By LARRY VAUGHT
From what I’ve seen the last few months, there’s no better way to gauge the pulse of the Big Blue fans than what you have to say here at vaughtsviews.com.
That’s why this recent post by Carolyn McConnell made me think she was exactly right. First, what McConnell posted:
“Larry, PLEASE use your influence!!!! Can’t ya get Cal to pull them all together again for one last frenzy of fan appreciation and love? Rupp Arena would be filled to the brim! Heck I would go to the football stadium and stand in the pouring rain just to show them. I bet people would pay  maybe that would contribute a scholarship fund or a foundation or SOMETHING! PLEASE, Larry, PLEASE! We just need something to get over these Funky Blues of sadness and back to our TRUE BLUE!â€Â
Then came this post from Sandy Williams, who went to Syracuse and saw UK lose to West Virginia to end the national title dream:
“We also had a long drive back form New York. It was so sad. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. There are no words to describe this group of young men. Yes we need to do a send-off for them. I for one don’t want their last exit off a college hardwood floor to end the way theirs did, so let’s manage an exit off the Rupp floor fit for a king! I’m ready to buy a ticket. Lots of love and luck to the guys.â€Â
So is this feasible? Could it happen? Would coach John Calipari consider a Fan Appreciation Night where the Big Blue faithful could shower the players with love and maybe players could sign autographs, mingle with fans or just speak from a podium.
I thought the best way to find out would be to ask Martin Newton, Calipari’s director of basketball operations and someone who truly understands the Big Blue fans.
“We have discussed doing something like this, but wasn’t sure it would go over well with us not achieving our goal. I’ll revisit with Cal and see what we can do,†Newton said.
Now the ball is in our court. Show Newton  and Calipari  you would attend a farewell ceremony for this team. Respond to this post and let them know.
Less than 50 responses and Calipari/Newton won’t be impressed. Seventy-five would have to get their attention. One hundred or more responses and you could be the driving force behind a special night for these players.
Let Calipari know what you think. Tell your friends to make their feelings known. Newton will be monitoring your responses just as he did when you offered suggestions, comments, etc, on Calipari’s TV show.
And I’ll be the first to add this  bring Matthew Mitchell’s team to the same ceremony. The women were incredible. They also lost in the Elite Eight, but what an accomplishment for a team not even picked to finish in the top eight in the SEC. They set a school record for victories and NCAA wins.
Put the men and women together and make it a Big Blue party to remember what was a fantastic year.
135 Responses to Help convince Calipari that Big Blue fans want one more chance to honor, say farewell to this year’s team
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I’m all for it. I drove up for Big Blue Madness from Alabama. I would do the same to honor this year’s team. Come on coach – let’s do it!
I would drive from Alabama to honor this team one more time. I did it for Big Blue Madness.
I would be willing to drive up from Knoxville to attend. I never had the chance to see this team in person anyway and I’ve really regretted it. I think we need to let them know how much we really appreciate what they’ve done for the Kentucky program and the state. Come on Coach Cal!!! One more time!!!!
Great idea. I remember when the 1992 team came back from Philly, the next week they had their team awards presentation in Rupp and there was a huge crowd, considering it was a weeknight. Lots of tears of joy that night.
Sounds like a great idea and doubly good for Matt Mitchell’s team to be there.
Count me in but have to have the Lady Cats too.
This should be done. We as fans need it, and the players deserve it. Invite the recruits in for a visit, and then they’ll understand why you want to wear that jersy that says KENTUCKY!!
This should definitely happen. This should become an annual event at Kentucky. We are going to have so many underclassmen making the jump to the NBA, it would be great to get one last glimpse of them wearing the blue and white. Make it happen Larry!!
Count me in! I’d love to be there. I’ve also got a suggestion for the name of this team – the 1st Kentucky CALvary – what do you think?
If the word gets out that we are trying to get this done, it will happen. Need to somehow keep this at the top so it doesnt get buried Larry….
.there would be at least 10 from group that would attend something like this…..
Awesome Idea. We need to thank both teams for bringing the fun back to the Big Blue Nation!
