You can almost smell it, it’s basketball time in the Bluegrass, and that could mean only one thing, it’s time for John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats to take to the hardwood to defend their honor as the greatest tradition in College Basketball. Last season was one to forget for Kentuckythey won a dismal nine games last season and missed the postseason altogether for the first time since the Billy Gillispie era in Lexington.

However, it’s a brand new season, and Kentucky comes into the season ranked 11th in the country and ready to make a run at their ninth championship.

For the first time in a long time, Kentucky heads to a new season with a roster full of returning players who played a lot of minutes last season. Among those returning from last season include Dontaie Allen, Keion Brooks, Jacob Toppin, and Davion Mintz. Despite a terrible season according to the wins and losses category, these four guys helped shape what Kentucky fans can get excited about heading into the new season.

The word around Lexington is that Kentucky has had an unbelievable off-season, large in part to John Calipari going out and rehiring his go-to assistant coach in Orlando Antigua. Antigua was formerly at Kentucky on staff during the 2012 National Championship run before leaving Kentucky to explore a variety of other coaching opportunities across the country. Since Coach Calipari has brought Coach Antigua back to Lexington, Kentucky’s recruiting has skyrocketed and has since brought the likeness of Swaggy Cal.

As far as the newcomers go for this 2021-2022 Kentucky Basketball team, let’s just say the Wildcats, as usual, are loaded. John Calipari not only brought in talented freshmen players, but Kentucky went and plucked the transfer portal, which added even more depth to an already talented roster.

The list of the outstanding newcomers for Kentucky fans to watch out for this season is a mile long. Starting with the transfer players, Kentucky fans will enjoy watching the likeness of Oscar Tshiebwe, who is a total freak of nature. Sahvir Wheeler, who is an excellent guard from Georgia, and CJ Fredrick, the transfer from Iowa who can shoot the lights out of the gym on any given night.

As far as the first-year players go, Kentucky fans can look forward to watching TyTy Washington at the guard position and Bryce Hopkins, who will act as the third tower alongside Keion Brooks and Oscar Tshiebwe.

Overall, 2021-2022 has the potential to be one of the greatest Kentucky Basketball seasons since Coach Cal took over as Head Coach. Kentucky fans will be able to enjoy the fruits of having a crazy deep roster, much like they did back in 2015 when the Wildcats finished the season 38-1. The truth is, this year’s Kentucky has the potential and will likely be in contention for another National Championship

Kentucky will open their season on Tuesday, November 9th, against the Duke Blue Devils.