Kentucky basketball unofficially begins tonight, and it will be the first time anyone, including Mark Pope, will be able to see this newly built squad take on a real opponent. That opponent is Kentucky Wesleyan a cross state DII school that won’t roll over when they see the blue and white Wildcats. Let’s get right into some of the most important questions for tonight.

Who: Kentucky Wesleyan (Exhibition)
Where: Rupp Arena
When: Oct. 23 at 7 pm EST
Watch: SEC+

SEC+ takes a little extra work and if you are reading this and you aren’t great with the internet or you need to help a relative or friend that can’t figure it out. The SEC+ is only streamable. This means it’s online only. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t watch it on your TV; it just means it’s not a regular TV channel. You would need a smart TV or some sort of streaming stick attached where you can download the ESPN app. This will be where you can find it. Or click this link on your browser/phone. You will need an ESPN/SEC account and subscription. Sorry, I’m just the messenger.

Kentucky Wesleyan was a really good DII school last year. After a 21-win season, they went to the Division II NCAA Tournament but lost to Upper Iowa 82-72 in the first round. They were able to beat last year’s Lousiville squad and hung tough with Saint Louis (losing only by 10).

They have a very experienced team, espeically in playing together, 4 of their starters will be returning and they added some good transfers. One of those transfers from Alcorn State, big-man Alex Tsynkevich will be out for this game.

It will actually be a decent quality of an opponent for an exhibition game. This doesn’t mean Kentucky shouldn’t roll them, but it does mean we may see more than just a Harlem Globetrotters event. It will be real basketball, giving us a decent look at Kentucky.

Mark Pope will want to play as many of his guys as possible and test out some lineups he’s been toying with in practice. He will want to get quality minutes for some of his units and see how they play together. That being said, he plans to use at least 12 players and who knows if he will carry that into the main season but that’s a lot. We will get a decent look at the roster.