On Monday night Rupp Arena played host to a bevy of the Big Blue Nations most beloved Wildcats. The Big Blue All-Stars as they were called which included such stars as Rajon Rondo, Jodie Meeks, Nazr Muhammad, Chuck Hayes, Josh Harrellson, Brandon Knight, Keith Bogans, Enes Kanter, and Demarcus Cousins. Also on the bench but not playing in the game were John Wall and Tayshaun Prince. The coach of the All-Stars was former UK great Rex Chapman.
Rudy Gay, Tyler Hansbrough, Terrence Williams, Corey Brewer, were a few players who made up the opponents team "The Villians". They were coached by the most notorious Villain of all time Christian Laettner. Not all Villains were received by boos. Two home State favorites Shelvin Mack and Kenneth Faried were given a loud welcome.
The game was played like an NBA All-Star game with little defense and plenty of showboating. Jody Meeks was the leading scorer making three after three, kind of reminiscent of the Tennessee game in which he went for 54 points. This also marked Enes Kanter's first game on the Rupp Arena floor. Kanter seemed a little tense on the night but did manage a few good plays. I feel he was just happy to be on the floor in front of the Big Blue Nation.
One of the most funny moments of the game was when Coach Laettner acted as a towel boy wiping the sweat from the floor. Fans had been calling for Laettner to take over the duty, so on the next trip down court Laettner obliged and on his hands and knees. Even though it may not of quelled the pain of yesteryear fans still found it fitting. Jodie Meeks was the star of the game with 42 points.
Fans got a bonus when Laettner was hit with a double technical after disputing a call by the refs and subsequently ejected from the game. Even though the fans got a good laugh from this.Coach Laettner may have gotten the last laugh. His Villains defeated our All-stars in overtime 152 to 149, but I don't think the final score mattered to any one.
Scott Peercy
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