By Paul Sykes
For the first time in recent memory, no University of Kentucky signees will be participating in the Derby Classic, this year scheduled April 22 at the KFC Yum! Center. UK recruits Marquis Teague, Anthony Davis, Michael Gilchrist and Kyle Wiltjer are passing on the event to participate in the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
Louisville commits Wayne Blackshear, Chane Behanan, Zach Price and Angel Nunez are expected to play.
Does the snub of the UK players have something to do with the move to the KFC Yum! Center or the influence of John Calipari? Does he bristle at the fact that his recruits would have to perform on UofL’s home court, in front of a predominantly Cardinal fan base? Or is it the fact that the Derby Classic is no longer relevant in the high profile, “see and be seen” world in which top recruits reside?
Who knows? The event has slipped in popularity and profile in recent years, with the event being managed in a haphazard, slipshod fashion. An example is the sale of the first level, mid-court seats in order to ensure Derby Festival Committee members and their friends get them.
The Night of the Future Stars has been relegated to tiny Bellarmine gym and turned into a boisterous, hip hop event with inaudible DJ’s and overpriced and stale food. This year, they’ve moved the events to Thursday and Friday instead of the traditional weekend nights. They had no problem hiking the ticket prices, though.
The Derby Classic also isn’t getting the financial backing and sports clothing coffer contributions that the other two games rake in. It might be time to scrap or re-design the current format and come up with a newer and more fan friendly option. Adding a women’s game might help. Ticket price reductions, especially in non-prime seating areas could bump attendance.
Time for the Derby Festival Committee to join the 21st century of hoops.
“Definitely a son of a son of a sailor” is a sure shot LOL!
Ray