I got a small glimpse into the world of Big Blue Nation while covering the Kentucky Wildcats for ESPN from 2011 to 2016. I have read books, media guides, and heard hundreds of stories about the Cats, but nothing quite like Kentucky Basketball: Two Decades Behind the Scenes. Mike and Tom's perspective is one from the 'inside.' That historic buzzer beater? They were there. The Platoon System? They were there. The Calipari hiring? They were there! The coaches, the players, and the media have all changed over the last two decades, but Mike and Tom have been the constant, and now they are telling us how things really went down!
Twenty years for Tom and Mike. Can you believe that? And more than half of that time working with me. It's been great fun and I know our fans are going to love reliving so many special moments that they have had a chance to witness from their courtside seat on the UK Sports Network. It's the perfect gift for any Wildcat fan.
I've done many basketball telecasts from Rupp Arena. I always enjoyed settling in to our broadcasting location and looking to my right and saying hello to Tom Leach and Mike Pratt, knowing that UK radio broadcasts were in the hands of superb and knowledgeable voices. Well done, guys.
Mike Pratt is a Lexington legend and an authority on Kentucky basketball. He and Tom Leach are one of the top radio teams in the country and this book feels like I'm listening to them chop it up on the air. It's a must-read for Wildcats fans young and old and a highly entertaining walk down memory lane!
Kentucky Basketball is a wonderful remembrance of the wildly successful UK program over almost two decades with the men who chronicled every basket and heart pounding moment on the air. It's as if we are eavesdropping on a conversation with Mike and Tom and getting the inside view about what truly mattered. And they would know! This book will give every Wildcat fan unique insight into one of the most distinguished programs in the college game from two of the most respected broadcasters in the business.
Since I grew up in Lexington and had the opportunity to play basketball all over the state of Kentucky during my high school years at Bryan Station, I knew what playing basketball in the state of Kentucky was all about. One of the things that I find really interesting is why players outside the state choose UK over schools in their home state. I really enjoyed reading about Mike's recruitment by Coach Joe B. Hall and how he didn't meet Coach Rupp until after he made the decision to come to Kentucky! Thanks so much, Mike and Tom, for sharing so many great stories!
You may have attended every UK game of the past two decades, and you may think you know it all, but you don't. You'll get the untold stories of tears and laughter, from Tayshaun's rocketing 'treys' against UNC to Jodie's 54-point night in K-town, from Billy Clyde's antics to Cal's title run, as only Tom & Mike can tell from their roles behind the mic and off the court. Must read.
Has it really been 20 years since Tom Leach and Mike Pratt were paired up on the UK Basketball Network? It has, and that perfect match has resulted in a new book recounting their memories of the past 20 years of UK hoops. The first event I did on television was in December 1969, when UK scored 115 points in a rout of Kansas, led by Dan Issel and Mike Pratt. I followed Mike's career as a player, coach, and then broadcaster and even partnered with him on the telecast of a few games, years ago. He has been a success in everything he has done. As a native Kentuckian, Tom has been on my radar since he began his broadcasting career, and we have often discussed broadcasting techniques. That's why I have taken great pride in seeing Tom advance to be one of the finest radio play-by-play announcers in the nation. Given the excellent work turned in by Leach and Pratt together over the last 20 years, a book of their memories was a natural and is a must-read for Big Blue Nation.
Tom Leach and Mike Pratt bring their deep affection for Kentucky basketball to every broadcast. They are aware of the history of the program and its importance to the Big Blue Nation. Fans are blessed to have two of the best broadcasters share their love affair with the game.
When I watch a Kentucky basketball game, I always turn down the sound and listen to Tom and Mike on the radio. They focus on the game and don't make the broadcast about themselves. Their knowledge of the Wildcats program is greater than anyone's in media. I'm anxious to read all the great stories they have to tell.
For 20 years, Mike and Tom have honored Big Blue Nation and the game they love. They're the ultimate 'glue guys' for a fanbase with the highest standards. Just as you hear their passion for the Wildcats in every game broadcast, you'll feel it in these pages as you relive the excitement from their courtside seats.
Kentucky Basketball: Two Decades Behind the Scenes is a time capsule for Big Blue Nation. From Rupp to Calipari and everyone of note in between, Mike and Tom take you on a VIP tour through Kentucky hoops. Their experience and access give you an inside look at the inner workings of the best program in college basketball. For the last 20 years, Tom Leach and Mike Pratt have formed the best broadcasting tandem in SEC basketball. Today they transition into the best storytellers in the game. One grew up a UK fan. One wore the uniform. Their insight into and experiences with the greatest program in college basketball history will make you feel like you were courtside with them through it all.
If you are a basketball lover like I am, and especially if you are an avid Kentucky basketball fan, you will absolutely love the book by Mike Pratt and Tom Leach. They share many magical moments from their days calling the games for the last 20 years and have a great feel for the Kentucky basketball program and what transpires on a daily basis. Read this book and learn so much about Kentucky basketball. In fact, I would simply say this book is Awesome Baby with a capital A!
Tom Leach and Mike Pratt are as good with their book as they are on the air. Their year-by-year summary of each UK basketball team since they began as a team in 2002 is not only entertaining but brings back great memories as well. A must-read for all UK basketball fans.
For the last two decades, Mike Pratt and Tom Leach have had a front row seat for 'the greatest tradition in college basketball.' Their new book covers those 20 seasons, telling what happened and why— in the bright lights of game day and the stories behind the scenes. Their conversational style makes it an easy, engaging read and they add some great bonus material. It's a slam dunk for any UK fan!
Mike Pratt and Tom Leach are true blue Kentucky Wildcats who helped me and many others appreciate that Kentucky basketball is a lifestyle. They are two of the best broadcasters in the business. You will enjoy reading about Kentucky basketball from an announcer and from one of the best Wildcat players. I know you will learn a lot more about UK basketball and the Big Blue Nation.
Nobody has seen more Kentucky games than Tom Leach and Mike Pratt, with the insiders' information and expert knowledge of one of the most iconic programs in sports. I can't wait to read their insights and views from their two decades on the sidelines and in the locker room. What an amazing opportunity for hoops fans!
Since I grew up in Lexington and had the opportunity to play basketball all over the state of Kentucky during my high school years at Bryan Station, I knew what playing basketball in the state of Kentucky was all about. One of the things that I find really interesting is why players outside of the state choose UK over schools in their home state. I really enjoyed reading about Mike's recruitment by Coach Joe B. Hall and how he didn't meet Coach Rupp until after he made the decision to come to Kentucky! Thanks so much Mike and Tom for sharing so many great stories!
