Somewhere Billy Keightley was smiling.

Kentucky basketball's legendary equipment manager/humanitarian/ambassador found a way to steal the show at Big Blue Madness and not a single soul in the sellout crowd of 23,000 minded one bit.

It was a fitting tribute to the man who enjoyed college basketball's unofficial tip-off more than anyone. Now he'll have a place right alongside every coach, player and fan after Kentucky showed a five-minute video tribute before unveiling they have marked the spot in front of his customary chair on UK's bench with a big, block 'K'.

It was just another unforgettable moment from an event that has witnessed its fair share throughout the years.

It wasn't coach Billy Gillispie's first time around the block but in many ways it felt like a new beginning for the Cats. New uniforms, a new cast of players and a new theme of recapturing excellence dominated the introduction of the 2008-09 Cats.

The players were introduced one-by-one before standing on a carpet depicting the new checkerboard theme incorporated into the new uniforms. Four white curtains encircled center court as Gillispie was set to be introduced but the coach pulled a fast one and emerged from stands instead before joining a mosh pit of dancing with his players.

Penny Chenery, the owner of legendary thoroughbred Secretariat, was also on hand and introduced with a new UK jersey and two framed prints commemorating the Secretariat-inspired uniforms before the Cats got down to business.

What the event lacked in actual basketball it more than made up for in entertainment value as the team danced and celebrated like little kids at every opportunity. It was a welcome change from some of the stuffiness recent Madness events possessed.

The women's team was introduced moments before coach Matthew Mitchell emerged from a corner of the arena amidst smoke riding in a convertible old-time fire engine. Mitchell, always one to have a little fun, broke out in dance before watching his team stage a short scrimmage.

Former Cat Ravi Moss drew one of the longest and loudest ovations when he was introduced as one of the co-hosts of the event. Moss - who claimed he still has some game left - told the packed house it was 'good to be back home' as he kicked off the festivities.

After a stirring highlight video the Cats' two mascots joined two members of the military in repelling from the Rupp Arena rafters, stopping in mid-descent to dance and pose for the crowd.