Simply The Best: The Story of the 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats (Documentary)
Huge thank you to @FunchesterTeevee for supplying several videos for this documentary. Check out their channel for a tremendous collection of full length Kentucky games.
In 1995, I had a copy of ESPN's 1995-96 college basketball preview (Tony Delk on the cover) that I brought to school daily to study, when I had free time in class. A publication that had UK ranked 2nd (behind Kansas) btw. But nonetheless the magazine had a detailed breakdown of ESPN's top 64 teams. In the pre-internet days, this magazine is where I first discovered Derek Anderson, Ron Mercer, & Wayne Turner. As I continued to read this magazine, and breakdown every team's starting 5 & bench, I began to think that these 3 newcomers were gonna be the additions we needed for Kentucky to win it's 1st National Championship in my lifetime. I began to tell anyone that would listen about the 3 newest additions to the Cats' arsenal. Way before guys on national television were talking about them. Once April came I looked like a sports genius to my friends and family. A perk I've always felt I owed to Derek, Ron, Wayne....and maybe even that ESPN magazine. Even though they had UK ranked #2! Fast forward to 2013, I'm beginning a brand new sports show (The Homers Show) on a local ESPNradio affiliate. The big talk as always in this state was Kentucky basketball. I wanted to make an impression for the 1st show. I swing for the fences, so I reach out to my favorite player from my favorite team, Derek Anderson. The NCAA & NBA Champion didn't have to even bother reading the email from an unknown radio show host, let alone actually go out of his way to appear. But just like everything else about Derek, and the other Untouchables my expectations were exceeded tenfold. Derek not only appeared on the show, he treated me with the same respect that he had showed legends like Dick Vitale. His appearance MADE THE SHOW. Getting a UK LEGEND on a debut show in Owensboro, Kentucky was all we needed. Since that 1st show, I've been able to not only cover events at Rupp Arena, but rush the court at Rupp covering the Owensboro Red Devils' KHSAA State Title in 2015. I've guest hosted Kentucky Sports Radio & have also had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on countless local athletes since 2013. It's not forgotten that Derek's appearance was a HUGE part of that success. So not only are the 1996 Wildcats my favorite team ever. My favorite player from the team has helped me personally & professionally.
1996 was a CRAZY year in basketball: The Olympic Dream Team 2, possibly the best NBA draft class ever, & the Michael Jordan led Bulls began their 2nd set of 3-peats & were all over the local & national news. For me in 1996, the only basketball I cared about was Kentucky basketball. I named my dog "Nazr" after watching Nazr Mohammed live here in Owensboro for a UK JV game. I was ALL IN. They've been called Champions, Untouchables, as good as some NBA teams, too good, and even too talented. I call them 'Simply The Best'
#Kentucky #Wildcats #BBN #NationTitle #1996 #TheUntouchables #NCAA #basketball
I’m a Hoosier fan first, but I can honestly say I highly enjoyed watching this Kentucky team. You could just expect a steal every possession on defense. The deepest bench ever, and in my opinion the greatest college basketball team start to finish in the history of the game. I’m not sure the 1976 undefeated Hoosiers could have beat this team with their depth, 3 point shooting, and pressure defense. I hope no Hoosier fans read this lol.
Best comment yet haha thanks for watching
People talk about the early 90s UNLV and Duke teams. You think this team deserves to be regarded with them?
@@HarrisonHollerswithout a shadow of a doubt. 1996 KY still holds the record to this day of biggest point differential in the NCAA tournament, and there have been some good Duke squads and that UNLV team was stout, but if you ask me 1996 UK is the greatest NCAA basketball team in the history of the game.
@@Wetrockstah2116 I have to go back and watch games if I can. This was my first year watching college ball; I was 9 then. Parents got me the Kentucky Starter jacket! Best team I remember was 2001 Duke; Battier was unbelievable!
@@HarrisonHollers go back and watch their 96 tournament run, when they played Wake Forest and Tim Duncan, the way they would double team him in the post and get back on defense so quick and smoothly, I've never to this day seen a basketball team play team defense so fluently as 1996 UK. They were one cohesive unit on defense and how their press was smothering and so aggressive. Then they have tony Delk, and Jeff Shepard who could shoot lights out at 3, and Wayne turner was a dog driving to the basket. Antoine walker was a special talent, man they were so deep it was nuts..Derek Anderson was a lockdown defender at the guard position, an this teams bench would go on to play in two more consecutive championship games. Derek Anderson got hurt in 97 and they lost to Arizona in OT, had Anderson been healthy they win that chip, and the bench would go on to win a championship in 98 a well. Almost 3 peated at the college level. Hasn't been done since the UCLA teams in the 70s.
