The defending National Champion, Kentucky Wildcats, have become something of a pop culture symbol. As you’ll recall, a few years ago, Jay-Z was fined by the NBA for meeting up with the team in their locker room following an NCAA tournament game. Under normal circumstances, it’s fine for a celebrity to do what he wants in that situation, but since Jay has a minority stake in the Brooklyn Nets, that’s against NBA rules. That rendevouz cost Jay $50,000. But what’s 50-grand to somebody like him, can you please remind him?

I’m not sure why Jay-Z chose Kentucky, of all the schools involved in the tournament, as the team he’d visit in the locker room.

Then, earlier this year, Coach John Calipari sent Drake a championship ring. A real championship ring. I’m still anxiously waiting to learn why. While I’m waiting on that answer, I’m also waiting to learn why Coach Cal asked Drake to be an honorary coach at UK’s Alumi Game at Rupp Arena this past weekend. Apparently, Drake is a big Kentucky fan, so naturally he obliged to the request. But, I’m confused.

The only possible explanation for all of this is that to 17-year olds (the age in which high school ball players are looking to choose an institution of higher learning) that consume hip-hop, Drake is their generation’s…Jay-Z. I’m going to assume Calipari is thinking, “How great would it be if these blue chippers thought they could play ball at Kentucky, and meet Drake whenever they’d like?”

Calipari is smarter than we give him credit for.