For Andrew and Aaron Harrison, their return to Lexington with The Basketball Tournament (TBT) last summer wasn’t just another basketball event; it was a powerful reminder of the unique connection they share with the Kentucky basketball program and its devoted fans, big Blue nation (BBN). After years of playing professionally, both in the NBA and overseas, the twins rediscovered the intense passion and unwavering support that defines Kentucky basketball.

Reconnecting After a Decade

A decade had passed as the Harrison twins last immersed themselves in the Lexington basketball scene. this distance had created a slight detachment, particularly for Andrew, who admitted:

The older I got, I kind of got detached from it a little bit. From watching as much, just because you’re busy being overseas and stuff like that.

However, Mark Pope’s arrival and the opportunity to reconnect with the program reignited their interest. Aaron noted that he probably watched the most Kentucky basketball in a while during Pope’s first season,fueled by his renewed connection with the team.

The TBT Experience: A Flood of Memories

Participating in TBT brought back a rush of emotions for the twins.The energy of the crowd, the echoes of past successes, and the sheer magnitude of BBN’s support created an unforgettable experience. Andrew described it as:

Such an exciting moment. We were excited to be able to go on that stage and play in front of all those people in the state of Kentucky. To be able to have that opportunity, it was amazing. You really forget how much love and everything you get when you’re out there.

Appreciating the Significance

Reflecting on their time at Kentucky, Aaron emphasized the profound impact of being part of something bigger than themselves. He stated:

I mean, as a kid going there, you don’t really understand that type of stuff at all. You don’t really understand the importance of belonging to something and being a part of history and things like that. It really stood out last year going back — I think that was the first time I’ve been back in about 10 years. It just stood out, just to be a part of Kentucky basketball and how much support that we really have. It’s something that you can’t really describe, but I’m definitely grateful for it.
Aaron Harrison

This realization underscored the unique and enduring nature of the support they received from BBN.

BBN: The Driving Force

While the prize money and competitive spirit of TBT are important motivators, the Harrison twins emphasized the unparalleled impact of Big Blue Nation. Aaron explained:

The fans really made the whole tournament last year. Everyone that played,they all said that when we ran out,it was a different feeling — like something they haven’t felt in years. Especially me, that was just — I was really surprised to see the fans, the supporters, everybody that still appreciates what we did and how much hard work that we put in while we were in Lexington. The fans, they made the whole tournament for us.

This level of support is unlike anything they’ve experienced in their professional careers, even at the NBA level.

A Unique Bond

the Harrison twins highlighted the transient nature of professional sports compared to the unwavering loyalty of BBN. Aaron elaborated:

All of our different journeys and everyone playing everywhere, we definitely don’t get that type of support.no one gets that type of support, but we definitely don’t get that type of support in Europe and Asia or whatever. Just being able to come back to Lexington and still have that type of support,it meant really everything. That’s mostly why everyone wants to come play again, for sure. Because of the fans.

The Enduring Appeal of BBN

Ultimately, the harrison twins’ return to TBT and their continued involvement with La Familia is driven by the profound connection they share with Big Blue Nation. Andrew concluded:

That love from BBN is the best part. A lot of the guys on our team, we all had different routes and ways to go after we left Kentucky, but we can all agree that coming back here is a great feeling. Fans don’t even know how much that love means to us.