Although they've had only a year in Lexington, this year's Kentucky men's basketball senior class will be card-carrying members of Big Blue Nation for life, holding a special place in the hearts of the fan base as Mark Pope's first group of Wildcats.
There are seven seniors who will be recognized during Tuesday's senior night game between Kentucky and LSU. Before they run through the banner and play their final game at Rupp Arena, learn about the legacy of each player from those most-impacted: you. Big Blue Nation.
Each story will be added in the order it airs on BBN Tonight:
Amari Williams: One Big Impact
Throughout his fascinating senior season, Williams has earned both admiration and appreciation from Big Blue Nation, including that of one fifth-grade fan.
Meet Ryder Nash, the Amari Williams of Stonewall Elementary School.
Ansley Almonor: Leap of Faith
Almonor left Fairleigh Dickinson after three seasons, taking a leap of faith that landed him in Lexington and the hearts of Big Blue Nation.
Meet Jon Sheppard, who's as inspired by Almonor's Sundays as he is his Saturdays.
Lamont Butler: Boone's #1
Boone Studer fell in love with Kentucky basketball at a young age, but getting his #1 jersey signed by #1 himself officially made Lamont Butler his (and his parents') favorite.
"It’s something he hasn’t forgotten," Boone's dad, Ben, told us. "It’s something I’ll never forget."
Kerr Kriisa: Shoot Your Shot
Kriisa's fiery personality and a penchant for trash talk cemented his place in BBN's collective heart, but it was his humility and kindness that caught the attention of the Horn family during the team's trip to Texas.
Meet Zac. Then, watch him get up few shots with Kriisa, before taking one of his own at his favorite, trash-talking Wildcat.
Jaxson Robinson: Building Hope
In order to encourage team bonding and learn about the importance of representing the state of Kentucky, Coach Pope and the Wildcats traveled to eastern Kentucky this summer to build something more important than team chemistry: new homes for Kentuckians who had lost theirs in the devastating floods of 2022.
Now, more than six months later, the Robertson family finally gets to see that brand-new home for the first time.
Watch here as they give us a tour and reflect on what that hot, August afternoon with Robinson and the Wildcats meant to them.
Koby Brea: New York is in the Building
New York native Koby Brea made the difference in Erin and Lisa's Kentucky basketball fandom, as the mother-daughter duo went from casuals to true blue believers in order to support one of their own.
See how supporting their fellow New Yorker translated into a deeper connection between Lisa and Erin.
Andrew Carr: Stay Strong, Keep Smiling
BBN fell in love with Heidi this season when Mark Pope asked her to join him on the post-game radio show. It was the cherry on top of Heidi's season-long love of Kentucky basketball and Andrew Carr.
Plus, proof that a viral moment can lead to a lifelong connection.
Stories by Maggie Davis and Nick Lazaroff for BBN Tonight.
For more on the Kentucky basketball team and all of the Wildcats, watch BBN Tonight weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on the official station for UK Athletics, LEX 18.
