La Familia is ecstatic to play in Kentucky vs. Louisville rivalry again

Kentucky and Louisville play in arguably the best rivalry in college basketball, but once players leave school, a return to the rivalry is not expected. The Basketball Tournament has changed that.

On Monday night at Freedom Hall, Kentucky’s alumni team (La Familia) will face Louisville’s alumni team (The Ville) in the TBT quarterfinals. That gives former players who played in this rivalry in the past an opportunity to jump in the time machine and re-live some of their best moments from college.

Those memories have come flowing back over the last few days ahead of the big matchup.

“That we never lose. That’s the best memory,” La Familia head coach Tyler Ulis told the media on Monday. “Obviously, the iconic picture where Chris Jones elbowed me in the face. That’s pretty big for me. I’ve got to thank him for that I guess.”

Ulis played a key role in both times he played Louisville helping lead the Wildcats to two wins. Most notably, a cut near his eye left blood dripping down his face. That image is one that many will remember. Willie Cauley-Stein also referenced that moment as well as a big game from Julius Randle in the 2013-14 regular-season meeting and Kentucky’s Sweet 16 win over the Cardinals later that year. The former consensus first-team All-American and seven-year NBA veteran believes the rivalry is special.

“It’s one of the best. If not the best,” Cauley-Stein said. “It’s good for the state of Kentucky. Both ways. Everywhere we walk, the city’s buzzing. Everybody’s talking about it.”

La Familia general manager Twany Beckham knew a potential matchup with Louisville’s alumni team was very possible once the brackets were released. Beckham told reporters that “everybody’s excited” for the opportunity on Monday.

Rivalry basketball in July. That is something we can all get behind.

“To have a Louisville vs. Kentucky game in July is crazy,” Ulis told reporters. “We can’t wait to feel the energy. Get out there and try to get a win.”