Big Blue Insider
@bigblueinsider1
Followers
17K
Following
31K
Media
3K
Statuses
48K
Dick Gabriel is in his 6th decade covering sports in Lex. Join him weeknights 6p-8p on 630 WLAP; also hear him on the @UKSportsNetwork and watch him on SEC Plus
Joined April 2009
SEC Player of Year. Defensive POY. NCAA Player of the Year Final Four MOP. NCAA champion. Olympic gold medal. Best single season ever.
The Anthony Davis run đȘ. #OTD in 2012: @AntDavis23 completed @KentuckyMBB's championship run with a win over Kansas! #MarchMadness
10
135
906
Does Grady curling around that screen and unloading a 3 remind anybody else of Jeff Sheppard, during that '98 championship run?.
34
12
806
Kentucky wins, Travis Ford beats Rick Pitino and Duke loses at home. You'll have to forgive UK fans for their silly grins. .
15
51
766
Eddie Gran will never get enough credit for what he did with the offense that season. .
5 years ago today, Lynn Bowden took down Virginia Tech to win the Belk Bowl
29
28
552
This guy is definitely winning the press conference.
1
7
542
What drives liberals - and most people - crazy is lies. That's not Rupp Arena. .
27
78
488
BTW this could be a @UKBaseball record crowd. Temporary bleachers are full, concourse is 3-4 people deep; reserved seats were sold out in minutes; limestone "bleachers" are crowded and people are should-to-shoulder on the grass berms. BBN showed up and is showing out. Again.
1
23
481
Look - Calipari was right when he said the freshmen didnât play well. They didnât. But Iâd still love to know what his plan was for attacking Oaklandâs zone, which he absolutely knew was coming. I donât know that we will ever hear it.
81
27
457
He ran toward the danger. In Uvalde, Tx, a total of 376 law enforcement officers â a force larger than the garrison that defended the Alamo â stood outside the school for an hour. Hero isnât a strong enough word for Officer Wilt. i donât know what is.
The name of our Officer who was critically wounded while stopping the active shooter: Officer Nickolas Wilt, a new officer to the LMPD recently sworn in.
8
43
444
Hit your free throws and you win. Itâs not complicated.
31
16
422
Just arrived at Rupp Arena. Immediately recalled a tradition before every game Joe B coached: The band, in unison, would yell, "HELLO, JOE!" and cheer. Joe always waved back. Would love it if the band could do it today, one last time. .
11
19
411
So it's UK for Great Crossing big man Malachi Moreno. Here he is, posing with one of his favorites, Miss Kate Gabriel. She teaches special needs students and Malachi and some of his teammates often lend her a hand when needed. Good kid.
0
8
395
Mike Pratt: "If the Cats win this one, we should all be in church tomorrow morning.".
7
15
370
If you want to boo John Calipari, thatâs your right. But just remember where this program was when he took over - it had become irrelevant, thanks to Billy Clyde. Now remember where Calipari took it for the next six seasons. And if not for injuries to some of his later teams, 1/.
63
12
373
Rich and Karen Brooks at the formal dedication of the UK football field house named in their honor. Great turnout of former asst coaches and players
6
15
358
Still a touchdown.
44
14
367
CJ Fredrick to Jack Givens on the @UKSportsNetwork post-game show: "BBN, that was for you.".
1
15
336
Just think - somewhere, Urban Meyer is watching Joe Burrow and saying, âI still donât think heâs all that goodâŠâ.
8
17
332
So the âsmall ballâ team ties the game in the 9th with a home run and walks it off with another in the 10th.
7
8
334
If anyone knows how Missouri football fans feel right now, itâs Kentucky fans. .
5
25
326
Congratulations to the family and friends of our pal, the late, great Mike Pratt - named Kentucky Sportscaster of the Year.
3
16
327
You have to wonder if the person several hundred miles away who wrote this headline also wrote the infamous âKalipariâ headline.
51
18
306
Grady's 3 after he didn't even see the pass coming - has to be the best I've ever seen in Rupp. .
6
8
297
Thanks so much. Honored, humbled and grateful. .
A huge congratulations to our very own Dick Gabriel for being inducted into the 2025 Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame! đïž. With 40 years of dedication as a reporter, host, and announcer with the University of Kentucky Television/Radio Network, Dickâs contributions to broadcast
35
7
297
Clarification about a comment I made on KET: I should not have made it sound like there was a âcounter offerâ situation. I did a poor job of saying UK was aware of what Arkansas was offering, but to make it sound like Calipari sought a counter-offer was inaccurate. My apologies.
Kentucky broadcaster Dick Gabriel says John Calipari asked Kentucky to counter Arkansasâ offer. Calipari holds a lifetime contract and is second highest paid coach in college basketball. âCalipari, as Iâm told, said, âHereâs what itâs going to take to keep meâ and UK said, âI
80
64
282
Can confirm in pre-Belk Bowl dust up, at least one punch thrown at Lynn Bowden. No idea about the verbal exchange that may have led to it. Canât wait for the midfield meeting for the coin toss. Because football!.
