The 1991 and 1997 seasons each left Kentucky fans yearning for more.
In the first, Kentucky achieved everything it could under a postseason ban, going 22-6 to post the best record in the SEC. Even though they had a parade celebrating the team’s achievements in Rick Pitino’s second season, many wondered would could have been if Pitino’s Bambinos could play in the NCAA Tournament.
Pitino almost had his second consecutive title in what would be his final season at Kentucky. Then Derek Anderson suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. The SEC’s leading scorer in January, he believed he could have played in the National Championship Game.