Here for Mark Pope highlights
I noticed while putting this together that Mark seemed to be a great leader even back in 1996!
Greatest college basketball team in history.
No question!
2015 cats
@@nate.hanlon definitely has an argument. The 2015, 2012 and 96 KY teams all could be considered. I mean the 2009-10 KY team was up there as well. The 2003 KY squad was good, all of them could be top 5-10 all time. The 96 and 15 team both have legit arguments for the best college basketball teams of all time.
@@Wetrockstah2116 15 had 2 too 20 teams on the roster. hell devin booker was the damn 6th man that should tell you enough hahah
@@nate.hanlon they didnt win a championship... if Pitino was coaching them they would have easily...
The greatest Kentucky basketball team in my life time and just so much fun to watch the way basketball was made to be played run and gun
Absolutely. The unselfishness of this team was amazing. Every player that came off the bench coulda went to another school and been the star of that team, but they wanted to win a national championship as a team instead
2015>
@@nate.hanlon 2015... lost... to Wisconsin... in the final four... in a game that Wisconsin had LITERALLY no reason to be in... Calipari threw that one away...
at 17mins shows how passionate uk fans are it starts early and i would have to say tony delk as my fav player
Never been more confident than anyone shooting a 3, down 2 late in the game, than 00!
Very well done my friend. I can recall as a child, I knew some people that had rooms dedicated to UK Basketball. I can remember getting on the bus on Monday morning, and every child was discussing the current ranking of the Kentucky Wildcats. My mother would only make liver and onions for dinner, when I was a child, on the nights that Kentucky would play. Refusing to let me watch the game without eating my liver and onions. They were always eaten. One the weekends, dad was always working on restoring an old car, and in the background Cawood Ledford (although I have known that name most of my life I never tried to spell it before), would be calling the game. In my teen years, I met a man that told me about his son that was in the Vietnam War, and the biggest request from his son, was recorded audio of Kentucky games. I can recall being Desert Shield and staying up until 3 am to listen to the only game I was going to here that year. I can remember UK loss at Kansas, Pitino's first year, when the loss was 145 to 95. I did not look that up. I remember it. It took a long time for that hate to fade. I also have a print of the 79' team that has been the only ornament displayed on the wall of every place I have lived, until I finally bought a house. Now we have plenty of German pieces , due to our extended time there. I have been drinking, so I may have a problem with stopping. So, there is an apocryphal story, that I want to tell you. In the late 1940's there was this pilot flying across Kentucky at about 2 am in the morning, and he noticed that the lights were on in almost every house that he flew over. He relayed to ground control, wondering if something was wrong. Ground Control responded, "No, Kentucky is playing a game in Hawaii." Drunk as Fuck but writing correctly. When you have a great teacher, you get it right no matter how fucked up you are. See, everything is correct. No need to respond, you can see that I got sidetrack, and probably will not remember even posting this tomorrow.
Pitino should have stayed at Kentucky. He would have overshadowed Krzyzewski and ranked right up there with John Wooden. What he said after the UMass game about not taking your foot off the gas and waiting for the clock to run out was prophetic about Calipari. Couldn’t tell you how many games he has lost by doing that.
Back when the AD And Basketball coach liked each other.
This was a magical time in Kentucky!
What a year that I remember very well. One of the greatest teams of all time and what a start to a fantastic 3 year run! Thanks for sharing this
What a fun time those 3 years were. 1 point away from a 3 peat. I still despise Bibby & Simon 🤣
@@JokerzGallery they both were hot that game and I hate them too
Thank you for the memories brother, i truly appreciate it.
Much appreciated!
Pitino was a great coach for Kentucky! 🔵⚪️
Always wonder what would've happened had he stayed after 97
Pitino is a great coach and I'd gladly take him back for chapter 2.... Redemption
Ya sucks he want leave use !
What a fantastic compilation documenting the greatest college basketball team ever, the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats! This had to really take some great effort to compile all of this together! It was a great treat to watch this and stroll down memory lane and reminisce on that historic season!
Thanks for watching! I had a blast looking through all the footage. It was like a time machine to my teenage years
@@JokerzGallery where did you find all this footage? I’d love to know
Rick can flat out motivate and coach, that speech after the UMASS game was awesome.
That speech still gives me chills! Thanks for watching
The 1995.96 Kentucky Basketball Team was The best Team of All time 💙🏀 Go Big Blue Forever 🏀💙🙏
yeeeeeesir 🐐 status
Who’s watching after the Mark Pope hire?
