UK sets stage for Big Blue Madness with a buzzing Media Day

I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I have spent most of my day since getting home from work catching up on what I missed at UK Media Day today. There is more information out there than I could ever sift through in one evening, but I’m doing what I can to comb through it, all the while with a goofy smile on my face.

Let’s take a quick look at some of hot spots for good info that I have run across:

-John Clay’s Blog – Our friend John Clay has been updating his blog all day long with great videos. Clay spoke with most of the UK players and has posted interviews with them. If you are like me and you didn’t get to go to Media Day, this is probably the next best thing.

-UKAthletics.com – Here you can find transcipt of quotes from each UK player, video interviews with the 5 projected starters, and a video of Coach Cal’s media session.

-USA Today – Ed Reinke talks about the high expectations for the team and how they are facing them.

-Jerry Tipton writes about the Big Blue Madness show promised ‘Cats fans by Coach Cal at Media Day.

And a show it will be. I don’t think every Big Blue Madness is going to be like tomorrow, but this one is going to be fun, and I’m not sure if anything would surprise me.

Coach Cal has talked about famous performers, guest coaches, dunk contests, and special videotaped messages, so there’s plenty to look forward to. Regarding the performers and guest coaches, some word has emerged today regarding who could fit the bill. According to Larry Vaught, Rajon Rondo and Tayshaun Prince are candidates for those guest coaching roles. Also, Vaught puts in print the name that has been widely rumored to be the performer making an appearance: Drake.

The one thing Coach Cal has not mentioned about Big Blue Madness, simply because he can’t according to NCAA rules, is the massive positive it will be for recruits in attendance. Obviously, nothing replaces seeing a group of talented players playing a style that prepares them for the next level for a coach that every one of them loves. UK has that covered, but when you add in the fact that UK is the hottest name in the game, associated with musicians like Drake and NBA stars like LeBron James, that’s just another plus.

So, who are the guys who will be in attendance to see the spectacle?

2010

Kyrie Irving – PG
Tobias Harris – PF
CJ Leslie – PF/C (although his visit is not yet set in stone)

2011

Michael Gilchrist – SF
Quincy Miller – PF
Achcraf Yacoubou – SG

This is a phenomenal group. 5 of these 6 are currently rated as 5 star players by Scout and the only one who isn’t (Yacoubou) is a fast rising sharpshooter.

Tomorrow night is going to be a fun night, whether you are one of the lucky 18,000 to make the pilgrimage to Rupp, watching it on TV, or reading about it after the fact. I am one of the lucky ones, so make sure you are following the Pinkie on Twitter for real time updates.  I’ll also have extended thoughts late tomorrow night or early Saturday morning, so keep an eye out for that.