Beat the Monday blues with a nice dose of Kentucky news
Big Blue Nation never sleeps, and this week delivered a barrage of headlines that kept fans buzzing. From a legendary rival’s words to a long-awaited arrival and even a fresh ticketing controversy, here’s your essential Kentucky sports briefing.
Pitino tips his hat
Old rival Rick Pitino, never shy with a microphone, offered rare praise for his former program on a podcast. He called Kentucky the “Roman Empire of college basketball” and lauded Mark Pope as one of the game’s brightest young coaches. Coming from a Hall of Famer who once roamed Rupp’s sidelines, that’s no small compliment.
The big man arrives from Croatia
Seven-foot Croatian center Andrija Jelavić has finally touched down in Lexington. After months of anticipation, the newest Wildcat made his public debut alongside Pope at the Cincinnati Open, signaling the last piece of the 2025–26 roster puzzle is now in place.
Ticket trouble
Not all news was cause for celebration. Fans felt the sting as UK Athletics announced new basketball ticket policies. For the first time, every seat in Rupp Arena—even the nosebleeds—will now require a K-Fund donation. The school pointed to athlete revenue sharing as the driving force, but for many fans, the price hike cut deep.
Pope’s “41” philosophy
Pope also delivered an inspiring message, using “40” as a symbol of hardship—Noah’s flood, Israel’s wandering, Jesus’s desert trials. His motto: “When you get to 40, don’t quit, man. Get to 41.” It’s a rallying cry for perseverance that’s sure to echo in the locker room.
Recruiting fireworks coming
Circle October 3–5. That weekend brings official visits from five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. and Christian Collins, the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect. Expect Lexington to be buzzing.
From Pitino’s surprising words to Pope’s powerful vision, the news cycle proved once again: BBN never slows down.