Drake, a noted University of Kentucky basketball fan, returned to the state on Friday for Big Blue Madness.
“Drake is on his way,” Kentucky Wildcat’s coach John Calipari told the crowd at Rupp Arena in Lexington. The coach called Drake a “friend of the program” and urged his players to follow in Drizzy’s footsteps.
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“I want my players and anyone out there to know if you want to emulate excellence, yet maintain humility, emulate Drake,” Calipari said. “If you want to emulate a strong drive, embracing the biggest stage and the goodness of a compassionate heart, you emulate Drake.”
The Canadian “Headlines” rapper did indeed make his presence felt at Rupp Arena. “I think it was 2009 when Coach first brought me out here, and it was one of the best experiences of my life,” Drake told the crowd. “This family right here — you’re a special, special group. Make some noise for your team this year.”
“The energy in Lexington really comes from each and every one of you that fill this building every night,” he continued. “So make some noise for yourself, because it’s truly incredible.”
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Continuing, “I told Coach that I wanted to come back, and he made it possible for me to be here, so I appreciate you accepting me again, one more time,” he said. “You know, people ask me, ‘There are so many madnesses going on and so many different events, why don’t you go anywhere else?’ And I tell them, ‘I’m a Wildcat through and through. And there’s only one Big Blue.’”
Drake, 30, also informed the crowd he would return to Lexington to perform a free concert for University of Kentucky students.
