Both of the premier teams in the Bluegrass have gotten off to screaming hot starts in the 2024-25 season. The rivalry is rekindled in the Bluegrass and we are giving our thoughts on how well their respective campaigns have gone so far.
Kentucky: A-
Mark Pope’s first year in Lexington has far exceeded mine and most of the country’s expectations for the Wildcats. Not only the 15-5 record and top 15 ranking but the marquee wins over Duke, Florida, Tennessee, Gonzaga, Mississippi State and Louisville have made this season so enjoyable for the BBN. Not only the on court success for the wildcats but also the off court appearances and fan interactions have been refreshing compared to Calipari and his staff. From FaceTiming fans, to taking time to talk to wheelchair bound fans, and buying thousands of fans ice cream after games Mark Pope and his squad have been nothing short of excellent.
Even with all of this success the Cats have suffered some head scratching losses most notably to unranked Ohio State by 20 and Arkansas at home. The disappointing losses keep the cats from earning an A+ in my book. The recent injuries have provided obstacles and if the Cats want any chance of making a deep run they will need to get healthy by March. With that said Pope and his veteran led team have rejuvenated the bluegrass and brought the hope back to Kentucky Basketball. The road for the cats will not get any easier the rest of the way and at the end of the day the BBN’s main focus will be on March. As a Kentucky fan, you simply can’t not be excited from what you’ve seen so far and just have to hope the squad can continue their hot start.
Louisville: A
After starting the season 6-5, Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals have been surging since Christmas. The Cardinals won 10 straight, putting them 2nd in the ACC trailing Duke by one game. After the early season injuries to Koren Johnson and Kaesen Pryor, Pat Kelsey and the Cards have finally found their brand of basketball. They have key wins over all the opposing teams around them in the conference standings, including Clemson and North Carolina, as well as road wins against Pitt and SMU. Louisville only has two more games remaining against teams with a record above .500 in conference play. Even after an upset loss to Georgia Tech, the Cardinals will be the favorite in every remaining game, and hope to build another winning streak over the rest of the season.
Barring more significant injuries, the Cardinals are a lock to make their first tournament appearance since 2019, which shows well of a job Pat Kelsey has done during his first season at Louisville. The most likely scenario is for Louisville to end up as a 6 or 7 seed. However, with a favorable schedule the rest of the season and an opportunity for a huge quad one win over Duke in the ACC Tournament, the Cards have the potential to improve to a four seed.