THANKS for helping me get to next season and reliving one of my favorite UK years. They undoubtedly are the best team.. ALL TIME! The only thing this video missed was the Robert Goulet video. " get off the bus and kick a little tush" 😁
I found a Robert Goulet video but it was from 96-97. Those commercials were super great lol
They were simply the best!
If Derek Anderson didn't get hurt in'97', we would have won 3 straight titles. Ron Mercer put us on his back in the NCAA tournament, taking us to overtime in the championship game. We nearly won without Anderson. They were so good. Jeff Shepard was red shirted since we had Anderson and Mercer in 97. He played in '98 and was the MOP of the Final Four and won our second title in 3 years and 3 straight title games.
That 97 team was so gritty! Still dislike Mike Bibby and Miles Simon lo
Derek Anderson did score in that game though. I can’t remember well but I think he hit 2 free throws on a technical foul? I could be wrong because my memory is bad lol.
@@Sunuvagunner312Derek hit two free throws after Clem Haskins received a technical foul.
@@MrMashman93 cool thanks man!
Loved this team. There will never be another Untouchables!
Amazing team. A machine of excellent basketball.
Man loved growing up in kentucky in the 90s. Remember going to Rupp and noticing that coach patino never sat dowm...he just paced the sidling and nealed all game #BIGBLUENATION
I was in the SAC for this season. It was such a joy to watch them play. They made it look easy and flawless. Thank you to the players on the team
UNTOUCHABLES.
Hope 24-25 can be untouchables lol 😅😂 we see next year 😅😂 BBN
Thanks for making this!! Back in the ole days !! When It was about the team & not the NBA….
Thanks for watching! And agreed!
Ok boomer
Winning with lesser talent. Regardless of what you think of Pitino he developed talent. The players understood .
859 in the house!!! Keeping it real in Richmond!!! Just discovered your channel tonight & I love it!!! Would love to see the AIC documentary. It keeps playing Limp Bizkit when I play it. Love the videos bro. Especially the greatest college basketball team of all time!!! I was 22 when they were tearing up the college circuit. Was In Rupp welcoming them back at the end of the video. Love it!!!
As Jimmy Dean would say, no who could guess, or who could possibly know, that this same man named Mark...wouldddddd be the leader of the Wildcats, be the one to take command!
Thank you! ❤
We not have this in a long time now for UK basketball 😏 i hope 24-25 can make it so we can go to rupp and cheer 🎉. Lets go big blue !!! Good job rick 👍 ... BBN
“I cant tell you how many games i’ve seen lost by teams wanting the clock to run out” -Rick Pitino John Calipari needs to watch this. And honestly i think that’s what separates Cal and Rick. Cal coaches afraid and Rick didn’t.
Awesome video man. I know these take u along tine. 👍
Much appreciated brother!
Fellow Apollo alum here! Outstanding work!
The team that made me fall in love with UK basketball!!! I was 10 lol.
This video was legendary
I started watching basketball the year John wall was in college I always thought the Davis team was definitely was one of the most dominant but 9 FUTURE NBA PLAYERS. That’s almost unheard of today
7 in the first round 👀👀👀 Cal is modern day Rick Patino
Aaaahhhh … the Rupp and Pitino Years… the best in Kentucky Basketball! Coach Calipari? You need to watch this AND take notes!
💯
Rick had a great deal of respect for that Umass team. He doesn’t really talk much about syracuse at all in the locker room after they won it. It was all about the umass game.
Agreed. Coach and players took that early szn loss to heart. I remember the team cheering for Miss State in the Syracuse vs Miss State game because they wanted to avenge that SEC Tourney loss. The competitiveness and closeness of this TEAM is what made them extra special.
UK '72 alumnus, I helped referee scrimmages for that team! Great group and chemistry! Anyone who doesn't think COACH P couldn't raise his voice...hahaha! But all those scrimmages he never yelled at my pods and me. He told me he didn't need to practice that LOL 🤣
Man, that would be awesome to have witnessed those scrimmages! Thanks for sharing!
Rupp was louder back in the day like damnnnn Go Cats baby
We 3peat if Anderson doesn't get hurt in 97!
100%! They took Arizona to overtime in 97 so literally 1 point short on a 3-Peat
I bleed blue. I believe this is the greatest team of all time. The only 2 losses were to Final Four teams, whom they beat in the NCAA tournament. This team was so deep. I believe 11 guys played pro ball. Not all in the NBA, but they played pro ball somewhere.
