The timing of the ESPN 30 for 30 broadcast of “I Hate Christian Laettner” was perfect. The 2015 NCAA Tournament, which began on Tuesday night, could easily have a similar name of “I Hate the Kentucky Wildcats” for nearly everyone outside Big Blue Nation.
However, with a team that is so close to history, what is with all of the hatred for the ‘Cats? There are several reasons, but the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks on this squad, and there are just so many misconceptions that have to be addressed.
The main argument for all the haters is that Kentucky is killing college basketball with its one-and-done players. To dismiss that misconception, the reason that this team is so great is because the roster had so much talent coming back from last year’s national runner-up squad. The decision to come back was mostly because they saw how special that this team could be.
It is also these returning players that make this team so great, and instructively, so different from John Calipari teams of the past. Not only does this team have one squad of players at the top of their respective recruiting classes; Kentucky has crafted such a roster two years in a row. The obscene amount of McDonald’s All-Americans on this team mix their raw talent with a measure of experience in huge games last year, particularly in March. This is probably a key to Calipari’s decision to stick with the Harrisons in the starting lineup over newcomers Devin Booker and Tyler Ulis, despite the latter outplaying the twins at times.
Along with the success it has enjoyed, this team just plays the game the right way. All you ever hear is about how people want teams that play as one and “play for the name on the front of the jersey.” That is exactly what this squad does. The Wildcats have been one unified team all season, despite a situation that is not always easy to manage. The ‘Cats have had to sacrifice playing time and personal spotlights for the betterment of the team. Calipari goes nine or 10 deep to make the ‘Cats as good as they have become.
In addition, they are simply good kids. There has not been a single issue on or off the court with this group. The Wildcats win like a team which expects to, a team that has been there before… even though some of the players on this squad have not in fact been there (in the Final Four and the national championship game). This group does everything with class.
Along with all of the flash, this team also plays with fundamentals. Plus, the Cats defend. Nearly every single player on the roster is a force on both sides of the floor, rather than being a one-dimensional scorer.
The only reason that comes to mind for all of the venom spewed in Kentucky’s direction is Calipari. While he has had indiscretions at UMass and Memphis, he has still not been anything but squeaky clean in Lexington. In interviews, Calipari can come off as cocky and smug, which contributes to some of the hate. However, he did not face the same level of dislike with the Minutemen or Tigers. Some of this could be credited to the platform of being Kentucky’s coach.
The reality that so many people are rooting against the ‘Cats is simply what makes March great. Everyone needs an underdog, and it makes them feel better when the little guy succeeds. At the same time, everyone needs a villain. Everyone needs their Lex Luthor to Superman. Everyone needs their Ivan Drago to Rocky.
Whichever side of the debate you are on, one thing is for sure: history will be made this month. Despite the drama, hate, love, and tragedy, we all just need to sit back and enjoy a great team trying to do something that hasn’t been done in nearly 40 years.
