Ansley Almonor Reflects on Senior Year as He Prepares for Senior Night at Kentucky

As Kentucky forward Ansley Almonor prepares for his final game at Rupp Arena, he reflects on what has been a whirlwind of a senior season. Arriving in Lexington last summer, Almonor has experienced the highs and challenges of playing for one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Now, with Senior Night on the horizon, he’s taking a moment to appreciate how far he’s come.

“It’s like a whirlwind, like a blur. From June when we got here, it just feels like it’s been like that,” Almonor said, snapping his fingers to emphasize how quickly time has passed. “It’s crazy that we’re already in March now and it’s what we’ve been working for this whole time. It’s just been a great experience.”

That experience has been filled with hard-fought battles on the court and the opportunity to wear the Kentucky jersey alongside talented teammates. Almonor’s leadership and contributions have played a role in the Wildcats’ success this season, and as the team heads into the postseason, he wants to make the most of every remaining opportunity.

For now, though, his focus is on Senior Night—one last chance to play in front of the Kentucky faithful. The emotions of the moment haven’t fully hit him yet, but he knows they will once he steps onto the court.

“Right now, it’s really just the game. Probably when I get there, I’m gonna realize it’s my last game in here. Obviously, you get a little emotional,” he admitted. “I’m just so grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be able to play here, play for this prestigious program. I can’t wait to go out there one more time.”

Senior Night at Kentucky is always special, as the program honors the dedication and hard work of its departing players. For Almonor, it’s a chance to say goodbye to the fans who have supported him throughout his journey. It’s also a reminder of how far he’s come since arriving on campus, stepping into one of the most competitive environments in college basketball.

While the end of his Kentucky career is near, Almonor remains focused on helping his team finish strong. With the SEC and NCAA tournaments ahead, he hopes to leave a lasting impact in his final games wearing blue and white. But on Senior Night, it will be all about the moment—the culmination of a journey that has gone by in the blink of an eye.