34
94
277
Chris Rodriguez led the Washington Commanders in rushing last night with 31 yards on five carries (9 different Washington players had carries) in their 29-28 win over Baltimore.
7
20
275
His family tells me former UK guard Reggie Warford died this morning at home, surrounded by family. He was the first African-American basketball player to graduate from UK. We shared a birthday and a friendship. RIP
11
39
273
I was a witness. And I still canât believe what I saw.
On this day in 1983, Dirk Minniefield throws down one of the greatest dunks in K̶e̶n̶t̶u̶c̶k̶y̶ c̶o̶l̶l̶e̶g̶e̶ basketball history in the No. 13 Wildcats' 88-67 win over Mississippi State at Rupp Arena.
15
16
277
Sad news: Former UK coach Guy Morriss has died. His wife Jackie says he was surrounded by his loved ones and went peacefully. This is the story I produced when she and Guy asked me to explain to UK fans that heâd been diagnosed with Alzheimerâs. RIP
7
40
268
Canât like this enough.
Packing up my classroom today, last day of school. The first thing I have done each morning this school year is recite these words and pray ~an impactful reminder by a courageous man. âWork hard, do your best, love your people.â ~Coach Schlarman #BBN #kentuckyfootball #WeAreUK
0
7
262
For my money, @tom_hart & @CoachJimmyDykes are one of the best combos on air today. Knowledgeable and entertaining. Keep it comingâŠ.
10
2
263
One of the most under appreciated players in @KentuckyMBB historyâŠ.
On this day in 1998, Keith Bogans of DeMatha Catholic of Maryland commits to Kentucky. Bogans played 4 years at UK and finished with 1,923 points. He won SEC POY and SEC Tournament MVP in 2003. #SchoolinSession
7
5
253
The best part of this play was his celebration. That was 22. He loved @UKFootball and he loved life â especially his kids. RIP.
1
10
254
Tomorrow night's game will be the biggest in @UKBaseball history under the current format - one win from the Cats' first trip to Omaha. Record crowd tonight - 7,441. Nice job, BBN.
5
9
251
Gates are open at KPP for âŠ@UKBaseballâ© vs Oregon State. Win by Ky puts Wildcats in the College World Series for the first time.
4
14
249
RIP Mike Pratt. Tremendous person, broadcaster and friend. Gone way, way too soon.
1
10
254
BBN turned out for âŠ@UKBaseballâ© Saturday. Could there be a new record today? 1st pitch 1 pm ET at KPP
1
11
246
One of the most under-appreciated players in the history of UK bkb. .
Happy birthday to Kentucky's No. 4 all-time scorer Keith Bogans! . As a senior in 2003, Bogans was named All-American, SEC Player of the Year and SEC Tournament MVP in leading the Wildcats to a 26-game win streak and a No. 1 national ranking. Bogans was inducted into the UK
4
7
239
John Wall breaks down in tears thanking his mother as he's inducted into UK Hall of Fame, then dons his old jersey. "feels good"
5
54
217
Gabe is also the person who recognized the sore on Josh Paschalâs foot as being something serious. Special personâŠ.
Check on your people. Kentucky footballâs head athletic trainer noticed that JJ Weaver was in a dark place and he did something about. It changed Weaverâs life. Maybe saved it. âïž
1
10
222
This is the woman who donated her kidney to Billy Gillispie. Unselfishness personified.
5
17
225
A wonderful tradition at the Ky Boys Sweet 16 - Doug Flynn with the Coat of Many Colors worn by his dad, the late Bobby Flynn, who was a fixture at this event and sorely missed.
5
14
225
Blue gets in, Coach. Just know everyone is rooting for youâŠ.
Can u believe this as I get prepared for a surgical procedure 7 am Dr Kenneth Meredith walks in wearing a KENTUCKY CAP / the guy loves @UKCoachCalipari Cats fans r everywhere. My heart is filled with gratitude from all the LOVE I have recâd . đđđneeded
2
6
208
Been around a long, long time. This may be the best.
Ahead of today's game, some legendary alumni wrote letters to Wildcats on this yearâs team explaining what the rivalry means. The Kentucky Legends Project:
1
11
227
Lots of former UK players here tonight to honor the late Mike Pratt including Dan Issel, Larry Stamper, Jim Andrews, Jimmy Dan Conner, Bob Guyette, Kevin Grevey, Darren Feldhaus, Matt Heissenbuttel and I'm sure I've missed a few more. .
6
9
208
Calipari: "Shoot it, TyTy!" .Washington: Hold my Gatorade.
1
7
201
Good lord! Was it really 40 years ago today that I reported for duty on Winchester Road? All I remember is much mayhem ensued. If I stepped on your toes, I apologize.
15
6
210
Anthony Epps, the point guard for Ky's '96 title team, makes the Y. Nine of his teammates went on to play in the NBA; "I didn't make millions - but I made millionaires. "
3
7
193
Hunter Gilliam, asked about grinding out 18 innings in their two wins Sunday: âWe donât do tired.â
1
15
189
Kudos to the producers of "Win or Else," the SEC Storied doc. Took me back to my senior year (1978); got to broadcast the NCAA games for the campus station WBKY. Mike Connelly (left) and I interviewed Robey & Givens after the Michigan St win.
