Big Blue Madness brought the hype on Saturday night.

The annual event officially tipped off the Kentucky basketball season and ushered in the second year of the Mark Pope era and the 50 th anniversary of Rupp Arena.

This year’s special cast included former Kentucky guard and No. 1 NBA Draft Pick John Wall, who was introduced alongside Pope following the player introductions. Ron Mercer, who played with Pope on the 1996 National Championship team, was also in attendance.

Former Kentucky coach Tubby Smith, who led the Wildcats to a national championship in 1998, also was a special guest received a big ovation from those in attendance.

The Voice finalist Jordan Smith joined Trent Noah during the player introductions. Smith, is also from Harlan, sang "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive." N

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