Growing up in the 90s and 2000s, it was almost understood a priori that theKentucky Wildcatswere the standard to which all other programs in the SEC and throughout most of the country were compared to.
National championships, conference championships, and Final Fours were the only things that could satiate the rabid masses of Big Blue Nation.
After their loss to Florida on Saturday evening to wrap up a disappointing regular season, however, a lot of those fans are wondering if college basketball is starting to pass their once proud program by.
Where did it all go wrong for Kentucky?
It isn't a lack of resources, that's for sure, though it sounds like there are others who disagree with that assessment.
I've heard so many fans, both from Kentucky and otherwise, say things like, "They're living in the past. It's not 1998 anymore."
While that is true on its face (it certainlyisn't1998), the sentiment that Kentucky isn't a basketball powerhouse anymore is moot.
The Wildcatsspent a reported $22 million on their rosterthis season, and even stole the Gators' presumptive starting guard, Denzel Aberdeen, out from under them for a rumored $2 million fee.
Non-traditional powers don't have $22 million to throw around – in addition to a bunch of banners in the rafters – so this idea that the game has passed Kentucky by is foolish.
What they do with that $22 million, though, is a different story, and the Wildcats were taken to task by multiple people for their roster construction, including ESPN's Dick Vitale in the middle of Saturday's broadcast at Rupp Arena.
Source: The Latest & Most Breaking News With OutKick