I'm still not sure Rick didn't throw that SEC title game to remind the team they could be beat
Call em legends , champions and untouchables You can also call them ……. SIMPLY THE BEST BETTER THAN THE REST
Being honest,I’m a Die Hard Life Long Louisville Fan…I hate and despise UK…But The 95-96 Cats we’re definitely The Best UK Team I’ve ever seen…and I hate to admit this but,as much as I love the 2012-13 Cardinals… The 95-96 UK Team is probably Rick Pitinos Best Team Ever…
How in the hell did they lose 2 games? The foundation for this team was laid in the 1995 NCAA tournament. Losing to UNC in Birmingham drove them daily. No one was stopping them in the Tournament. Championship night I was out at sea listening to the game.
The most dominant team i rcan i can recall
Radio station in lex double q did a pievw with collective soul shine Delk hits a 3pointer Sheppardz in the air Antoin got the ball Walter is every whereeee He's got no hairrrr Yea!!! 100.1 or 98.1 wkqq
The KZhead bastards killed Funchester Teevee!
Man that sucks! That channel was like a library for UK 🏀 history
Funchester is still live streaming Ky games.
Who was your favorite player from this legendary TEAM?
Tony Delk for sure.
Wayne Turner!!
Tony
Derek Anderson. He was the X Factor. Tony Delk had been my favorite the whole time till 96' when DA showed up... I loved his game... I literally cryed when he got hurt again in 97'.
Probably Derek Anderson because he was from close to where i lived in Louisville.
Syrawho?
Unfortunately with the transfer portal and just a he way the players think anymore there will never be a team like that again
100% agree
Tennessee lost out on Delk he was the best scorer in the history of Tennessee high school ball .........
Im not proud that I know this but the San Jose State player who hit the 3 at around 38:50 used to be a porn star. Dead serious. Back before the internet. Lol. Thats really random
😂
This is still the greatest basketball team ever at UK the most unselfish players I've ever watched the most talented young men the love and respect each player had for each other. And I'll add this yes Pitino left if he could only see what he had started and what was to become I like cal but I think Pitino was meant to be here to make UK the best college basketball program in the nation cal has lost some get up and go if he don't change his recruiting this yr could be another disappointing season I hope I'm wrong that other Kentucky school has got a coach now
The definition of TEAM
@@JokerzGallery absolutely bruh
The 1996 KENTUCKY WILDCATS WERE NEXT TO LEW ALCINDOR UCLA TEAMS IN TOURNAMENT SUCCESS OF MARCH MADNESS HISTORY ALL-TIME!
The game was so different back then its hard to compare. I think 96 UK would beat those UCLA teams by 15+ points if we had a time machine to have them play. They'd guard Kareem like they did Duncan and overwhelm ucla with the size/speed/athleticism/depth
2015 > 1996 and i know anthony epps personally went to school with his kids at the same highschool he went to and all that.
I had Derek Anderson on my radio show. He literally laughed out loud when asked if the 2015 or 2012 team could compete with 96. He said you're talking about men playing boys if 96 played modern day UK teams. So ima go wit DA's assessment. I personally think 96 beats any Calipari team by 20+ points.
@@JokerzGallery is derek anderson supposed to say nah they’d beat us. anthony can’t guard booker or the twins being 4-5 inches taller. wcs and ron mercer and them would be pretty even. kat eats em up inside. ulis does ulis things. 2015 legit had two top 20 teams on the same roster. i mean hell devin booker was the 6th man!!!
@@nate.hanlon I mean he coulda said 96 would beat em by 5-10 pts. He literally laughed out loud.
1996 BEST TEAM EVER
South Carolina women’s basketball team is one of the best team to do it just like UK but only thing is SC never lost a game the whole season
its so fuct he did this and then ran to nba
I think Antoine Walker playing in Boston and having the draft pick to select Ron Mercer had a lot to do with it. He took the job when nobody wanted the job after the NCAA sections with Eddie Sutton and left it with a championship and had UK as the school with the most wins in ncaa history
Take down Farmer's jersey and the world will take the Kentucky program seriously. Until then keep losing to teams like Oakland.
Random ag, but thanks for watching lol
I was in 7th Grade on that 95-96 Kentucky Championship Team and I got a picture of Rick Pitino and he Autographed the front on his pic and then on the back i got the Teams Signature's Except for One and it was the one i really wanted 00 Tony Delk he hurt my feelings because he was my Favorite and I found out he was a Dick! And would NOT SIGN AN AUTOGRAPH FOR ANY KID!!
Everytime I've seen Delk he's been more than happy to sign for kids or adults
@@JokerzGallery He was a Straight Up Dick Back in 95-96. He literally said "Fuck those kids I ain't signing no Autographs I'm going to the gym!" And the he walked outta Rupp. I remember it like it was yesterday