I think it’s a great idea. I know I’ve been in a funk since the loss to WV. Would go in a heartbeat and would pay for it as well. This team quickly became my favorite team of all time and didn’t even make it to the Final 4. They where so much fun to watch. If all these guys are leaving then it definately needs to be done!! Go BIG BLUE
Excellent idea. I’d definitely come. Make it a fundraiser for a charity or for the Calipari Family Foundation. Just make it happen…
It is a great idea. Having the women’s team is also a good idea. An appreciation night/event that could benefit a good cause should be right up Cal’s alley!
As Barry Russell says, have it for both teams. They both deserve it!
Let’s do it for both teams, and televise it over the Big Blue Network.
Great idea. Of course what we’d really like is one more year, but this will have to do. I’d love to be there, but it’s a bit too far from here in the southwest corner of Canada.
This team deserves to be sent off with a giant thank you and a celebration. They didn’t finish the way they set out to, but this year was absolutely amazing. Besides, I think there are probably a handful of high school seniors with big decisions on their hands who Cal could talk to about such an event!
I would definatly be there. Kentucky prides itself on being a Basketball School. I think this would be a great way of showing appriciation and a chance for all future kentucky recruits how much we appriciate our kentucky wildcats.
We would fill up Rupp like Gameday!I would come in a heartbeat!
these guys and gals have changed the national perception of UK basketball and they should be congratulated for that period.
Great Idea! I’ll be there!
what a great idea .. alot of people feel the same way about not having any closure .. they might not have made the final four but have laid the roots for years to come .. when we do win a final four we will have to dedicate it to this 2010 team for making us believe again ! Go Cats .. hope for the special send off soon .. please Cal .. please Newton !!!
Fantastic idea. I would be there. I really like the idea of honoring both the men’s and women’s teams and coaches.
My wife and I would absolutely 100% attend something like this! Please make it happen!!
And yes, for both teams!
Great idea to honor both teams, make it happen!
I agree, wholeheartedly! Definitely involve the women’s team, as well. Great idea, Larry!
All of this is a great idea!!! I’ve been trying to find a way to get out of my sadness. I think we all just need to say an official “goodbye and good luck”. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let this event happen!!!
What an awesome idea. My family would love to come. This was a great year for the CATS!!! Hope it happens
There is NO WAY the opions and comments on this blog are ever read by Cal, Newton, etc. Nice try Larry.
All for it. Great way to send off this great group of players (the one’s who are leaving) and an even better way to let the returning team members know we’re in it for the long haul, appreciate their awesomeness, and looking forward to next season. Can’t hurt recruiting efforts long term when kids see the lengths we will go to for them.
I would love to see them together again. Both teams played their heart out this year and should end it on a high note. LOVE MY CATS!!
Lets do it!!! Bring both the mens and womens teams together and let us fans show how much we appreciate their dedication and hard work this season@!!! Let’s make it happen Mitch!
I would drive down from nw Indiana to see them!!!
I’ll be there. Have it in Memorial. that would be awesome, and a new tradition!
I think this is a great idea! Cal – let’s do this!!!
I love the 09-10 team as much as the next person. I really do… Wall’s buzzer shot to beat Miami, UK2K, Hoops for Haiti, the run through the SEC — I love that team. But it’s time to look forward. my vote is no.
This is a great idea. Would love to go to something like that. Hope it happens.
The three hour drive from Indiana will be well worth it, after a stop to gather the troops in Owensboro. With the help of scheduling of the event I will be able to bring between 10-15 cat fans. Other sites need to get involved to generate more interest. I believe is a great idea.
If ever a Kentucky team should be recognized, this team certainly qualifies. Not only are they excellent basketball players, but even better young men that have represented themselves, their families and the university in an honorable and appreciated manner. These young men will continue to be champions and positive representatives for the University for years to come.
What a great idea and so fitting for a great group of guys. i am in ohio, just let me know. I say LETS DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
excellant idea would love to see and be able to say farwell to the nations number 1 team
Oh yes, we need a chance to let these boys know how much we love them and how thankful we are to them for bringing UK basketball back! We would bring carloads from Paducah.
I think it is a wonderful idea.This season needs to end on a high note because it was such an exciting and fun year. I think fans and players need to feel good, not sad.
