UK fans on a bus want Thursday Night News and Views

I probably think about retirement a lot more than the average 30-year-old, but it's because of pictures like this. This bus full of Kentucky fans braved the icy roads in Mississippi yesterday to make it to the game, and in the process, became the envy of the Big Blue Nation. This group travels to as many of UK's away games as they can on their trusty bus, and I'm sure they have a hell of a time. Can I just retire now and join them for the NCAA Tournament? Maybe we could make it a work assignment? Anyways, I'm back in Nashville after a whirlwind trip to Starkville for last night's game. It was an odd trip, full of heavy wet snow, scared drivers, a half-empty arena, and lethargic Cats, but luckily, it ended with the team being one step closer to history. I can't exactly say I'll have a lot of fond memories of my time in Starkville, but when the arena broke out into a "GO BIG BLUE" chant at the end of the game, it was all worth it. Now, let's get to the news so I can go sleep out the crick in my neck courtesy of the La Quinta Inn (no TempurPedic mattresses there).

The team is finally home from Starkville

The snow kept John Calipari and his squad in Starkville much longer than they'd like, but they finally got home around 6 p.m. They originally planned to drive a bus to Memphis and fly from there, but the Starkville airport got itself together enough to let them fly out this afternoon. Because of the delay, the team practiced in Mississippi State's Mize Practice Facility, which hopefully won't throw them off their routine too much. Cal's so happy with them these days they're only practicing twice a week, so it can't hurt too much.

Mike Anderson ain't scared

Arkansas' coach met with the media this afternoon to preview Saturday's game, and told reporters he's not scared of big, bad Kentucky. "We respect our opponent, but we don't fear anyone," Anderson said. "So our guys are going in with a lot of confidence. We're playing well." Anderson should have some confidence--he's beaten Kentucky three times in a row; however, he knows this team is different than the one Arkansas swept last season. "If you ask many people their opinion, the game is already over with," Anderson said. "You line it up, as I said, man for man, there's no way possible you would say we would win this game from a talent standpoint. But the beauty about basketball is you play five guys at the same time. And the best team wins." He's not making a very convincing argument for himself.

3-star TE Justin Rigg committed to Kentucky

https://twitter.com/justinrigg1/status/571116248156614656 The 6'6" 240 lbs. Rigg is considered the 28th best tight end in the 2016 class by 247 Sports and also holds offers from Pitt, West Virginia, and Eastern Michigan. He's Kentucky's 11th commitment in the 2016 class, and moves them up to FIFTH in 247 Sports' 2016 Team Recruiting Rankings and tenth in Rivals'. Vince Marrow is on a roll.

I spent part of my afternoon watching a llama chase on Twitter

  ...and I'm not sad about that. It was a lot of fun actually. If you missed it, two llamas got loose in Sun City, Arizona, resulting in a wild llama chase that captivated Twitter. Twitter is made for ridiculous and spontaneous events like this, and the memes were priceless. Google "llama drama" and you'll find them. Or, you can watch the entire chase set to "Yakety Sax" on Deadspin. Do that instead. Also, for the last time, the dress is white and gold.

The Chris Jones story is sad

In case you've been under a rock, this morning, former Louisville player Chris Jones pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sodomy stemming from an incident this past Saturday night. The story took over the state today, and since we've covered it on this site, I won't spend much more time on it. It's sad, and if true, horrible. The one thing I will say is during Pitino's remarks about it this afternoon, he said that he suspended Jones for two weeks on Tuesday, but reinstated him for Saturday's game against Miami, albeit with a strict 9 p.m. curfew. Pitino backtracked a lot on the two-week suspension timeline, eventually saying "I don't think I gave a timeline. Normally, it's two weeks." In this awful, no good, very bad story, I had to shake my head at Pitino saying he normally suspends players two weeks. Moving on...

Go ahead and put the "Uptown Dunk" video on loop

http://youtu.be/ca85T7Ht4qQ Kentucky's new motto to college basketball: Don't believe me, just watch.

Willie was named a finalist for the Oscar Robertson Trophy

Congrats to Willie and former Cat Kyle Wiltjer, who are among the 14 finalists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, given annually to the nation's best player. The winner will be announced on April 14, and something tells me it's going to be Jahlil Okafor or Frank Kaminsky, but it's nice to see two of our boys on the list.

Who had the best reaction to Aaron's dunk: Karl or Sam?

Let's hear your votes in the comments. I'm going with Sam.

KSR is live from Total Quality Logistics tomorrow

...and they're giving away UK/Arkansas tickets. Come on out to see the guys at 2473 Fortune Drive, Suite 145 in Lexington. There will also be FREE FOOD from Malone's and Drake's. How can you turn that down? See you in the morning.