Fans 'mask up' tomorrow night at Rupp as the Cats take the floor

11/24/2020

Coach Cal donning his Kentucky mask to protect himself and others while engaging in indoor activities. UK plays Morehead State Wednesday at 6 pm EST

Wear a mask!!! Let’s take care of each other. We are going to get through this but we need to do it TOGETHER and help each other out. The best way to do that is to put that mask on when you’re out in public. #TeamKentucky #TogetherKy pic.twitter.com/zGftHtxR8p
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 1, 2020

UK fans are chewing at the bit waiting to see the Wildcats play their season opener Wednesday, November 25. The game, played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, will have all the expected hype along with some Covid-19 precautions.

Fans are 'no strangers' to learning new names and numbers each year due to the extremely talented, high-quality UK players entering the NBA draft, and this year’s no different. And, say it isn't so...it could be even more difficult for two reasons; there’s only one returning player, Keion Brooks with any significant playing time and the season has been shortened.

Two freshman guards expected to ignite the floor are BJ Boston and Terrance Clarke. Boston has been hailed as a natural scorer and one of the top recruits this season. 247 Sports ranked Clarke as the No. 2 shooting guard in 2020. Both players have been compared to De-Aaron Fox and Malik Monk. If you appreciated this dynamic duo, UK fans could be in for a repeat performance.

A transfer from Wake Forest, Olivier Sarr is said to be the ‘real deal.’ During his junior year, he averaged 13.7 points and 9 rebounds per game. He led the team in 11 double-doubles and 33 blocks. With his height, wingspan and Kentucky’s remaining tall, lean players, the team will surely annihilate the competition defensively in rebounds and blocks.

Isaiah Jackson is one to check out this season. The thrill of watching Jackson make that incredible dunk during Big Blue Madness last weekend was inspiring. He has the athleticism and finesse of Michael Jordan, one of the greats. Jackson managed to beat out Jacob Toppin and Lance Ware, two favorites in the competition. The insanely athletic bouncy dunk was one of the highlights of the evening. Jackson is just another layer of excitement expected to delight fans this season.

Representatives from the K Fund and the UK Ticket Office have been working with season ticket holders on seating in Rupp for the past two weeks. The majority of the tickets have been sold as full-season packages for both men and women. Attendance at the events have been scaled back 15% which leaves general public ticket sales with zero expectations for seating anytime soon. If you wait until closer to game time, there may be tickets returned or released.

Once inside the stadium, all fans are to wear face coverings unless they are actively eating or drinking. They should fit snug around the mouth and nose with multiple layers of fabric. You’ve got to sit in your assigned seats and practice social distancing. Everybody will have a temperature screening before entering the Arena. If you’re fever’s up...you won’t get in. It’s a small price to pay to get to see the Wildcats in person.

If you’re watching from the comfort of your own home, you’ll find Wednesday’s and Sundays game time and channel. The listing is eastern standard time. Also, if you’re struggling with the names and numbers of our Kentucky team, here’s a cheat sheet.

This week’s schedule for UK Men’s Basketball

Wednesday, November 25 UK vs Morehead State University Lexington/Rupp Arena
TV: SEC Network Radio: UK Sports Network 6 pm EST
Sunday, November 29 UK vs University of Richmond Lexington/Rupp Arena
TV: ESPN Radio: UK Sports Network 1 pm EST

0 - Jacob Toppin - Sophomore - Forward - 6’9 - 194 lbs.
2 - Devin Askew - Freshman - Guard - 6’3 - 198 lbs.
3 - Brandon Boston Jr. - Freshman - Guard - 6’7 - 185 lbs.
5 - Terrance Clarke - Freshman - Guard - 6’7 - 194 lbs.
10 - Davion Mintz - Graduate Student - Guard - 6’3 - 196 lbs.
11 - Dontaie Allen - Redshirt Freshman - Guard - 6’6 - 198 lbs.
12 - Keion Brooks Jr. - Sophomore - Forward - 6’7 - 205 lbs.
13 - Riley Welch - Senior - Guard - 6’0 - 185 lbs.
14 - Brennan Canada - Sophomore - Forward - 6’6 198 lbs.
20 - Zayne Payne - Redshirt Sophomore - Guard/Forward - 6’4 - 215 lbs.
21 - Cam'ron Fletcher - Freshman - Forward - 6’6 - 215 lbs.
23 - Isaiah Jackson - Freshman - Forward - 6’10 - 206 lbs.
25 - Kareem Watkins - Freshman - Guard - 5’8 - 145 lbs.
30 - Olivier Sarr - Senior - Forward - 7’0 - 237 lbs.
55 - Lance Ware - Freshman - Forward - 6’9 - 223 lbs.