The NCAA Tourney at its Best--UK v. Louisville

Friends, the state of Kentucky is currently engulfed in a Southern, deep-fried, civil war of sorts.  No, we aren't divided over political issues or social injustices.  Nope, not in Kentucky.  In this state, for this week, we are divided over our basketball.  And it. is. serious. 

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Despite what ESPN and Dick Vitale might tell you, the UK/UofL matchup is one of the best rivalries in all of sports.  To start, the two coaches hate  dislike one another.  Many think the animosity began when Rick Pitino allegedly kept Coach Cal's Memphis team out of the Big East.  Whatever the cause, the two have been going at it for a while.  Cal made fun of Rick's suit, Rick called him an idiot, Cal said Kentucky only had one team (UK), Rick called him an idiot--you get the point.  **But really, Rick, that white suit is awful.

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Yes, the coaches disagree--everyone knows that.  But, it's the people of Kentucky--the hard-core, tried-and-true fans that have made this rivalry one of the best ever.  For Kentucky fans, Rick Pitino took them to greatness, won a National Championship, and then, a few years later, betrayed their trust and took a job coaching the enemy.  For Louisville fans, Kentucky is the golden child--the media darlings that are cocky, know-it-alls and win way more national championships than they ever will (Oh wait...you thought I would write an unbiased post? Let's be real).  Due to the close proximity of the two schools, Louisville and Kentucky fans live together/work together/sleep together.  The trash talking never ceases--especially now.

Unbiased comments:  I am truly proud to be from this great state.  Basketball is what we do and, this year, we have done it really well.  Having two teams in the Final Four is a great accomplishment.  No matter what the outcome, I think this game will be one we talk about for many, many years to come.

Biased comments:  I hope UK wins by 50.  We have the most talented team in the country, Cal needs this, and the Commonwealth's team needs a National Championship.

Meg iz 4 UK.

So, maybe you're not really into the whole basketball thing (Megan??).  I get that.  I would encourage you, however, to put all of that aside--just for one day--and watch this game.  Think of it as a history lesson, a moment in time that will be talked about forever.  Choose a team, and enjoy the show.  Just please, with all due respect, choose the right team.

Go CATS!