Hoopening Day for Vols, Cats

Written by Grubby | 13 November 2009

Today kicks off the official hoop season for both the Kentucky Wildcats (6:30pm v. Morehead, ESPNU) and the Tennessee Vols (9pm v. Austin-Peay, SportSouth).

These two programs are not only picked to contend for the SEC East and Overall titles, but are both preseason top-10 and have Final Four expectations.  And that's about where the similarities end.

Kentucky is sporting a #1 overall recruiting class inundated with talented newcomers, including suspended John Wall, a purported one-and-doner, and big man DeMarcus Cousins.  The Vols, on the other hand, return nearly all of their production from last year's East Division championship team, including preseason All-Conference power forward/wing Tyler Smith (another supposed first rounder next year).

More after the jump.

John Calipari's arrival in Lexington has rejuvenated a continually grumbly Commonwealth and added a new dimension to his rivalry with Bruce Pearl, whom he will now see at least twice a year.

Andy Katz had this to say in noting his 25 games to watch this season.

Feb. 27: Kentucky at Tennessee (CBS): The Vols have the talent to challenge Kentucky for the SEC East title. Calipari and Bruce Pearl aren't best friends, either. This SEC East rivalry should blossom this season, and this game could have a say in the title race.

The I-75 Border War, once a legitimately flourishing rivalry in the days of Ray Mears, Adolph Rupp and Joe B. Hall, could be headed back that way soon.  Very soon.  Around these parts you're likely to find devoted coverage to both programs.  And jabs.  Lots of jabs.

But tonight is opening night.  And we can all be friends.  At least until January.

And let's all hope John Wall will still be on the team.

Impact Newcomers:

Kentucky: PG John Wall, PF DeMarcus Cousins, C Daniel Orton

Tennessee:  PG Melvin Goins, SG Josh Bone, PF Kenny Hall

Pre-SEC Predictions:

Kentucky: 11-2  (losing @UConn and v. UNC)

Tennessee: 13-1 (losing v. Kansas)

(image of new UT guard Josh Bone via Knoxville News Sentinel)