Latest news with #BigBlueNation
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Top NBA Pick Speaks Out on NIL's Impact on Culture
Former Top NBA Pick Speaks Out on NIL's Impact on Culture originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Anthony Davis built his name in college hoops the old-fashioned way, one dominant year at Kentucky, a national title in 2012, and an unshakable bond with Big Blue Nation. But in the age of NIL and the transfer portal, the college basketball blueprint has changed. And Davis isn't afraid to say it's not all for the better. Advertisement In a candid conversation with Sports Illustrated's Patrick Andres, the NBA All-Star pulled back the curtain on how he views the current landscape. 'It's tough because obviously, they didn't have that when I was in college,' Davis said. 'It kinda takes away from the game a little bit because of, and I'm not hating, it takes away from the integrity in the sense of players are only going to certain schools because of the money.' Those words hit home for many longtime fans and alumni who feel the spirit of college athletics is drifting. Davis' perspective isn't rooted in bitterness, as he acknowledges the upside. Players are earning what he once couldn't, with top talents like Cooper Flagg and AJ Dybantsa reportedly commanding deals in the seven-figure range. It's life-changing compensation for athletes who drive millions in revenue. But Davis argues that with opportunity comes compromise. 'Because one guy can leave the next year, transfer, it gets tough when you start talking about culture. That kind of goes out the window, in my opinion,' he added. He's not alone. Coaches across the NCAA have echoed similar concerns. In the 2024-25 offseason alone, over 1,900 men's basketball players entered the transfer portal. Programs are turning into revolving doors. Culture, once cultivated over four years, now has to be microwaved in a single season. Former Kentucky Wildcat great Anthony Davis.© Scott Utterback/The Courier-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK Still, NIL isn't going anywhere. With collectives growing and corporate sponsors investing more than ever, the system is maturing, and fast. Kentucky, Davis' alma mater, is among the schools adapting aggressively. Their NIL infrastructure, backed by the Big Blue Nation and donor-led collectives, is among the most robust in college basketball. Advertisement For Davis, it's not about resisting change. It's about accountability in shaping it. 'I just hope the game doesn't lose what made it special,' he said. As fans, players, and schools navigate this new era, Davis' message is clear: celebrate progress, but don't forget the pride, loyalty and culture that once defined the college game. Related: Kentucky Basketball Beats Cap Proposal With NIL Power Play Related: Former Kentucky Great Has Words About NIL: 'I'm Glad I Didn't Play in That Era' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Kentucky Great Has Words About NIL: 'I'm Glad I Didn't Play in That Era'
Former Kentucky Great Has Words About NIL: 'I'm Glad I Didn't Play in That Era' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When John Wall talks, Big Blue Nation listens. On a recent appearance on Sunday Mornings with Matt & Myron, former Kentucky Wildcat and NBA All-Star John Wall dropped an unexpected take on the hottest topic in college sports: NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). In a world where top recruits like Cooper Flagg are rumored to earn upward of $28 million, Wall, arguably the face of the Kentucky basketball resurgence in 2009 says he's thankful he missed the NIL boom. Advertisement 'For me, I'm glad I didn't come up in that era, you know what I mean?' Wall said. That's not something you hear often, especially from a player who would've been one of college basketball's highest earners in the NIL era. At Kentucky, Wall was the star. His signature dances and high-flying dunks helped catapult UK back into national relevance and led to being a No. 1 NBA Draft pick in 2010. While acknowledging the positives, Wall made it clear that NIL has its challenges too. 'I think it's great… but they gotta do like some boundaries with some of it… not like everybody jumping in the portal every year trying to just search for money.' Advertisement The former Wildcat's perspective brings a fresh voice to the NIL conversation. Wall is someone who respects the evolution of the game but is also wary of how it affects the spirit of college basketball. He even admitted that while he wouldn't trade his time at UK, cashing in would've been 'crazy.' 'That would be dope… how much I would have gotten from NIL for sure.' Wall's influence remains strong in Lexington. He revealed he's been invited by new head coach Mark Pope to work out with the current squad this summer and promises a return to Rupp Arena is coming soon. 'Kentucky's always home for me… I'm definitely coming back.' Advertisement As the NIL era continues to reshape the college sports landscape, John Wall's honest reflection is a reminder: some legends were built without a price tag and that may be what makes them truly priceless. Related: DJ Lagway Lands Lamborghini NIL Deal in Power Move Related: NCAA Sends Clear Message About Athlete Pay and Roster Limits This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Travis Perry enters the transfer portal
