The collegiate basketball scene has been ever expanding since the introduction of NIL into the NCAA world. One of the most shocking updates in recent news is, the announcement of the University of Kentucky facing off against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. These two organizations have been powerhouses in the NCAA for decades, with both teams respectively being ranked in the top five last season with Gonzaga being number 1 and Kentucky ranked 5th.
Wildcats Success
The University of Kentucky has been a pioneer in the SEC for years. Setting a Standard of greatness within the program has built a winning culture. The Kentucky Wildcats have won NCAA national championships ranging back to the year 1949 with the most current being in 2012. Despite struggles winning national championships, the Kentucky Wildcats are always in the conversation of being one of the best teams consistently each year
Bulldogs Greatness
Including six of the last seven years, Gonzaga has qualified for the national championship twice, the final four twice, the elite eight five times, and the sweet sixteen eleven times. there is no doubt whenever you mention Gonzaga the thought of basketball greatness will come to mind as Mark Few has done an amazing job leading the Bulldogs to victory. over the past 15 years, Mark few has won over 80% of his games. Gonzaga has been producing NBA talent for the past recent years and I am excited about this potential newfound rivalry between Kentucky and Gonzaga.
Announcement Of Game
The game was announced on a telethon as both teams were involved in raising money for flood victims in eastern Kentucky. these two organizations haven’t played each other since 2002 in the Maui invitational. The last face-off of these two giants proves that the Kentucky Wildcats were too much for the Bulldogs as they defeated them 80-72. The relationship between Kentucky head coach John Calipari and Mark few is one of a kind as these legendary coaches have an open line of communication and a good friendship. The arrangement of these games with as simple as a question said, ‘Hey, you wanna play?’ And Mark Few replied saying ‘Yeah, I’m good with playing.'” with this simple exchange, these two coaches have created hype around potentially the biggest game of the year next season. Both team’s offenses flow like machines and their defense is top notch I am unsure who will win this match-up.
Returning Stars
as star players from both teams have decided to return for college for one extra year Gonzaga is being led by center Drew Timmy and Kentucky is being led by their big man and reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe. I’m excited about this matchup as these two bigs have been playing on an elite level and leading their team to victory. their matchup is scheduled for November 20 and I will be in full attention as I am excited to see the outcome of these two teams. With High expectations this could potentially be the game of the year.
