We’re all excited about Coach John Calipari’s first season at the University of Kentucky. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE baseball season and want to enjoy every single inning – but I’m definitely looking forward to college basketball. Calipari and Pitino in the same state… wow!

Apparently, Coach Calipari is going to have to hit the court running because ESPN announced yesterday that UK will face the Huskies on Dec. 9 in the SEC/Big East Invitational at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The programs’ only meeting was an 87-83 UConn victory in the second round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament, but we really don’t want to talk about that, do we?

The game, and chance at redemption will be shown on ESPN 2. I have a feeling that Coach Cal’s Cats will be shown on television a lot. Let’s hope.

Tickets for the game are expected to go on sale early this summer. For information visit www.secbigeastinvitational.com.

In other University of Kentucky news, the UK men’s basketball program has been recognized for their APR score (Academic Progress Rate score).  The NCAA made the announcement yesterday.

UK received the award for placing in the top 10 percent of the nation’s Division I men’s basketball APR scores.

The APR marks are a four-year composite that measures academic eligibility and retention of student-athletes. The current APR covers the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years.

UK was the only SEC men’s basketball team to receive public recognition.

The University of Louisville received top-10 recognition in men’s indoor track and women’s softball.

Just a side thought, since I’ve mentioned the University of Louisville – I want to go on record as saying that my thoughts are with Rick Pitino and his University of Louisville program.  I’m sure you’ve read the whole soap opera-ish scenario.  Karen Sypher, estranged wife of Rick Pitino’s longtime friend and equipment manager Tim Sypher decided to air her dirty laundry in public (I’m assuming the laundry included another man’s pants).

So, she decides that the “burden” of her little secret is too much for her and she must go public.

WHY would anyone in their right mind place the scarlett letter on their own forehead?  Unless of course they wanted to draw a line down the middle of it – I don’t know, something like this:  $ or this: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

No amount of money is worth announcing to the world that you have as much class as a retired school teacher. Make no mistake about it, the same could be said for anyone else involved in this. I’m just saying, it isn’t the players’ fault and it’s a shame that the University of Louisville has to deal with this right now.  Rick Pitino and his family’s personal life should be able to stay just that -  personal.  He has, twice, brought programs in our state back from the brink.  (Have you ever wondered where either would be without Coach Pitino?)

The only good thing is that this is coming out now instead of later – maybe it can all blow over before next season starts.