Members of the 2014-15 Kentucky Wildcats team practicing at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium during their Big Blue Tour.

The Kentucky Wildcats come into the 2016-17 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball season ranked as one of the top five teams in the country. They have one of the most talented freshman classes in recent history and a coach whose name is synonymous for producing players that are good enough to be pros after their freshman years.

However, it takes a certain chemistry to make all of these pieces work together. And University of Kentucky (UK) head coach John Calipari plans to establish that chemistry in The Bahamas when the Wildcats take on Arizona State on November 28, in the Imperial Ballroom of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. An open practice for the traveling and local fans is also scheduled.

"So, we have 2,000-3,000 people, we're going to have an open practice. Do some stuff with the fans," said Calipari.

"We'll try to have some sort of get together where it's an experience where you get as close to this team. You're on an island. You're in a great venue. It's a great setup."

Although the Wildcats will go on the road this week to take on Michigan State in New York (Nov. 15) for the Champions Classic, and then again on December 17 to take on North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic, Calipari says that the game in The Bahamas will really be "the trip".

"It's just a different environment," he said. "I want it to be like a family when we're all there. Do something down there where we all get together before we play that game, which will be played on a Monday."

The Wildcats will face the Sun Devils for the second consecutive year. Kentucky topped Arizona State 72-58 at Rupp Arena last season. This year's game will mark the second game in a two-year series. UK's return to The Bahamas in 2016 follows a memorable six-game exhibition tour to start the 2014-15 season.

Randy Smith, Guardian Sports Reporter

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