Joshua Moore is a writer from Kentucky and the author of “Morphenomenal: How the Power Rangers Conquered the World,” set to release on May 20. Pre-order here.
Power Rangers, a TV show that began in 1993, shares surprising similarities with the top college men’s basketball program, the University of Kentucky.
Just like new teenagers with morphers arrive on Power Rangers, high-profile recruits and transfers frequently join Kentucky’s team, all while facing similar expectations from passionate fanbases. Both are defined by their iconic blue color, have faced challenges from critics, and have fan communities that can be overly enthusiastic online. There’s an ongoing debate about whether both phenomena peaked in the 1990s.
Basketball naturally mirrors Power Rangers: both feature five main members and a crucial “sixth man.” The fast-paced nature of an exciting basketball game is akin to the action-packed scenes in a typical 22-minute episode of Power Rangers. The best basketball players are increasingly international, just as Power Rangers relied heavily on foreign footage to become a phenomenon.
I was a fan of Power Rangers before I became passionate about UK basketball, despite my mother’s efforts to sway me otherwise. Before high school, I had little knowledge of sports, but now I can’t imagine life without either basketball or Zords.
These interests led me to ponder a question I’m sure you’ve considered: what would the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast look like if composed of UK men’s basketball coaches?
Adolph Rupp – Zordon
Adolph Rupp, a legendary figure in Kentucky basketball, is as vital to the sport as Zordon is to Power Rangers. Both emphasized discipline: Zordon’s strategies against evil required focus similar to that seen in Rupp’s Kentucky teams. Just as Rupp primarily recruited local talent, the original Power Rangers were also sourced from a nearby juice bar.
However, both figures have faced criticism over accusations of racism. While Rupp did make an effort to recruit diverse players, Zordon’s casting choices often didn’t address sensitive racial themes, reflecting a different era in history.
John Mauer – Alpha 5
Alpha 5 is often overlooked, much like John Mauer, who served as a pivotal, albeit lesser-known, coach for UK basketball. Mauer led a successful team before Rupp’s era, achieving a notable record with the Wildcats. Though his subsequent coaching endeavors were challenging, he managed to find success at other institutions while still strongly identifying with Kentucky.
Rick Pitino – Zack Taylor
Zack, the coolest Power Ranger, mirrors Rick Pitino, one of Kentucky’s most charismatic coaches. Both had explosive exits—Zack due to a contract dispute and Pitino lured away by a better offer. Interestingly, both characters experienced fleeting love interests, suggesting a fun parallel in their story arcs.
Eddie Sutton – Tommy Oliver
With a promising start at Kentucky, Sutton faced challenges that mirrored Tommy Oliver’s tumultuous journey through Power Rangers. After a strong debut, both saw their standing shift unexpectedly, but ultimately transitioned into celebrated figures in their fields, akin to how Tommy returned as the show’s leader after initial struggles.
John Calipari – Kimberly Hart
Kimberly Hart, the first crush for many, parallels John Calipari’s impact on UK basketball. Just as Kimberly played a significant role in attracting viewers to Power Rangers, Calipari turned Kentucky into a basketball hub, winning fans beyond the state. Both departures left their marks, but over time, the memories of their successes will shine brighter than their exits.
