Kentucky's non-conference men's basketball schedule is closer to completion.
The Wildcats have added Wichita State to the slate for a game on Friday, Nov. 27, at Rupp Arena. The time and television designation will be announced at a later date.
Kentucky owns a 2-0 record against the Shockers, with both meetings taking place during the NCAA Tournament, most recently in 2017 when Kentucky defeated top-seeded Wichita State 65-62 in Indianapolis. The Wildcats ended the Shockers' 16-game winning streak in the upset win.
The team's annual Big Blue Madness is set for Oct. 2 at Rupp Arena. Details on ticket distribution and television designation have not been finalized.
It will be Mark Pope's third event as coach of the Wildcats. Former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino made an appearance in Pope's first season in 2024, followed by John Wall's surprise visit to Lexington last season.
'Meet the Team Day' Saturday
Kentucky football coach Will Stein and the Wildcats will have a "Meet the Team Day" from 5-6 p.m. Saturday on the ground level concourse at Kroger Field.
Coaches and players will be scattered in small groups, available for autographs and to interact with fans. The school has set the following guidelines to ensure a steady flow during the one-hour event.
• Autographs are limited to one item per person.
• No posing for photographs with players or coaches
• Conversations are to be brief and to be respectful of the event staff and follow directions.
Cat Scratches
• Kentucky athletics director J Batt attended his first event on the job as the Kentucky women's soccer team defeated Detroit Mercy, 6-0, earlier this week.
"I enjoyed my first regular-season event as a Wildcat," Batt said in a social media post. "Even better to see the (women's soccer team and coach Troy Fabiano) start the UK athletics season with a win."
• Kentucky deputy athletics director Marc Hill accepted a similar position at Brigham Young this week. Hill will oversee various administrative and operational efforts at the school.
“My wife and I are very excited for this next chapter in our lives,” Hill said. “While we will miss Lexington and our friends at UK, I am extremely excited to get to Provo and continue wearing blue and white while pursuing championships and shaping the lives of young people. BYU is an amazing institution and a championship athletic department — one that I can’t wait to be a small part of.”
Hill was considered a contender for the athletics director position at Kentucky after Mitch Barnhart announced his retirement.
The crowd was stoked for Big Blue Madness as another UK basketball season is on the horizon. The Blue-White Game will be next week. (Photo by Les Nicholson)
Republished in partnership with Kentucky Today
