Andrew Carr’s college basketball journey reached an emotional conclusion on Friday night as Kentucky fell to Tennessee in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
The loss marked the end of Carr’s collegiate career, a path that began at Delaware before he transferred to Wake Forest for two seasons. In his final year, he became part of head coach Mark Pope’s first recruiting class at Kentucky, where he played a crucial role in the Wildcats’ campaign.
Following the heartbreaking defeat in Indianapolis, Carr took to the podium to reflect on the moment. The disappointment was evident in his words as he grappled with the reality that his time as a college athlete had come to an end.
“It’s incredibly tough,” Carr said. “I don’t want to untie my shoes. I don’t want to take off this jersey.”
Despite the pain of the loss, Carr took a moment to express his appreciation for the passionate Kentucky fanbase, known as Big Blue Nation.
“I definitely have to give a huge shout-out to BBN and all of the fans,” he continued. “There’s nothing like playing here. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life, and I truly had the most fun I’ve ever had playing basketball this season.”
Carr made a notable impact during his lone season with the Wildcats, averaging 10.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Throughout Kentucky’s tournament run, he delivered key performances, scoring 13 points in the opening-round victory over Troy, 4 points in the second-round matchup against Illinois, and 9 points in the Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee.
While the season may not have ended the way Carr or his teammates had hoped, he remained grateful for the opportunity to wear the Kentucky jersey. As a transfer, he felt embraced by the program and its supporters from the moment he arrived in Lexington.
“They welcomed me with open arms,” he said. “It hurts right now, but as time passes, I know we’ll be able to look back on this season with pride.”
For Carr, the journey may have ended on the court, but the memories, relationships, and experiences he gained along the way will stay with him forever.
