By LARRY VAUGHT
Kentucky freshman forward Isaiah Jackson grew up a Kentucky fan and even had UK gear in his bedroom. He said in a preseason interview it was a dream come true to now be at Kentucky.
Yet because of COVID-19, he had only a virtual Big Blue Madness experience and will not see anything close to a normal crowd in Rupp Arena this year.
“Yes it is different. My expectations are a little low but still high because the season has not started,” Jackson said before UK opened the season. “Once the season gets rolling my expectations will pick back up.
“But it’s different. We are restricted on going out, hanging out and just being around fans and things like that. It is weird. Limited number of fans at games, so I will not really be able to feel the actual feeling of playing in front of all those fans at Rupp. I do feel cheated but that’s life and you have got to keep pushing.”
Jackson did get a chance to show off his skills during UK’s virtual Big Blue Madness last week. He won the dunk contest with a dazzling display that did not surprise teammates.
“He’s just an incredible athlete,” freshman teammate Lance Ware said.