Cats Double Up Drexel, Remain Perfect

Cal's Cats put a bruising on his former assistant, as Head Coach Bruiser Flint and his Drexel Dragons left Lexington as the 2000th victim of Kentucky's vaunted, historic Wildcat basketball program. The final was 88-44....and it seems odd to say, but it wasn't even that close.

UK turned up the defense tonight, in a way that has to strike fear in its future opponents. I don't want to get too carried away with this 12-0 start, but seriously, if these Wildcats start checking teams consistently the way they held Drexel to 20 at the half tonight....well, they're going to be on their way to the next millennium's worth of victories in very short order.

Let's not forget, the last time a Kentucky team started a season with 12 straight W's, it reached the Final Four (losing to *ugh* Georgetown in Seattle, 1984.) UK held Drexel under 30% from the field in the opening frame, and looked like they could have named the final score tonight.

Rather than rhapsodize about Cousins' 18 and 13 on the game (in only 14 minutes, natch), or about J. Wall's behind the back, Globetrotteresque layup, I'd rather spit a few words about the whole game scene and the after-party.

Coming across the TV signal this evening, the overall atmosphere just seemed 2000% electric at Rupp. One of those games where you really wish you could have been there-- and 25 years from now, about a million people will undoubtedly claim that they were. You had Jamal Mashburn calling the game for the worldwide leader, you had interviews with Sky Walker, and Joe B., and this grown-up kid's idol, Kyle Macy.

The confetti. The streamers. Herky Freakin' Rupp. Richie Farmer's beard.

Man, what a production.

And as usual, Calipari nails the interview, staying humble about this team, and yet showing the pride that he has to have with their progress in these first dozen games. Of course a mention of Mr. Wildcat was in order, and handled perfectly, and just basically the school and the marketing people did everything right in celebrating this milestone. (See above t-shirts handed out to the team as the clock wound down, and already available for sale online. Great Christmas gift. I'm a large.)

Was it all a little crass, a smidge over the top? Maybe. But hey, it is a significant and wholly legitimate accomplishment for the University and the Commonwealth. For the fans. For all the former players and coaches. 2000 wins, man. Like Joe B. said...that's 20 a year for a CENTURY.

Worth celebrating, I say. And 'tis the season to celebrate.