As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare to face Tennessee in the Midwest Regional semifinals at Lucas Oil Stadium, they’ll be writing the latest chapter in their complex NCAA Tournament history in Indianapolis.
The city has been the site of some of the Wildcats’ most memorable moments, as well as some of their most heartbreaking losses. From the Rick Pitino era to the John Calipari era, and now under Mark Pope, the Wildcats have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in Indianapolis.
*The Rick Pitino Era*
In 1997, Pitino’s Wildcats, led by Ron Mercer, Anthony Epps, and Cameron Mills, defeated Minnesota 78-69 in the RCA Dome to advance to the national title game. Although they ultimately fell short, losing to Arizona in overtime, the season was still a remarkable achievement.
*The Tubby Smith Era*
In 2005, Tubby Smith’s Wildcats, led by Kelenna Azubuike and Chuck Hayes, defeated Eastern Kentucky and Cincinnati in the first two rounds at the RCA Dome. They ultimately lost to Michigan State in the regional finals.
*The John Calipari Era*
In 2014, Calipari’s Wildcats, led by Julius Randle and the Harrison twins, upset Louisville and Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium to advance to the Final Four. They ultimately lost to Connecticut in the national title game.
In 2015, the Wildcats, seeking to complete a perfect 40-0 season, were upset by Wisconsin in the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium.
In 2017, the Wildcats, led by De’Aaron Fox and Bam Adebayo, defeated Northern Kentucky and Wichita State in the first two rounds at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. They ultimately lost to North Carolina in the regional finals.
*The Mark Pope Era*
Now, under Mark Pope, the Wildcats are seeking to add a new chapter to their Indianapolis history. With a win over Tennessee, they’ll advance to the Elite Eight and take another step towards their goal of a national championship.
As the Wildcats take the court at Lucas Oil Stadium, they’ll be drawing on the memories of their past successes and setbacks in Indianapolis. Will they be able to write a new story of triumph, or will they add another chapter to their history of heartbreak? Only time will tell.
