LOCKER ROOM: Kentucky talks through heartbreaking loss, recaps season

maxresdefault-14 — Kentucky in the locker room post-Tennessee

What is always the best part of the NCAA Tournament from a media perspective always becomes the worst part of the NCAA Tournament for 67 teams in the field of 68. It’s a blast to talk to the players and dig deeper into their stories with one-on-one time in the locker rooms — and there is nothing like celebrating a big win in their own element rather than a more polished look at the podium. You get raw emotions rather than rehearsed answers ready-made for cutting and clipping to blast on social media.

Then there are the losses where the tears flow and heartbreak sets in, knowing the journey they started together back in June is officially over. It’s a little different for this Kentucky team, too, knowing how many seniors are on the roster out of eligibility and their careers coming to an end. They were so easy to love and came together so quickly, leading to a harder goodbye following the loss to Tennessee.

There was anger as the Wildcats tried putting into words what went wrong against the Volunteers, but more than anything, there was sadness about this chapter closing and gratitude for the opportunity to have it to begin with. You had players sharing their experiences in Lexington and being able to lay the foundation for Mark Pope in his first year as head coach — something they were all proud to do.

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As tough as it is, you really see just how special they are as humans, wearing Kentucky across their chests as well as any group in recent memory. Take a look at the open locker room session after the game:

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