Big Blue Nation will see their 2017-2018 Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball team in game action for the first time Friday night. Though they technically played last Friday in the annual Blue-White game, the Wildcats will see their first true opponent as they host the Thomas More College Saints for their first of two exhibition games this season. They'll also host Morehead State University next Monday.

Expect "bumps" on Kentucky's road to the month of the big dance, head coach John Calipari said. This is his youngest team during his stint at Kentucky, however they have just as much talent as any of his other elite teams.

In last week's Blue-White game, freshman studs PJ Washing & Kevin Knox boomed. The two forwards combined for 43 points on 18/26 shooting & 12 rebounds.

This week, look for Kentucky to exercise their outstanding length with a lot of zone defense. I also believe this team will struggle to shoot from outside, at least early on in the season, so look for many of their shots to come inside the paint & out in transition.

The Saints went 22-7 last season but didn't exactly play the most elite schedule. They were dropped 112-63 in their first exhibition last season. Their leading scorer of a year ago, Damion King, has returned for his junior season & will be a player to watch against the Cats.

The game will provide much entertainment as well as speculation on which lineups Kentucky will use going forward but until the Wildcats play more elite competition, it'll be hard to know for sure what Calipari's master plan is.

Thomas More Saints at Kentucky Wildcats

When: Friday, Oct. 27 at Rupp Arena

Game Time: Tip-off is set for 7 P.M. EST

TV Channel: The game will be aired on SEC Network, with that channel being on the following select networks: AT&T U-Verse - 607, DirecTV - 611 & Dish Network - 408.

Online Stream: You watch the game online via WatchESPN and the WatchESPN App.

Replay: You can watch a replay of the game on WatchESPN or on UK Basketball Live.

Rosters: Kentucky | Thomas More

For more updates on Friday's first exhibition game of the season, check back at ASeaOfBlue.com and on Twitter with @ASeaOfBlue & @MonJorgan.