Michael Kidd-Gilchrist formed the “Y” in the traditional cheer during Kentucky’s win over Eastern Michigan. (Clay Jackson photo)
By LARRY VAUGHT
When Kentucky players came out for their pregame shootaround Wednesday before playing Eastern Michigan, there was a familiar face with them — Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
He had a night off from playing with the Charlotte Bobcats and came back to see UK play for the first time since he helped the Wildcats win the national title last year and was the second overall pick in the draft.
He joked with UK assistant coaches and hugged various players as they came over to see him. He sat on the bench for most of the pregame warmups and then was on the front row to watch the game.
“Yeah, he surprised us. He’s such a great kid,” UK coach John Calipari said after the 90-38 win. ” He knew that there was a plane coming from Charlotte. He just said, “Hey, can I jump on it?” And he came in, and they beat Chicago. They practiced today and he comes in to watch the guys play.”
Calipari joked that Kidd-Gilchrist was not happy to see the renovated locker rooms at Rupp Arena.
“He was really, really angry when he saw the locker room. He was smoking. He walked in my office, and he said, this is BS. What we had last year. Look at this. So he did it in fun, but he was like — but it was good to see him,” Calipari said.
Kentucky fans gave him a standing ovation when he was escorted to midcourt by two cheerleaders to do the “Y” in a traditional Kentucky cheer.
Surprise: Calipari has a surprise planned for UK fans today.
“So what I’ll do is tomorrow you’re going to have a good idea of what we’ve done that is unique, out of the box. We’re a non‑traditional program. We’re doing things that we have to do that have never been done, based on the fact of what we’re doing with young guys. We’ve got to try different things. So it will be out tomorrow sometime,” Calipari said. “I’m basically doing it for the Big Blue Nation to see, but since I told all you in the media, I’m telling you now it will be out tomorrow.”
He indicated his surprise would be posted on his website at www.coachcal.com.
7 Responses to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist surprised Calipari and Cats; coach promises surprise for fans today
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Great to see MKG at the game. What a benefit to the team to have a player like him around. If the Cats are looking for a player to emulate, they can’t find a better one than MKG.
MKG, one of my all time favorite Cats!
I was glad to see him mentioned and glad ESPN showed a clip of him doing the “Y”. Being in NC, one would think that the Bobcat games would be on regular/cable TV here; not that I’ve seen. NOPE. I’m not paying a house payment to watch the NBA Package, so I’ll catch his games when/if he’s on ESPN.
Coach Stoops was at the game too. The camera was on him for a moment, but the broadcasters didn’t mention his name. They probably didn’t know who he is…
I couldn’t get the game here either, UKFAN197TONE, I was really disappointed. You would think Lexington West would get it, but no! When I heard he was there I wanted to rush to Lexington and hug that young man. I think he and Jamal are my two favorites and then of course AD and Little Louie. It’s hard to make a decision on who is number one on my list. I wish he had stayed one more year but so understand why he left. He already has two 20 pt 12 rebound games, before he turns 20 in Sept and only one other player did that in their rookie year, LeBron, and he still has time to get more. Miss ya, Michael, miss the smile, miss the work ethic and miss the love you had for the BBN and your teammates!
Oh, I get 99% of the UK games, I was referring to the Bobcat games being televised here; as you know, I live in NC. I watched one of the games on NBA TV, the game against the Hornets and he was fantastic. Davis, was outplayed by MKG and MKG was guarding him most of the game.
Oh man, how hard must that had been for MKG to guard his buddy.
I was so happy to see MKG’s smiling face back at Rupp. Along with Chuck Hayes, he’s one of my all-time favorite players. They both played with passion, but didn’t let their emotions get away from them during the game. Although I would have loved to see MKG stay another season or three, I’m glad he’s doing so well in the NBA. With his hatred of losing, it must be hard on him but I think the Bobcats have already won more games than they won all of last season.