I think it would be a great idea to have both the men’s and ladies teams. If it was on a Friday or Saturday I would be able to attend and would love it!!!! Thanks for the great season – girls and boys!!!!!!!!!
Sounds great for me – Let’s try for a Sat or Sun afternoon because that would work for the people out in state that would like to come. Personally, I would not want it at night.
What a great idea. I love this team, like no other. Let`s do it!!!!
Go Cats !!!!
CAL PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do this.
I went to Syracuse and it pulled at my heart to see these poor kids hanging their heads.
They captivated us all season long and returned this proud program from the doldrums of the NIT to 1 game away from the summit of the FInal Four.
They have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO BE DISCOURAGED ABOUT and deserve a proper send off.
Please Cal, I beg you to make this happen.
Great idea! Would love it if this were to happen.
Awesome idea for a fan appreciation event for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams….hey, include the UK cheerleading squad who won a National Championship. We opened the season with a great Big Blue Madness, and we have a wonderful season to celebrate so let’s let all our players know we really appreciate all their hard work. GO CATS!!
This would be AMAZING!!! They have brought back the swagger to UK basketball and we can’t show enough appreciation!!!!!!!!!!!!UK#1
What a way to show how much we love them, and say Thank You for all they have done to put UK at the top again.(NCAA trophy or not we are at the top again, and could we think any more of them if they had won the whole thing?) We just want to let them know once you are a Wildcat you are ALWAYS A WILDCAT,and UK is your home. If a family member moves we usually have a get together so I say GO FOR IT.
Line it up and give us 24 hours notice – and we will be there!!! What great guys!!
I THINK THIS TEAM DERSERVES AN APPRECIATION NIGHT. I THINK YOU WOULD HAVE RUPP FULL
Great response just as I anticipated. Halfway to that magical 100. Keep the posts coming and I will make sure to be in contact with Martin Newton Thursday
Please give us a chance to honor both UK BBall teams.
One More Time!
One More TIme!
One More Time!
One More Time!
One More Time!
Would love a chance to send the guys out on a good note. They have meant so much to me and my family this past year. We will never forget them and so much want to recognize them and have a chance to say goodbye. It is like losing family members with them leaving! I have been depressed for days since the game because of knowing that they won’t be playing together anymore, not because we don’t have a silly banner.
Great idea, please do it. This team really was special, and the BBN is so sad it’s over. Give us one more chance to see them and thank them.
Loved this team. One of the best to watch. They need to be honored.
Please Cats!!! Just one more time to honor all of you. This has been a special year & it would be awesome to show our appreciation…
Have it in Commonwealth Stadium for both teams….I will bet it will fill up.
As special as this team was this year, and the outpouring of support, there needs to be a way that the fans can bid the team farewell (and vice versa). As my wife so nicely stated, she was more upset about the fact that she will never be able to see these young men play together again, and that was more sad as seeing them lose to WV. Give the fans a chance to show how they appreciated this unique team.
Please Coach Calipari! We love them so much!
What a great idea! I for one would love to see these guys on the floor at Rupp one more time. I was thinking though…maybe you could convince the team to all come back next year and bring us home a National Championship!! How freakin’ sweet would that be???
Great idea but include the UK HOOPS team too. Great year for both teams.GO BIG BLUE!!!!!
This is one of my favorite UK teams of all time even without a national championship. They deserve to be honored the Big Blue way, with 24.000 plus in Rupp Arena!
Larry, you know how I feel. I’ll be there come heck or highwater. Day or night, I’ll take vacation time. I’d pay, I’d donate, I’ll do just about anything to make this happen. I think Rupp would be too small. You had 22000 people at Game Day. I think they should sell tickets and then decided where it will be by the number of tickets sold. Go ahead and reserve both venues and decid a week before hand where to have it. I will stand in the rain, that’s why God made raincoats. There are so many of us, even in the state that oculd not attend games this year because of the demand. Please, UK, share the boys with us and the other more fortunate fans one more time. It has been so hard to let go of these young men, let us show them how we really feel. They made the BBN proud again. UK will need to get this done before the Srs. graduate and students leave campus. Go Cats! 35-3 PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!
