Kentucky About to Step Into Uncharted Waters

The University of Kentucky started its Men's Basketball program 107 years ago. On Monday, December 21, the Winter Solstice, the Wildcats will have done what no other college program has ever done: win the 2,000th game, which is the most wins of any college basketball program in history. Drexel University will have the unenviable task of going into Rupp Arena to try to delay history in the making.

The Wildcats reached the 1,999 mark when they defeated Austin Peay 90-69 Saturday Night. Kentucky Point Guard sensation John Wall has had a fantastic season so far. He's averaging 18 points per game, 7 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. He reminds many of the great guards of the past who have gone on to have stellar NBA careers. Cat fans, enjoy the "Great Wall of Kentucky" while it is still up. John Wall will most likely opt for the NBA Draft after this season.

Back to the matter at hand, the record setting 2,00th win, which will almost no doubt come on the winter Solstice. Here is what Head Coach John Calipari said about getting 2,000 wins: "First of all, I'm such a small part of the 2,000 wins. But, there is a sense of responsibility when you are in this seat.", Calipari said. "There have not been many in this seat, but the guys that have been (here) know there is a sense of responsibility that you feel to the state, university, former players and coaches. We can act like it wasn't important for us to get to 12 (wins) before North Carolina got to 16 (wins), but believe me, the day after I took the job I started thinking, ‘How are we going to get to 12 before they get to 16?' Now I'm thinking, ‘How can we get to one before they get to seven?' That may not be Monday. It may be Wednesday; it may be next week when we come back. We need to get to one before they get to seven. This program has created a pride in this state, from Eastern, to Western, to Northern, to Southern Kentucky. People have a pride in their Commonwealth's team and it means something to them."

Calipari is not taking Drexel lightly. The Dragons are coaches by Calipari's former assistant at UMASS, James Flint. They come into this game 6-5 overall and 1-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association. "They do a great job and really defend. They are a good defensive team and they do a great job coming off screens", Calipari said. For Kentucky Sr. Guard Mark Krebs, it is an incredibly wonderful feeling to be part of something this special: “It is an unbelievable feeling that you are a part of a program that is so special and has won so many games. To be a part of it is really going to be special," Krebs said. "The first to 2000 wins, that is amazing. It is going to be a great thing. Getting 2000 wins just show how special a place and a program that Kentucky is. It is just special.”

The Cats will begin their quest for college basketball immortality Monday Night, Dec. 21 at 7pm EST. More info on this article can be obtained by going to www.ukathletics.com.