I understand the frustration. We didn’t get to play the tourney last season. We, as a fan base, were unable to finish the season. We had to live in a constant state of unease, wondering if we will even have a season for 2020-2021. We placed unrealistic expectations on highly ranked recruits. All we had was to scrutinize our new player over the next few months. YouTube vids of highschool games and aau games. We went from being ranked tenth to 1-5. Disappointing indeed. Speaking for myself, I don’t even know 100% if there will even a full season,
The kids were expecting the Kentucky experience; kings of campus, teams quivering coming into RUPP with 11k fans screaming, cheering them on. Even in other arenas UK fans amass. These players were expecting to see the parents in the stands. Girlfriends or even hotties as they cheer when their name is called for scoring or assist etc. Bonding with teammates over Xbox or at a Sorority Party. Having students fawn over them. What they got was person to a room. Online classes. Gym. Practice. empty arenas. No exhibitions. Just Wildcat Lodge which no outsiders allowed and strictly enforced. They are missing out on the socialization and what makes UK Campus special. They are only around each other and coaching staff. They have to be frustrated, so they take it out on each other or staff. It’s gotta suck. I’d feel cheated. I’d be angry, I wouldn’t be in the mental state needed. They are young and don’t have mental fortitude to deal.
Ultimately, this is when the teams need us fans. All the negativity and calls for firings, critical ‘analysis’ isn’t helping. Fair weather fandom is rampant on this board. Funny how when the team needs positivity and it’s fans, the loudest voices are the ones shitting on them.
So,I,a fan of UK Wildcats Men’s Basketball, will continue to root for success, I will remain a “sunshine pumper”, I will continue to remain positive and not write off this team despite a 1-5 start. I will believe that we will win and the players will break thru and continue to progress as a team, grow into men and hone their basketball skills. I am a UK Fan. I know others are out there as well. Negativity breeds negativity. If you are living vicariously through 18 to 21 year olds, you may want to learn to live happy in reality.