LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Friday night was the unofficial start to college basketball season in the commonwealth: Big Blue Madness.

Both Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks made their debut in Rupp Arena in front of the Big Blue Nation, along with their new rosters.

Redshirt senior guard Dazia Lawrence won the 3-point contest for the women, drilling 23 in the final round, while Kentucky’s reigning Mr. Basketball, freshman guard Travis Perry, took home the honors for the men, knocking down 26.

Freshman Collin Chandler won the dunk contest when he dunked over Pope and his wife wearing his old jersey.

It was a blast from the past that stole the headlines, however.

UK welcomed back players from all decades and former head coach Rick Pitino was back at Rupp Arena for the first time since he was the Louisville coach, and received a hero’s welcome.

“I’ll watch every game and root like a little kid,” Pitino said. “I’ll root for Mark because he epitomizes what a coach should be, selfless, humble, never about him.. about the team, about Kentucky.”

The Wildcats are back in action for the annual Blue-White scrimmage on the 18th at Memorial Coliseum. Tip-off is set for 6:00 P.M. It will not air on TV.