UK Releases 2015-2016 Non-Conference Schedule…and It’s a Doozy

First, let me say that I am not putting the cart before the horse and discounting UK's upcoming 2015 football season. I think those Wildcats are a post-season team and I can't wait until the games start.

But, come on, Kentucky and basketball. Right?

And I love that all the teams are releasing their non-conference schedules earlier and earlier now.

In 2015-16, Kentucky will play a whopper of a non-league slate. And match-ups don't get much bigger than the one taking place on November 17th -- third (!) game of the season -- at the United Center in Chicago. The annual Champions Classic will feature an undercard of Michigan State/Kansas followed by Kentucky versus Duke!

That's awesome!

Stiff competition will resume on December 3rd when the Wildcats will make their first-ever trip to historic Pauley Pavilion to take on the UCLA Bruins.

It's weird to me that as many times as these legendary programs have met, this is the first time either has been to the other's home arena. UCLA will make the trip to Rupp in 2016-17.

On December 12th, Kentucky welcomes the Pac-12's Arizona State to Lexington for the first game in a contracted home-and-home series with the Sun Devils.

Frankly, that's an odd home-and-home for the 'Cats, but, whatever.

One week later on December 19th, Kentucky heads to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn to take on perennial powerhouse Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic.

The following Saturday will find UK hosting arch-rival Louisville in the annual game every fan of both teams always has circled...in red AND blue.

And, finally, Kentucky will take a break from conference play and head to an arena where few visiting teams leave with a win--Allen Fieldhouse, where they will take on the Kansas Jayhawks as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

That superstar tilt happens on January 30th.