LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Big Blue Nation's favorite basketball team is getting a makeover.

Billy Gillispie's Kentucky Wildcats were set to show off their new checkerboard-style uniforms Friday night in the team's preseason pep rally, Big Blue Madness.

The pattern of blue and white squares is a nod, in part, to the state's other major sports influence - horse racing. Designers say the shorts and shirts depict a jockey's silks. They also feature a shoulder patch that says "Mr. Wildcat." The reference is a tribute to longtime equipment manager Bill Keightley, who died earlier this year at 81.

This will be Gillispie's second Big Blue Madness as Kentucky's coach. Last year, he says he didn't know what to expect. This time, he says he can't wait.

More than 23,000 fans have attended the event at Rupp Arena the last three years.