Huge thank you to @FunchesterTeevee for supplying several videos for this documentary. Check out their channel for a tremendous collection of full length Kentucky games.
In 1995, I had a copy of ESPN's 1995-96 college basketball preview (Tony Delk on the cover) that I brought to school daily to study, when I had free time in class. A publication that had UK ranked 2nd (behind Kansas) btw. But nonetheless the magazine had a detailed breakdown of ESPN's top 64 teams. In the pre-internet days, this magazine is where I first discovered Derek Anderson, Ron Mercer, & Wayne Turner. As I continued to read this magazine, and breakdown every team's starting 5 & bench, I began to think that these 3 newcomers were gonna be the additions we needed for Kentucky to win it's 1st National Championship in my lifetime. I began to tell anyone that would listen about the 3 newest additions to the Cats' arsenal. Way before guys on national television were talking about them. Once April came I looked like a sports genius to my friends and family. A perk I've always felt I owed to Derek, Ron, Wayne....and maybe even that ESPN magazine. Even though they had UK ranked #2! Fast forward to 2013, I'm beginning a brand new sports show (The Homers Show) on a local ESPNradio affiliate. The big talk as always in this state was Kentucky basketball. I wanted to make an impression for the 1st show. I swing for the fences, so I reach out to my favorite player from my favorite team, Derek Anderson. The NCAA & NBA Champion didn't have to even bother reading the email from an unknown radio show host, let alone actually go out of his way to appear. But just like everything else about Derek, and the other Untouchables my expectations were exceeded tenfold. Derek not only appeared on the show, he treated me with the same respect that he had showed legends like Dick Vitale. His appearance MADE THE SHOW. Getting a UK LEGEND on a debut show in Owensboro, Kentucky was all we needed. Since that 1st show, I've been able to not only cover events at Rupp Arena, but rush the court at Rupp covering the Owensboro Red Devils' KHSAA State Title in 2015. I've guest hosted Kentucky Sports Radio & have also had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on countless local athletes since 2013. It's not forgotten that Derek's appearance was a HUGE part of that success. So not only are the 1996 Wildcats my favorite team ever. My favorite player from the team has helped me personally & professionally.
1996 was a CRAZY year in basketball: The Olympic Dream Team 2, possibly the best NBA draft class ever, & the Michael Jordan led Bulls began their 2nd set of 3-peats & were all over the local & national news. For me in 1996, the only basketball I cared about was Kentucky basketball. I named my dog "Nazr" after watching Nazr Mohammed live here in Owensboro for a UK JV game. I was ALL IN. They've been called Champions, Untouchables, as good as some NBA teams, too good, and even too talented. I call them 'Simply The Best'
#Kentucky #Wildcats #BBN #NationTitle #1996 #TheUntouchables #NCAA #basketball