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Analysis: It's time for Indiana-Kentucky to be an annual event again


IndyHutch
  • It's good that the NCAA Tournament committee found a way to get Indiana and Kentucky back on the hardwood again but it's time for both schools to find a way to make this an annual event once again. Here's my take.

I’m looking forward to finding out if we see Indiana-Kentucky intensity Saturday afternoon in Des Moines.

 

I know we’re going to see second-round-of-the-NCAA-Tournament intensity and with a trip to the Sweet Sixteen on the line that much is a given.

 

And the crowd that will be on hand should make it seem closer to IU-Kentucky intensity.

 

But here’s the reality of the situation. There is not a player on either the Kentucky or Indiana roster that has ever played in an Indiana-Kentucky game. Not one Indiana player knows what it feels like to play the Wildcats in Rupp. Not one Kentucky player knows what it feels like to play in front of 17,000 plus at Assembly Hall.

 

And when you experience it, that’s when I think you truly understand Indiana vs. Kentucky basketball. I still remember those days when they would play on a neutral site at Freedom Hall and the court would be split right down the middle with a sea of red on one side and a sea of blue on the other. Each side would have 10,000 fans. And it was a spectacle. It was a college basketball rivalry at its best.

 

But I just don’t it’s the same when your knowledge of IU-Kentucky is from watching replays of the Wat Shot. Troy Williams said he watched that game from home. So did OG Anunoby. Yogi Ferrell said he had a game that day but he taped it and watched it later.

 

The Indiana and Kentucky kids that played in the annual Indiana-Kentucky high school series get it a little bit more than those who didn’t. But to expect everyone else just to get mega-hyped because it’s Indiana-Kentucky may be asking a bit much.

 

They’ll get mega-hyped because a trip to the Sweet Sixteen is on the line. But asking this game to mean as much to the players as it does to the fan bases I think is asking a lot.

 

Now I’ll admit I hope that these players grow to love that rivalry once again after the powers-that-be finally come to their senses and end this silliness and find a way to re-instate the IU-Kentucky rivalry. There has to be a compromise. To just say there’s no way to resolve the differences in philosophy here is a cop out.

 

It’s time for the two schools to quit relying on the NCAA Tournament committee to do their work for them and find a way for these two historic programs to play on an annual basis.

 

I’m happy to see IU-Kentucky facing off again Saturday in Des Moines.

 

But it’s time for this to become an annual event, too.

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Yeah I was reading that, they also said one of our fans went up to Grandfather and Grandson and poured a beer over the the 4yr old grandson.

 

Ahhhh I hate it when the beer sold at Assembly Hall is misused  :D

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Ahhhh I hate it when the beer sold at Assembly Hall is misused :D

I know it's not the point but they did make sure to say at a restaurant, either way can't imagine this having any sort of accuracy.

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I'll start by saying that I don't care if the series is renewed or not. We shouldn't be depending on any team to strengthen our non-conference schedule. UK hasn't had any problem getting tough games without us; it irritates me that we can't seem to do the same. 

 

 

However…if we really want to bring it back, we should just agree to play them in Indy. I know why IU fans don't want that…and I think that's weak sauce. Think of what that says about Calipari and his influence…he's actually managed to convince our fans that a game in our state is a bad idea. 

 

 

UK is gonna get their 5 star dudes regardless of whether we play them or not. This isn't 1978 where recruits aren't getting to see the game unless it's in front of them. 

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I'll start by saying that I don't care if the series is renewed or not. We shouldn't be depending on any team to strengthen our non-conference schedule. UK hasn't had any problem getting tough games without us; it irritates me that we can't seem to do the same. 

 

 

However…if we really want to bring it back, we should just agree to play them in Indy. I know why IU fans don't want that…and I think that's weak sauce. Think of what that says about Calipari and his influence…he's actually managed to convince our fans that a game in our state is a bad idea. 

 

 

UK is gonna get their 5 star dudes regardless of whether we play them or not. This isn't 1978 where recruits aren't getting to see the game unless it's in front of them. 

Exactly. If Cal wants an Indy kid he will get him either way. Honestly games in Indy SHOULD benefit us.

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I'll start by saying that I don't care if the series is renewed or not. We shouldn't be depending on any team to strengthen our non-conference schedule. UK hasn't had any problem getting tough games without us; it irritates me that we can't seem to do the same. 

 

 

However…if we really want to bring it back, we should just agree to play them in Indy. I know why IU fans don't want that…and I think that's weak sauce. Think of what that says about Calipari and his influence…he's actually managed to convince our fans that a game in our state is a bad idea. 

 

 

UK is gonna get their 5 star dudes regardless of whether we play them or not. This isn't 1978 where recruits aren't getting to see the game unless it's in front of them. 

 

It appears IU is finally upping the non-con schedule.  IU gets KU, UL, an ACC opponent at home, and possibly an Big East opponent on the road.  This is a schedule I've been asking to have for awhile.  Now, if we can replace those 250+ RPI teams with under 250 RPI would could have a solid non-con SOS next season.

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I'll start by saying that I don't care if the series is renewed or not. We shouldn't be depending on any team to strengthen our non-conference schedule. UK hasn't had any problem getting tough games without us; it irritates me that we can't seem to do the same.


However…if we really want to bring it back, we should just agree to play them in Indy. I know why IU fans don't want that…and I think that's weak sauce. Think of what that says about Calipari and his influence…he's actually managed to convince our fans that a game in our state is a bad idea.


UK is gonna get their 5 star dudes regardless of whether we play them or not. This isn't 1978 where recruits aren't getting to see the game unless it's in front of them.

Well, we certainly can't do it now and have Cal use it as an example of how he gets his way.

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Since it's all about $$$ and recruiting, why not play the game at Madison Square Garden? Big stage, big early-season game, maybe even make it a traditional season opener for both teams?

(Yes I'm being sarcastic, I know the fan bases don't want to go to NYC every year)

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Divide Lucas Oil in half. Most of us regular guys can't get/afford a ticket in AH or Rupp for this one.

I honestly would prefer AH. But that is a tournament spot. I think it could be a good move to put them in that environment. For tournaments they cut the stadium in half. Then you have 40,000 seats. It would sell out.

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If it were up to me, I would offer to play at Lucas, but IU gets at least 75% of the tickets and 90% of the revenue.  Otherwise play at AH and where ever they want in Kentucky.

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