Editor’s note: Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry was a celebrity coach for the UK women’s team at Big Blue Madness Friday night. He’s an avid UK sports fan and follows the Wildcats at vaughtsviews.com just like you. These are his thoughts on the Big Blue Madness experience.

By EDDIE MONTGOMERY

Eddie Montgomery claps for the UK women's team. (Clay Jackson photo)

It was unbelievable. It started with coach Matthew Mitchell and the women and then coach John Calipari coming out in front of the greatest fans in the world. I am one of the biggest ones, if not the biggest one. I love it and can’t wait to see just how good the Cats are going to be this year. I am actually going to take off so I can come see some games, both women and men, this year. It is totally awesome and you have to love Kentucky sports period. What about those cheerleaders? They were great.

I was overwhelmed with the response I got from the fans, too. Thanks to all of them. When the band played My Old Kentucky Home, it just hit me right in the heart.

And how unbelievable was Calipari with his speech? I know I am like everybody else with John Calipari, but he gave an amazing speech. I knew he was good, but that was great.  The only problem was I couldn’t wait to see the players, and I think everybody around me was the same way because we were all so excited.

The guys were great. But this whole atmosphere was so special. It’s like coach Calipari said, all the sports at Kentucky are great and so are the fans. It’s unbelievable. It’s going to be so exciting during basketball this year and for me to get to be a part of Big Blue Madness like this was such an honor.

When they did play, Josh Harrellson was something. From last year to this year, he is so different. I don’t know how many 3-pointers he hit for sure, but it was at least five. He may have missed one, but he was great and showed why Calipari wanted to keep him around.

The excitement is back at Rupp Arena. (Clay Jackson photo)

The speed and ballhandling were so different from last year. I think it is going to be fast-paced games and action.

And I am about 6-1 1/2, and I am a shrimp compared to these guys this year. I felt like I was little bitty beside them. We are big this year.

And John Wall, the whole atmosphere changed as soon as he went up and touched the ball for  the first time. He is just what he is. He moves so fast and so quick, I don’t know that we will ever get to see everything he can do. We are very lucky to have got him out of North Carolina. And I can’t wait for us to play North Carolina this year. I’m already excited.

I won’t make every game, but thankfully my restaurant (Eddie Montgomery’s Steakhouse in Harrodsburg) is about ready to open and we will have 20 televisions with UK blue, including a 65-inch screen, where I will see the games. If I can’t be here, I will be there watching and cheering with other UK fans.

I can’t wait. It’s UK baby. We are back. It’s Kentucky. That’s the bottom line and people better get ready for us to rock again. I love football, too, but I wish basketball was starting today.

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