Kentucky fans filled Rupp Arena once again on a Friday night for one of the biggest events in Kentucky Basketball. However, this year’s Big Blue Madness featured more than just a basketball scrimmage.
After Immanuel Quickley’s dance moves stole the annual introductions, fans took their attention to a speech from head coach John Calipari and recognition of the 1948, 1949 & 1951 National Championship teams.
Then, the fun began for both the fans and the players.
First was a six-round, three-point contest that featured a final round of the top-two scorers.
In their preliminary rounds, Jonny David tied Quade Green, Herro topped PJ Washington, Keldon Johnson topped EJ Montgomery, Jemarl Baker topped Nick Richards and Quickley bested Reid Travis. Herro’s 21 & Quickley’s 19 qualified for the final round.
Quickley flashed his range from three-point land, similar to the McDonald’s All-American game, to top Herro. Quickley sank the money ball as time expired to win the contest, 22-20.
As the three-point contest runner-up, Herro was joined by Keldon Johnson and PJ Washington in the first dunk contest Kentucky fans have seen in quite some time.
Some of the dunks featured through-the-legs windmills, Washington dunking over Quade Green, Johnson dunking over two people and Herro pulling out the 1988 Rex Chapman jersey in the final round.
In the end, Washington took the crown over Herro & Johnson.
To top off the night, the Wildcats ran a 5-5 scrimmage on the hardwood. The blue team, of which appeared to be Calipari’s starting five to begin the season, featured Immanuel Quickley, Keldon Johnson, Nick Richards, PJ Washington & Quade Green.
They topped the White team, 37-21, of which appeared to be the reserves. The White team featured Ashton Hagans, Brad Calipari, EJ Montgomery, Jemarl Baker, Johnny David, Reid Travis and Tyler Herro.
Kentucky’s next action will come via the Blue-White game on Sunday, October 21st at Rupp Arena.