Count me in… will be there with bells on. I silently had been hoping something like this would be done. These guys gave us so much…not just on the court, but they worked their way into our hearts for the kind of young men they are. Let us show them how proud we are of all of them one last time. No need to wait 10 years for a reunion. Let’s all celebrate together as one Big Blue Nation – players, coaches, staff, and fans – and send them off (or welcome them back) as only we can.
I think it would be a great thing to do for them also let them know how much we think of what a year they had .It would show the world that we still back our players win or lose
Coach Cal: This has been sucjh a wonderful year for our cats, fans, and coaching staff. It would ba such an honor to be able to get with this team one more time. I live in Tn. and I wear Blue all the time with UK on it. I represent our school down here. I breath, eat, and drink Blue. I would love to be able to come down and be apart of this new tradition!! That is what it would be. A new tradition with our players and our Coach!!Please try and see it the fans way!! Love you all!!
Ali Guest 615-779-2215
Man this would be awesome!!! If it happens count me in I will be there.
PLEASE!!!! This was an incredible year and we love these boys so much! We would happily come to say farewell to an exciting and fun year!
Commonwealth Stadium!!!!!
what a great ideal i live in mo. but i will be there go big blue
Come on coach Cal, fans would love it and it could help the program.
Lets do it Cal
I would drop everything to be there. I didnt get a chance to see a game in person this year and this would make up for it
Please do this Cal! WE LOVE THESE GUYS! Its going to be so depressing not seeing them on our team next year.
I think it is a great idea. These kids are special young men and most fans would love to have the opportunity to show our appreciation.
Pleaseeeeee let us say goodbye to our Boogie
This has been perhaps one of the most memoriable and special teams in U.K. history; it is rare that you witness a fanbase become so emotionally attached to a group of players. I personally feel that an “end season” version of our season opening March Madness would attract a great deal of praise from the fanbase and could become a new tradition at the University of Kentucky. Go Cats!!
We are getting near that magical 100 mark. Amazing how many folks have posted and shared the same sentiments despite being from so many places. Just shows the Big Blue reach.
And I like including the cheerleaders obviously. I should have thought of that, too
This would be Absolutely AMAZING!!!! I think it a Fabulous idea! These guys have represented Kentucky to the utmost Perfection! What more could you ask for from a student athelete? With their performances on the court, and ALL they have done off the court, as well as the classrooms. I TRULLY Hope this gets done, so all of Big Blue Country can bid farewell to those leaving and to those that are staying, let them know how much we Appreciate ALL they do!!!!
Larry,
Use all your influence – get them to let their Big Blue Family show them the love!!!
96&98 team’s, we all remember them and always will,but this team of young men ………..well i just don’t have the words to explain the way i have enjoyed this season, and the respect for coach cal, and by the way i wanted him 2 years ago!!!! and the HOOPS team i could not get enough of, the first time i saw Amber,when i could see her(LOL) I said my GOD she’s a mini me John Wall. SET IT UP COACH… IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME!!!!
GO CATS, GO BBN….
I would love to say bye to Patterson, Krebs, Stevenson and Ramon. Thanks for sticking with us guys!
If this comes to pass I honestly believe it will serve as some sort of “closure” for me. I am suffering more from seeing this team depart than any I can ever remember and I remember them all the way back to the 50s. Lets get this done for these teams, both men and women, and for all us fans. I know it would help me recover from losing, perhaps, the most loved team in history. If I can’t make it there (I’m out of state) at least I can read all about it and even that will help.
Larry please get coach cal to get this done, and heck see if they would do it in commonwealth i guarantee you they would fill it, Coach Cal and this team has made every UK fan ecstatic for the past yr and we know this team is just a special group of guys who bought into the team first philosophy, larry tell us what we need to do and we will do it
I would love the opportunity to get to see the players together one more time. Sort of like an the old barnstorming stuff.
PLEASE!
I would love to have the chance to honor these young men. I think they put their heart and sole into the game and the Kentucky tradition. We need to give that back in BIG BLUE fashion, a little bit of kentucky to take with them where ever they may go. They came in with a blast and they should go out with a blast!!! When they lost in NY I hurt worse for the team than I did as a fan. I think most of us did. That’s why cat fans are the best in the nation. If they have a send-off you will all recognize me. I’ll be the one wearing blue!!(ha,ha,ha) So Larry, get to Coach Cal some way and tell him it’s not always win or lose but how you play the game. Those guys played the game to perfection.
