This is what makes the 2023-24 Kentucky basketball team so special
It was clear from the first time we saw this Kentucky basketball team on the floor there was something special about this group.
Of course, the way this team plays is special, but what makes this team special is much bigger than play on the court. What makes this Kentucky basketball so special is how close the team is, and they are truly brothers. Last season, at times, we would see Kentucky fall flat on the bench. That is not the case for this squad. When a shot is made, everyone stands up and celebrates their teammates. When someone comes to the bench after checking out of the game, everyone is there to give some high fives.
On Saturday, when Georgia was in Lexington, and Zvonimir Ivisic made his Kentucky debut when Big Z made the behind-the-back pass to Antonio Reeves for the three, and the Bulldogs called a timeout. The entire bench went out on the floor and nearly tackled Ivisic. Coach Calipari clearly loves all of the players on this team and has really enjoyed coaching this team. It just feels like there is something really special about this Kentucky team that could lead to a trophy being hoisted in Phoenix, Arizona, in April.
Coach Calipari, after the game, was asked about Ivisic's response to finding out he was eligible and had this to say, "He was ecstatic. And it was only a few of us there. The team had left. So, you know, we sent them a message and let him send it out. But it was -- he was all smiles."
This team being so close will help them stay together during the gauntlet of SEC play and the NCAA Tournament.
