The Kentucky men’s basketball program has been playing exhibition games since at least 1935, when they faced the Bracken County Area All-Stars in Augusta. On Friday night at Rupp Arena, the Cats will play in perhaps the most anticipated exhibition game in program history.

Kentucky, ranked ninth in the preseason polls, welcomes top-ranked Purdue to Lexington in what should be a showcase of national championship contenders. Due to a new NCAA rule, Division I teams can now play each other in open exhibition games, and UK head coach Mark Pope immediately went for a marquee opponent.

“This is an incredibly important data collection moment for us and it’s unbelievable that we get to do this against this Purdue team and Matt (Painter). If he’s not the best coach in college basketball, he’s got to be right up there.”

Pope has mentioned how competitive this particular team is during his preseason media opportunities. When asked if he would be trying to win the game rather than experimenting with lineups, Pope’s answer was quick and direct.

“Yes. The answer is yes, especially with this group,” Pope said. “The group is just hard wired that way.”

Having said that, Pope knows that there will be a lot to be learned from Friday’s game. After practicing against each other for so long, the Cats finally get to play someone else. And it just happens to be the number one team in the country.

“For us, you get this chance to go get this really in depth look at who we are right now,” Pope said. “And so we’re going to take full advantage of that while doing everything we can to win, but still not leave anything on the table in terms of learning about ourselves.”

This is one of the most anticipated exhibition games in the history of Kentucky basketball. In 1982 and1987, the Cats faced the Soviet Union’s Olympic team during the Cold War Era. Those Soviet teams featured the likes of Arvydas Sabonis and Sarunas Marciulonis, who both went on to play in the NBA.

Kentucky has won 33 consecutive exhibition games, including two last year in Pope’s first year. However, Friday’s game will be a much bigger challenge than anything UK has faced in exhibition action lately. That’s part of what makes this perhaps the most anticipated exhibition game in program history.

After some research it looks like this is being shown on the SEC Network channel

Announcers: Jimmy Dykes and Tom Hart

I love mark pope not shying away from any program. I’m glad the ncaa made the change they did as well. Go Cats.

I'm looking forward to seeing this group play but it's unfortunate that Lowe won't be available. With that said it will give us a good look at potential back court depth early on. 

Kentucky 82-79.

I’m wondering why a 6pm tip off

So random!

As a lifelong diehard Kentucky fan and current Purdue student, these are the strangest emotions I've ever felt going into a sporting event. Can't imagine what this would feel like if they met in March/April which I believe is somewhat likely (almost happened last year). Since I've been at Purdue we are 0-2 in D1 preseason exhibitions, losing at Arkansas in the 23-24 season (before going to the national title game) and losing in Omaha to Creighton last year.

I believe the Boilermakers fully deserve their preseason #1 ranking based on experience and returning/added talent. I have seen Braden Smith in person frequently over the last 2 years and he is the real deal. Their biggest struggles last year were rebounding and defense which have been addressed with transfer Oscar Cluff and redshirt freshman 7'4 Daniel Jacobsen who was hurt last year.

Kentucky in my mind is likely a top 3-5 team talent wise with a returning NPOY candidate and blockbuster portal additions that add ridiculous levels of length and athleticism, which is what Coach Pope wanted to address the most. This team will play fast, smart basketball and have crazy depth and experience.

These could be two of the best teams in the country and potentially a preview of what is to come in Indianapolis this April. This will not feel like an exhibition for either team or their fanbases and Rupp will be rocking. I like Purdue in this one by a possession or two but I truly believe it could go either way.

9 minutes ago, ROCK23 said:

As a lifelong diehard Kentucky fan and current Purdue student, these are the strangest emotions I've ever felt going into a sporting event. Can't imagine what this would feel like if they met in March/April which I believe is somewhat likely (almost happened last year). Since I've been at Purdue we are 0-2 in D1 preseason exhibitions, losing at Arkansas in the 23-24 season (before going to the national title game) and losing in Omaha to Creighton last year.

I believe the Boilermakers fully deserve their preseason #1 ranking based on experience and returning/added talent. I have seen Braden Smith in person frequently over the last 2 years and he is the real deal. Their biggest struggles last year were rebounding and defense which have been addressed with transfer Oscar Cluff and redshirt freshman 7'4 Daniel Jacobsen who was hurt last year.

Kentucky in my mind is likely a top 3-5 team talent wise with a returning NPOY candidate and blockbuster portal additions that add ridiculous levels of length and athleticism, which is what Coach Pope wanted to address the most. This team will play fast, smart basketball and have crazy depth and experience.

These could be two of the best teams in the country and potentially a preview of what is to come in Indianapolis this April. This will not feel like an exhibition for either team or their fanbases and Rupp will be rocking. I like Purdue in this one by a possession or two but I truly believe it could go either way.

This is the good stuff!!

Game on baby!!

8-5 Cats early

10-8, Cats

Under 16 timeout

Otega looking like he hasn’t missed a beat!

Noah finishes a backdoor cut beautifully 

I need see more consistent and better play from Collin Chandler on both ends of the floor this year.

Jasper 3, welcome to UK!!!

Jimmy Dykes liking UK defense early!!!