There’s no doubt the Kentucky/Louisville rivalry is one of the best if not the best in the nation. Each school’s recent success and Pitino jumping ship adds fuel to the fire.
Kentucky and Louisville have combined for 2 out of 3 titles in the past 3 years. 2012 for Kentucky, 2013 for Louisville. The Cats almost made it 3 straight titles for the bluegrass but Connecticut had other ideas last year.
Both schools have a hall of fame coach who you either love or hate. it’s been heard that the two aren’t found of each other making the press conferences interesting.
Pitino and Calipari have two distinct styles. Pitino likes to press and shoot the 3 and known for getting the best out of players and finding diamonds in the rough. No matter how high a commit is rated, Pitino takes them and turns them into impact players in the 3-4 years at Louisville.
Calipari is known for his great recruiting and winning with one and done players which many critics and coaches said it couldn’t be done. Calipari, known for the dribble drive has adapted the offense to his players strengths. Since 2010 when John Wall comitted to UK, Calipari has been successful preparing players for the NBA but most importantly getting the players to play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.
Now that both teams are in the Elite 8 fans are starting to dream of a UK/UL title game. It would be the ultimate bragging rights in both school’s history.
Kentucky to go 40-0 and winning the title against Louisville would be talked about forever but if Louisville spoiled Kentucky’s path to perfection and hanging a banner would also be the number one trash talking topic.
No matter what each team accomplishes from this point Kentuckians should be proud of each team’s successful run in the tournament.
Having two out of the final 8 teams speaks volumes about how much the state of Kentucky loves college basketball.
Kentucky takes on Notre Dame Saturday to advance to final four
Louisville takes on Michigan State Sunday to also advance to the final four.
No matter which team you cheer for sit back, enjoy the ride, and hope the trophy comes home to the Bluegrass.
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