KSR's Most Influential People Of 2014

As we count days these final hours in the year two-thousand and fourteen, we're making lists and such to reflect back on what was a magical year full of unforgettable memories. Tyler and I will name our 14 favorite moments of 2014 tomorrow night to end the year, but tonight we'll pretend to be TIME magazine as I name the Most Influential People of 2014. *****

Willie Cauley-Stein

Kentucky has its first veteran basketball team under John Calipari this season and Willie Cauley-Stein was the first returnee to get the ball rolling last spring. Willie announced he would return to school in early April, encouraging four other Wildcats -- Alex Poythress, Dakari Johnson and the Harrison twins -- to do the same. Without Willie's return, who knows, maybe the others throw their name in the draft, too.  

Barry "Slice" Rohrssen

UK's recruiting dominance didn't skip a beat when Orlando Antigua left for South Florida after last season. Barry Rohrssen, Coach O's replacement on the UK staff, has been just as active on the recruiting trail and helped land Kentucky the No. 1 point guard in the class, while maintaining positive relationships with several other highly-touted UK targets. Slice also brought a fresh sense of style to the bench on game days and needed only one media appearance to become a fan favorite in Big Blue Nation. Everybody loves Slice.  

Bud Dupree

Bud Dupree isn't just one of the most influential people of the last year; he is one of the most influential people in the history of the UK football program. The defensive end from Georgia will soon be a first round NFL draft pick -- Kentucky's first since Dewayne Robertson in 2003 -- and he leaves behind a long list of achievements and accolades at Kentucky, including the second spot on its all-time sacks list and the game-winning touchdown in the upset over South Carolina.  

Emmanuel Mudiay

Every time Tyler Ulis wows you with his stifling D, crafty handles or incredible court vision, thank Emmanuel Mudiay for committing to SMU and then disappearing somewhere in China. Had Cal not lost out on the nation's best point guard -- or given up on him, depending who you ask -- Ulis goes elsewhere and the current UK roster is without last Saturday's MVP in the Louisville game.  

Stanley "Boom" Williams

Kentucky's star freshman back led all rushers with 486 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games last season. He averaged over seven yards per touch with rushes of 53, 58, 56 and 43 yards. Boom's 25-yard touchdown scamper in the first overtime at Florida was poised to be the play of the season, if not for...  

Scott Vaughan (The Back Judge In The Florida Game)

It was Vaughan's job to call the delay of game on 4th and 7 in the first OT in Gainesville. Vaughan did not make the call and Florida went on to win the game, a game that would've sent UK to a bowl game had the Cats escaped with a win.  

Rene' Cornette

Die hard Kentucky basketball fan Rene' Cornette from Harlan is the mastermind behind last season's 'Succeed and Proceed' phrase. When Cal asked for suggestions to replace 'One and Done,' Rene' came through with the winning submission, to Cal's delight.  

Aaron Harrison

Because...