My wife and I would consider it an honor to attend. The players, coaches and fans need some proper closure on what was truly a great season.
Please make this happen.
This needs to happen, if for no other reason to have a celebratory ending to such a wonderful year.
Mens team and womens team.
GO BIG BLUE!!!!
I’M IN. This is an outstanding idea.
The Cats and Hoops started the season together at Big Blue Madness, so they should end it together to help ease our Big Blue Sadness.
GO BIG BLUE!!!!
Great idea!! An outstanding, memorable year given to us by both the men’s and the women’s basketball teams. Give us a chance, we will show them the love!! Go Big Blue!!
It would be like those old barnstorming days and would be pretty cool. Might not draw quite as many as Big Blue Madness, but I bet over 10,000 easily would come based on response here
You just let me know the time and place! Great group of young men! I would love to see them all stay, but wish them nothing but success if they leave!
This should be done for the fans and the teams. We need a great ending to a great basketball season. Let’s hope we get it going!
I would love to come. I would drive 400 miles to see this happen. We love our Wildcats and our Coach!
This is a “must do”. I second all the motions……………..Rocky
Post #100, let’s honor the men’s and women’s team sometime before classes end and many of the guys prepare for the NBA draft!
Let’s do it !!!
This is a wonderful idea but as stated earlier, the womens team must also be included.
You will pack Commonwealth!!
If what John said when we became coach last year that “it’s about the players”. Then this should be a no brainer for him to support. It was a wonderful year. I would like to thank this team and coach Cal for a fanstatic year. I agree that coach Mitchell and his team should also be a part of the celebrations!!!!
Go Big Blue!!!!!!
I love this idea and hope that the UK basketball leadership will agressively pursue pulling these two teams together to allow fans and players to celebrate successful Elite Eight appearances for both squads!
Make sure you all chant One More Year! We love these kids and they will be sorely missed if, as expected, they leave for the NBA.
Trying to make sure folks at UK pay attention to this and see how passionate fans are about this
Well, I was the bad person that opposed PPat being treated as a senior at an athletic event despite having another year of eligibility, so I will be the lone voice of opposition again.
I am one of those that defends the kids that decide to test NBA waters and leave early when it makes sense. I do not have hard feelings for any of them that do that, though if they do not finish the semester and hurt UK’s NCAA academic progress numbers, that upsets me. The least they could do is finish the semester and leave “on track” to graduate so UK isn’t punished for their success in the NBA draft.
That said, this team as a group has made it clear that they want to leave. They didn’t win a title, they didn’t get to a final four. I know they were fun to watch at times and helped make UK relevant again, and we already recognized them for that by cheering them all year long. I wish them the best, but I see no need to dote over them any longer. This group is not the Unforgetables with a history of sticking out the truely bad times of probation. It sounds like most of them won’t even be enrolled in school by the time this event would happen.
If the rumors are true, we are returning FOUR players next year. I would only show up for their benefit.
BUT – IF UK did something like this, it would be a crime to not include Mitchell’s team. They were pre-season #11 in the SEC, yet they made the regional finals as a 4 seed. They exceeded their tourney expectations. They deserve the recognition even more than the men who got beat by a lower seed and failed to meet their seeding expectations.
I think it would be a GREAT idea! We’re really going to miss these guys!!!! Also, YES add the women’s team!!!
These guys definitely deserve an appreciation night!!! No doubt BBN would show up anywhere it took place.
That would be awesome, this years group of guys was something special even if we didn’t win the whole thing. Also we should include the women. That was pretty cool too!
I love the idea of a Men’s and Women’s farewell. Both these teams were special and deserve to be honored.
COUNT ME IN!!!!!!!!! I have never fell in love with a team like this one!!!!
I would be there!! These guys were so much fun to watch this year and did so much for the revival of the program they deserve a proper farewell in the bluegrass
The Big Blue Send off. What an awesome idea! I hope this happens and I will wait in whatever line to get a ticket to go and thank this group of amazing people(players).
