Big Blue Madness is two weeks from Friday, which means the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball season is right around the corner. New head coach Mark Pope is starting to ramp up the intensity in practice.

The 2024-2025 college basketball season officially began on Monday morning, leading Kentucky to kick off “Hell Week” with a two-a-day practice starting at 6:30 AM.

Cameron Mills took to X to share some quick thoughts, bragging about the team’s chemistry when they said they had the “desire to drive each other across the line together.”

Former head coach John Calipari always had a few NBA draft picks or players leave in the transfer portal, which led to a decent amount of turnover with his teams. However, there was also almost always a bit of continuity.

Pope’s first team, however, was built largely in the transfer portal and a few first-year players. The only real chemistry they have is through the time they’ve spent together since arriving in Lexington.

The buzz around this team is real and a real breath of fresh air die hard Kentucky basketball fans rightfully deserve.

Tweet(s) of the Day

He’s so special.

Ray Davis scores his first NFL TD for the Buffalo Bills!

Headlines

Big Blue Madness, Presented by Ronald McDonald House, to be Held Oct. 11 in Rupp Arena – UK

Tickets for Big Blue Madness, presented by Ronald McDonald House, will be distributed exclusively online at Ticketmaster.com and through the Ticketmaster app starting at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 27.

ZaKiyah Johnson Likes What UK Coach Kenny Brooks is Doing – Vaught’s Views

Mark Pope isn’t the only new coach generating a buzz on campus.

Las Vegas Raiders still pondering a quarterback change – ESPN

Not a lot of patience for QBs this season.

Stoops on UK’s test against Jaxson Dart and America’s No. 1 offense – KSR

They have their work cut out for them.

49ers DT Javon Hargrave has partially torn right triceps – ESPN

San Francisco can’t catch a break.

Chip Trayanum has been cleared, Ole Miss status remains uncertain – KSR

Would be a nice boost for Saturday.

Oklahoma names Michael Hawkins Jr. starting QB vs. Auburn – CBS Sports

Jackson Arnold will stay on the bench.

Kiffin: Non-Conference Opponents Didn’t Prepare Ole Miss for SEC – KSR

Still hard to see Kentucky pulling off the upset.

Grizzlies waiving Derrick Rose – CBS Sports

Will he retire?

Bills safety Damar Hamlin records first career interception in Monday night win over Jaguars
In his first Monday night start since suffering cardiac arrest on national television, Damar Hamlin recorded his first career interception. Beautiful.