Kentucky fans attending Big Blue Madness tonight may be in for an unexpected treat.
The Wildcats are reportedly preparing to welcome a surprise guest from the NBA to Rupp Arena, adding another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated night for Big Blue Nation.
The news came from Cullen Honohan, known online as Coach All Hail, who was given behind-the-scenes access around Kentucky’s facilities. Honohan shared looks inside the Rupp Arena locker room, film room, players’ lounge and other areas before revealing that an NBA player would make an appearance during Friday night’s event.
“You guys are going to have to stay tuned, because apparently tomorrow there’s a special NBA guest coming on,” Honohan said.
That immediately sparked plenty of speculation among Kentucky fans.
Big Blue Madness has welcomed some major basketball names in recent years. Rick Pitino appeared during Mark Pope’s first year, while former Kentucky star John Wall was the special guest during Year 2.
Now, fans are wondering who could follow them.
Several former Wildcats currently playing in the NBA would make natural candidates. Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Devin Booker are among the names that could generate an enormous reaction inside Rupp Arena.
Towns would be a particularly interesting possibility after winning an NBA championship with the New York Knicks. His return to Lexington, potentially with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, would create a memorable moment for Kentucky fans.
Anthony Davis would also be a massive choice. The former Wildcat led Kentucky to the 2012 national championship before becoming an NBA champion himself and one of the most accomplished players from the program’s recent history.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would bring another level of star power. The former Kentucky guard has established himself as one of the NBA’s biggest names and has continued adding major individual and team accomplishments.
Then there is Booker, another beloved former Wildcat who has maintained a connection with Kentucky. His Nike signature shoes have included Kentucky-themed releases, making a return to Rupp Arena especially fitting.
Of course, none of those names has been confirmed as the mystery guest.
For now, Kentucky fans will have to wait until Big Blue Madness begins to find out who is walking into Rupp Arena.
One thing is certain: the surprise NBA appearance could become one of the biggest moments of the night as the Mark Pope era enters another season.