Lexington, Ky. (FOX 56) — Travis Perry entered his name just before the college basketball transfer portal closed on Tuesday night. The Eddyville native had been a fan favorite of Big Blue Nation, along with fellow freshman and Kentuckian Trent Noah. Perry had a storied career at Lyon County High School. He led Lyons to their first-ever state championship in 2024, and for his efforts, he was named Mr. Kentucky Basketball. Perry also owns the all-time KHSAA scoring record with 5,481 career points, which is the seventh-most all-time in the entire country, according to MaxPreps. Travis Perry enters the transfer portal Florida combo guard Denzel Aberdeen commits to Kentucky University of Kentucky ends identity-based graduation events under anti-DEI directives Coming out of high school, Perry's top five schools included Alabama, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, and Western Kentucky before ultimately committing to UK and former head coach John past season, the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 2.7 points in 9.7 minutes of action across 31 games. Perry even started in four contests toward the end of the season when the Wildcats were without a true point guard. Perry is just the second UK player on scholarship to enter the portal this offseason. Kerr Kriisa transferred to Cincinnati after missing the majority of last season with a foot injury. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lexington kitchen creates new British-cereal-based treat for Big Blue Nation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — DV8 Kitchen dropped a brand-new cinnamon roll with a unique British influence on Friday for Big Blue Nation. Known for its sweet treats, DV8 Kitchen's bakers are now serving up a Weetabix cinnamon roll. The roll was inspired by the Cats' star center Amari Williams, who said the British cereal was his secret weapon. After his big performance against Illinois, the snack went viral in Kentucky. 'People have been coming in, saying they're going to take them home to eat while watching the game, started their day with them, had it for lunch,' Michael Harper, manager at DV8 Kitchen, said. 'They just want to be energized and in the big blue spirit like Amari was.' This Kentucky Airbnb is among the most wishlisted in the world Kentucky voters rally for government change in Capitol Rotunda Kentucky mother's 33-year sentence for child's fentanyl overdose death stands The team at DV8 said that as long as UK keeps dancing in the NCAA Tournament, the staff plan to keep serving the specialty Weetabix-based cinnamon rolls. The bakery staff said they hope to have them on the menu for at least the next two weekends. To find a location in Lexington and order a cinnamon roll online, visit the DV8 Kitchen website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Blue Nation goes crazy for British cereal Weetabix
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Thanks to Big Blue Nation, a breakfast classic in a different UK is now America's best-selling cereal. It all started after UK's win over Illinois in Milwaukee. Big Blue Nation goes crazy for British cereal Weetabix Cam Ward shows off his arm at Miami pro day. Now Titans will decide if he's worth the No. 1 pick Numbers to know for each of the 16 teams remaining in March Madness: Where UK stands 'They got me Weetabix; I had about 3 of them this morning. Coach Pope joined me too, and Brandon Garrison and I feel like that helped my performance today, for sure,' Amari Williams said. 'So we will have mandatory team breakfast this week, every morning, featuring Weetabix,' Mark Pope said. Within hours of that clip going viral, online sales tripled, with Weetabix surging past Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch on Amazon. Local shops are seeing the craze too. Fáilte Irish Import Shop in Lexington sold out in a day 'I would normally have a case of Weetabix, and it might sell out every two to three months. Now it's wild. But it's great; we're having so much fun with this. It just makes me smile and laugh all the time, like Weetabix—who'd thought?' Liza Betz said. Study shows which counties in Kentucky have the most excessive drinkers Kentucky among top 10 states Americans want to move to: research Lexington high schools ranked among Kentucky's best in 2025, according to Niche The brand's parent company confirmed the sales spike and said they're loving the Big Blue buzz. No NIL deal just yet — but they're watching and rooting for Kentucky's tournament run. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