Count me in!!! And great Idea Larry about including the Lady Hoopsters!!! I’m all for it!!!
I’m in Ohio. I’ll be there. This MUST happen.
i’d be there.
The Big Blue Mist needs something like this to commemorate both teams for all they have done for UK Basketball this year. Count me and my husband in, and let us know when and where to show up. We are so proud of these men and women, and would love a chance to show them just how much we enjoyed this year!
I think Commonwealth Stadium would be the best location, charge a minimal donation (for Calipari Foundation) and include a box of tissues for each fan. This should happen… If Coach can get a “Hoops for Haiti” event scheduled for TV in 48 hours, this can EASILY get TV coverage and full promotion if given a week or more.
This will be a happy, memorial event in which to honor this team in a way which could not be done due to the sudde ending of the season. By all means include the KY Hoops and Cheerleaders.
Maybe everyone should call the basketball office or email Mitch Barnhart as well to get this going
Coach,
Please concider this. I would drive from Louisville with my van packed with Big Blue Boogie Fans! We LOVE these kids. I would love to give them the send off they deserve. We don’t care if we did fall short of the goal this year. You have no idea how you and this group of kids brought us back to life!
If this happens, I want to meet your van of Boogie fans. Think that would be cool  and I bet he would, too
Let’s honor our Cats for their effort from Day 1 to make this a special team. This event will be bigger than Rupp Arena can hold. I couldn’t get a ticket all year long, so someone needs to think about all the fans that could only watch from tv this year. Open it up wide for all to attend.
This an awesome idea!! I was in Syracuse as well and didn’t get to sit near the UK bench and was sad that I didn’t get to see the guys at the end of the game! This team is a very special team and needs to know the appreciation our fans have for bringing us back on top!!
Let’s do it!!! I would love to attend a celebration for both teams. What a wonderful send off for these dedicated and talented young men ans women.
We need to see our CATS one more time….We miss them sooo much!!!!!
Larry, these guys – and Coach Cal and his staff, of course – brought Kentucky basketball back, and they deserve the chance to receive the recognition and thanks from BBN that we’d like to show them one more time.
Granted, we had some nerve-wracking moments at times as well as some tears at the end, but the fun we had in watching this team return UK to the heights of college basketball – not to mention UK2K – is what we’ll remember in years to come. I think it’s only right to show our deep appreciation to the athletes and coaches who made our season the undeniable success that it was, and such an event could also give us an opportunity to honor the UK women’s basketball team and coach, who are equally deserving of recognition and thanks for their accomplishments this year.
Truly, a chance to show our appreciation for all of their efforts is the penultimate “win-win” situation for players and fans alike, and if this can be combined with an opportunity to raise money for charity, so much the better. I have no doubt that this event would be extremely well-attended, and I want you to know that I’m even willing to save the seat next to me for Ashley Judd if it’ll help . . . if this sort of selflessness and sacrifice doesn’t speak volumes about the dedication of UK basketball fans, I’m afraid nothing will.
This doesn’t need to be over-analyzed.. We LOVE this team, we had a FABULOUS year, and we WANT the chance to say THANKS and GOOD LUCK! And YES, the women’s team deserves this as well!! Not at RUPP! No one that wants to be there should be turned away!! In the midst of the financial woes most of us have experienced this year, this team gave us a reason to SMILE. How nice it would be to return the favor!
Larry, you could also contact Dewayne Peevy in the Media office.
Fabulous idea!! This was an amazing year for Kentucky basketball and those young men made it that way. Maybe it would even persuade them into staying . . . . a girl can hope, right?!?
This is a must do for the UKAA.
I’d drive all the way from huntington, wv to attend
Let’s Make it happen.
I’m surprised that the caoches and administration haven’t come up with a plan for honoring this amazing team that brought UK back to relevance. I think that’s part of the reason for celebrating in addition to wishing our beloved players well – both those returning and those leaving us.
Great suggestion Tywanna. will contact him as well as David Scott at coachcal.com
Let’s hope the officials will cooperate, but if not…. we may need to just pick a day… and invade Lexington!
It all ended to quick and to far from home…Please give us one more day with them!
Terrific line Marisa — short and simple. And Angela, you might be on to something