Meeting the 2017-18 Wildcats

Every year since I have been a UK men's basketball season ticket holder I have made a point to take the kids to see all the players who are leaving for the NBA or graduating. It has made for some very fun interactions with some very talented young men who are going to be millionaires in the very near future. This year was no exception. After the season I waited to see when they were going to declare for the draft and then got everything ready so that we could go meet the players.

First up was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who was a really nice young man.

Some 3 goggles with the kids.

Picture with me and the kids.

Last year we also added in the selfies with the players because Brinley really enjoyed taking selfies with our phones. Shai was nice enough to take one with her as well this year. 

Landon had to get himself a little selfie too!

For Hamidou Diallo we actually had to drive to Northern Kentucky to a restaurant called Barleycorn's. This was because my work schedule didn't allow for me to see him while he was in Lexington. It wasn't too bad of a drive. Hami was also a very nice young man and very appreciative of all the fans that came out to see him.

Landon and Hami.

Brinley wasn't in a great mood on this day, but we were still able to get a selfie.

Another work schedule conflict kept us from seeing Kevin Knox in Lexington too. We were able to drive just down the road to Richmond so that we could meet him. What an extremely nice young man. We have been doing this for 4 years now and I can honestly say he has been the best interaction we have had to date. He started by walking down the entire line of people waiting and thanking them for coming out to see him. Then he asked both kids their names and talked to them. Landon even surprised me by talking back to him. 

Me and the kids with Kevin. Apparently the kids even made it onto the local news. I had some people tell me that they saw us, but I was never able to find the clip myself.

Landon and Kevin.

Brinley and Kevin.

This picture of Kevin Knox and the kids throwing up their 3 goggles even made it onto my favorite website, Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR). They were the top picture for an article talking about something that Kevin was doing.

There were a couple of late draft decisions that were made by a few players that kept them from having autograph sessions at the same time as the other guys. This past week all of last years players from last season were in town for a camp and the remaining guys came out to meet the fans.

Yet again another scheduling conflict tried to keep us from meeting a player. I was unable to get off from work to meet Jared Vanderbilt so thankfully Jennifer took the kids so that they could meet him. 

Again the kids showed him their 3 goggles.

Last by not least we were able to meet Wenyen Gabriel. I am very sad to see him go because I think that he was just starting to tap into his potential. I completely understand why he had to though. While we were in the line waiting I was trying to explain to the kids a little about his history. Sometimes the kids complain about silly little trivial stuff so I was trying to put it into perspective. I told them the story about when Wenyen arrived in the USA as a refugee from South Sudan he didn't even own a pair of shoes. Not completely sure the kids understood, but one day I hope they understand how privileged they are to have things.

Wenyen sure could light it up from behind the arc. His 7 three pointer performance will certainly be one that he will be remembered for in the SEC Tournament this past season.

Landon didn't catch the memo that he could put his 3 goggles down.

Brinley and Wenyen.

Landon and Wenyen.

Some people think that I am crazy for taking the kids and paying for an autograph. However, this is something I look forward to every year after the season is over. While at Kentucky these guys are looked at like superstars, but when you meet and interact with them you find out that they are truly just young men. To a Kentucky fan it means at lot that they come out and meet and greet the fans. I know one day the kids will look back and be happy that I took them to meet all of these guys. Can't wait to see all of them have successful careers on and off the basketball court. 

Now lets get ready for next season! I think it is going to be a special year! Go Big Blue! Thanks for reading and God Bless!