LSU coach on BBN’s reception of Daimion Collins “This crowd is always elegant, so I’m not surprised.”
The world of college basketball is often marked by fierce rivalries, passionate fanbases, and dramatic turnarounds in fortune, all of which contribute to the emotional rollercoaster that defines the sport. In the Southeastern Conference (SEC), few rivalries are as storied and intense as that between the LSU Tigers and the Kentucky Wildcats, commonly referred to as BBN (Big Blue Nation). In this ever-competitive arena, player transfers, recruiting, and unexpected moves are par for the course, leading to both fan excitement and, at times, disappointment.
One such instance in the recent past involved the highly-talented player, Daimion Collins, whose transfer from Kentucky to LSU left a notable mark on both teams’ fanbases and the broader basketball community. The reception of Collins by BBN (the Kentucky fanbase) following his departure has been the subject of much discussion, and LSU’s head coach made a memorable statement about it. “This crowd is always elegant, so I’m not surprised,” said LSU’s coach when asked about the reception Collins received upon his return to Rupp Arena as a Tiger. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of this comment, the background of Collins’ journey from Kentucky to LSU, and what the phrase “elegant crowd” truly signifies in the context of this fierce rivalry.
Daimion Collins: A Brief Background
Daimion Collins was once one of the most highly-rated recruits in the nation, joining the University of Kentucky Wildcats as a five-star prospect out of Atlanta, Texas. His athleticism, size, and raw potential made him an appealing prospect, and Kentucky fans were eager to see him shine in a Wildcats uniform. However, Collins’ first season in Lexington was marked by inconsistency and a lack of immediate playing time, causing some to question whether he would ever reach the level expected of him when he signed with Kentucky. While the Wildcats’ program itself remained a basketball powerhouse, Collins was often relegated to a limited role, with coach John Calipari’s lineup choices taking precedence over potential development.
In the midst of this uncertainty, Collins decided to leave the Wildcats and seek an opportunity elsewhere. Enter LSU, a program that has seen an uptick in recent years thanks to its strong recruiting efforts and commitment to player development. Coach Will Wade’s approach to player development, particularly with players who may not have had the immediate success they hoped for at their previous school, made LSU an appealing option for Collins. His transfer to Baton Rouge was met with a combination of anticipation and excitement from LSU fans, who believed that a change of scenery could unlock the full potential of the 6’9″ forward.
The Nature of the SEC Rivalry: LSU vs. Kentucky
The SEC basketball rivalry between LSU and Kentucky is one of the most high-stakes and emotionally charged matchups in college sports. Kentucky, with its 8 national championships and long-standing basketball pedigree, is widely regarded as one of the most successful programs in NCAA history. The Wildcats’ fanbase, known as Big Blue Nation (BBN), is legendary for its unwavering passion and commitment to the team. The atmosphere inside Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, is often electric, as BBN’s supporters are notorious for making their presence known both in person and through social media. Kentucky basketball fans expect excellence, and they hold their players to the highest standards. However, this same fervor can sometimes spill over into intense and harsh reactions when things don’t go as expected.
On the other hand, LSU has made great strides in recent years under Coach Will Wade, carving out its own identity as a competitive force in the SEC. The Tigers have managed to recruit top-tier talent, and their games against Kentucky often serve as a litmus test for how competitive they are within the conference. LSU’s rivalry with Kentucky, though not as historically rich as some of the other SEC rivalries, is marked by intense on-court battles, a shared desire for dominance in the SEC, and the recognition that both teams have the ability to change the landscape of college basketball on any given night.
Given the fierce rivalry and the emotional investment from both fanbases, Daimion Collins’ decision to leave Kentucky for LSU was a significant event in the world of college basketball. His return to Rupp Arena, but this time in an LSU uniform, created a perfect storm of heightened emotions.
BBN’s Reception of Daimion Collins: A Mixed Bag
When Daimion Collins first set foot in Rupp Arena after his transfer to LSU, it was clear that the reception would be anything but ordinary. Fans of BBN are known for their intense and passionate support of their team, and their feelings about players who transfer away from the program can be equally intense. Some Kentucky fans may have felt betrayed by Collins’ decision to leave, especially given the high expectations that accompanied his arrival in Lexington. For others, the sense of disappointment was rooted in the potential they saw in Collins as a player and their hope that he could still develop into the star they believed he could become.
At the same time, there were undoubtedly Kentucky fans who were simply disappointed by the lack of opportunity for Collins at Kentucky and who wished him well as he sought a new path at LSU. This mixture of emotions is typical of the Kentucky fanbase, who feel a deep connection to the program and its players, even when those players choose to leave for other opportunities. However, the overall sentiment from the BBN crowd during Collins’ return was one of polite acknowledgment, with some fans choosing to give Collins a warm but reserved reception.
LSU Coach’s Remark: “This Crowd is Always Elegant, So I’m Not Surprised”
When LSU’s head coach made the statement that “This crowd is always elegant, so I’m not surprised,” it was a clear reference to the demeanor and behavior of the Kentucky fanbase. By using the term “elegant,” the coach highlighted how the BBN crowd typically behaves in such situations—showing grace and poise, even in potentially uncomfortable or contentious moments.
This remark can be interpreted in several ways. First, the coach likely acknowledged the competitive nature of the LSU-Kentucky rivalry and the intense emotions that a player like Collins’ transfer could stir up among fans. However, rather than describing the crowd as hostile or bitter, the coach praised their ability to handle the situation with maturity and class. The word “elegant” speaks to the tradition of Kentucky basketball fans, who, despite their strong feelings about the game and the players involved, typically maintain a sense of decorum even in the face of challenging circumstances.
This doesn’t mean that Kentucky fans were necessarily pleased with Collins’ decision to transfer. On the contrary, many fans would have been disappointed by his departure. However, it does suggest that the BBN crowd was composed enough to accept the reality of the situation and extend an appropriate level of respect to a former player, even if they were no longer wearing their blue and white jersey.
What Does “Elegance” Mean in the Context of College Basketball Rivalries?
In the context of college basketball rivalries, “elegance” can be seen as a marker of a fanbase that has matured over the years, one that recognizes the nature of the sport and understands that transfers, coaching changes, and player departures are part of the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. While some rival fanbases may resort to harsh words, insults, or even boos when a former player returns to town wearing the opposing team’s colors, Kentucky’s fans have shown a penchant for maintaining a level of decorum and respect, no matter the circumstances.
Moreover, the idea of elegance also speaks to the broader culture of college basketball, where the highest levels of competition are often accompanied by mutual respect for the game, its players, and the traditions that come with it. Rivalries, after all, are about more than just winning—they are about respect for the sport and the individuals who dedicate themselves to it.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Defined by Passion and Respect
The reception of Daimion Collins by Big Blue Nation was a testament to the complex nature of college basketball rivalries, particularly in the SEC. While the BBN crowd likely harbored some frustration over Collins’ decision to leave Kentucky, they chose to greet him with the grace and poise that has become emblematic of their fanbase. LSU’s coach’s comment—”This crowd is always elegant, so I’m not surprised”—is a fitting acknowledgment of the maturity and sportsmanship that the Kentucky fanbase embodies.
In the end, the true beauty of college basketball lies in these passionate rivalries, where competition and respect intersect. The tale of Daimion Collins’ transfer and his reception at Rupp Arena reminds us that even in the heat of a rivalry, there is always room for elegance, for acknowledging the human element of the game, and for respecting the shared love of the sport that unites fans, players, and coaches alike.