16
19
186
Jacob Tamme on BBI tonight, regarding UK at Georgia: "This is all you could ever ask for as a player. I'm so glad our guys have given themselves the opportunity.".
2
8
177
No matter what happens, it's nice to see Collins having fun again, playing with joy.
3
9
182
With the image of @rcobb18 looming, Benny Snell reflects on breaking Cobbâs school record of 37 career TDs.
0
16
170
Eyewitness tells me a Tech player threw a roundhouse punch at a Ky assistant coach but missed. Was pulled away by a Tech assistant.
37
75
166
Best dunk in Rupp Arena history.
40 years ago today: Dirk Minniefield of Kentucky nearly jumps out of Rupp Arena for a dunk against Mississippi State. Wildcats 88, Bulldogs 67.February 8, 1983.
14
10
170
Kentucky beat Clemson in the â06 Music City Bowl. After, Rich Brooks leaped into his playersâ arms, the guys who had gone to bat for him during some tough times. They recreated the photo earlier this year at the dedication of the Rich and Karen Brooks Field House. Ky Clemson 12pm
0
16
171
It was GREAT to be back and great seeing you. Wish you had a better story to tellâŠ.
The great Dick Gabriel is back on the sideline for the Gator Bowl! He missed three games after heart surgery.
4
6
167
Please keep a good thought for @MikePratt22. Great person, broadcaster, teammate, friend. Cancer sucks, dammit.
1
8
164
Somewhere, Joe B is smiling. When his team ran that play, they called it "Rick Rick" after Robey. .
2
5
166
UK recruit Jasper Johnson, now with Overtime Elite, introduced at mid-court to a substantial ovation
1
5
165
As you enjoy the video clips that appear almost instantly after a @UKFootball game, keep in mind - this is how they happen. @UKSportsVideo crew, hard at work after the win at Louisville - on benches outside the UK locker room. #respect
5
11
155
Nick Richards just patted the referee on the shoulder. Benny Snell has been ejected from Rupp Arena.
1
37
160
On this day 6 years ago Cincinnati Enquirer reported @CoachGran and @CoachHinshaw would join @UKFootball staff. Before you make a snarky comment, think about the work they did holding offenses together as QB picture kept changing - and bowl trips kept coming. .
4
2
157
My first UK basketball game since getting out of the hospital. So⊠Jeff Sheppardâs kid doing any good?
9
5
159
RIP, former Ky HS basketball star Lisa Collins - three state titles for Laurel County and an SEC championship for @KentuckyWBB . She was a friend. .
4
6
146
He was the greatest. Also a fine gentleman and mentor. I spent one Christmas break as an intern under Cawood at @WHAS11 which is when I first thought about a career in sportscasting. RIP.
On this date 20 years ago, the radio icon of college basketball and the âVoice of the Wildcatsâ for basketball & football, Oscar âCawoodâ Ledford passed away at the age of 75. Known by everyone as âCawood,â the Harlan County native was simply the âGOAT.â
6
13
155
This just in: the @UKCoachStoops Coaches for Kids charity event tonight has raised $707,000. Tremendous event for a great cause.
0
13
148
âThatâs Mama.â.
Our @MattNorlander sat down with Reed Sheppard and his family to discuss his path to UK and how he learned so much from "Mama.". "We know what a Kentucky kid, born and raised in Kentucky, playing for the University of Kentucky, means to the Kentucky fans. It's electric."
0
8
148
One of the greatest moments of my career was when I was lucky enough to be there in Gainesville to witness this. The love and devotion that team had for John Schlarman was incredibly moving. Iâve known him since he arrived at UK, the embodiment of courage and hard work. RIP
2
8
144
Tough getting used to Frank Martin looking like Daddy Warbucks. .
5
3
141
One of the best people, much less players, Iâve ever encountered in my 40+ years covering UK football.
0
6
142
UK 1st basebman @rynicholson25 calls Trey Pooser, "The best pitcher in the country nobody's ever heard of." Trust me - after tonight's performance against a terrific Oregon State offense, people have heard of him.".
1
4
143
Here it is. Honestly, may be the best DP of the season and I've seen most of them.
2
7
141
RIP to my favorite Green Bay Packer, Bart Starr. In his honor, when we rescued her 2 1/2 years ago we named her, âBark Starr.â
5
3
135
That time your son brought your grandkids by the radio booth just before you went on the air. They'll remember the french fries they got later. Me? Well, you know. @jmg811
5
6
142
As I told you during our post game radio show, thanks for everything. I enjoyed covering your season at @UKFootball.
0
1
134
So @UKBaseball beats Indiana State 5-0; UK pitchers gave up 8 runs in the first game of the regional, only one in the last 18 innings. Ky will host the Super Regional next week against the winner of the Corvallis regional.
2
10
137
Al McGuire used to say this was the greatest weekend of the college bkb season â NOT Final 4 weekend. Said watching teams fighting to get there was much more intense. He wasnât wrong.
4
10
129
3
5
132