If you're a UK player, and unless you commit a heinous crime during your time on Earth, you are a beloved individual in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the rest of your days.

The beautiful part?

UK players get it, respect it, love it, and give it back.

Even the one-and-doners like John Wall can't speak highly enough of their time at the University of Kentucky and how much Wildcat fans mean to them.

See, I was completely blown away when I learned, late Friday night, that Kenny "Sky" Walker--UK's second all-time leading scorer--was to be a judge for the cook-off at the Jerry Morris Trinity High Benefit on Saturday. But after talking to folks like Claude Knott of Thrifty Bargain Supply, a friend of Kenny's, I realized that shouldn't have surprised me at all.

The love that Big Blue Nation has for the players is deep and endless. The players feel that. They play for the fans. And they play well. And that, in turn, can yield a nice NBA Draft night selection and a fat contract--not to mention some sweet endorsement deals like the one Anthony Davis just inked with Nike--but they never forget the fans. The ones who "got 'em there," so to speak.

Yes, of course, there's talent, but I believe that "extra mile" effort is sometimes a result of a fan base's adoration and, let's face it, obsession. And Big Blue Nation provides that in spades.

Look at what Terrence Jones did recently for hardcore Wildcat fan, William Bolden.  Bolden, aka Stone Cold Willow, was in serious need of dental work. He joined Terrence at Lexington Legends baseball game earlier this summer and threw out the first pitch. It was there that TJ told him he would pay for a whole new set of teeth for this guy.

 

 

Incredible generosity. And these are just a couple of examples. We see and hear it all the time how UK players are constantly giving back. Truly amazing.

I just never realized they'd make for great dental insurance.

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