the class.
Justin Edwards: Five-star and No.1 ranked small forward in the class of 2023. Ranked No. 2 overall in the class. Has already committed to Kentucky.
Reed Sheppard: Four-star and No. 9 ranked combo guard from the class of 2023. Ranked No. 29 overall in the class. Top ranked player from the state of Kentucky (No. 1) in '23 (North Laurel). Has already committed to Kentucky.
Ian Jackson: Five-star and No. 2 ranked combo guard in the class of 2024. Ranked No. 2 overall in the class.
Karter Knox: Five-star and No. 2 ranked small forward in the class of 2024. Ranked No. 5 overall in the class. Also the younger brother of Kevin Knox.
Airious Bailey: Five-star and No. 3 ranked small forward in the class of 2024 Ranked No. 6 overall in the class.
Travis Perry: Four-star and No. 13 ranked point guard in the class of 2024. Ranked No. 85 overall in the class. Top ranked player from the state of Kentucky (No. 1) in '24 (Lyon County)
Jasper Johnson: Four-star and No. 5 ranked combo guard in the class of 2025. Ranked No. 33 overall in the class. Top ranked player from the state of Kentucky (No. 1) in '25 (Woodford County).
*All of these rankings were provided by 247 Sports.
It sure will be a packed night of fans, former players, current players, and maybe even some future players (definitely in Reed Sheppard, Justin Edwards, and DJ Wagner) while the two basketball teams get up a light scrimmage, a few drill-led contests, and an introduction from the current rosters.
Personally, there's no other event of the year that reminds me of exactly why I am a fan of this program, why I live and die by what these teams do throughout the season, and where my source of happiness sparks from most of the calendar year. I always tell people, being a Kentucky fan isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle, and this event brings out the best of those people who treat it as a lifestyle.
While over the last few years the event may have gotten "stale" to some people, for me all I have to see is the introduction hype video and I'm already locked back in and ready to run through a wall. Seeing the little boys and girls with eyes as big as ever just in complete awe of our team just like I was at their age, that's all I need. This night shouldn't be taken serious in the least bit and should purely be for the form of enjoyment and entertainment. I absolutely cannot wait for Big Blue Madness each year and you bet I will see you there on Friday night.