Perry has not been surprised by the fan support.
"It has not surprised me at all the way the fans have embraced us," Perry said. "I think we always knew there was a lot of support for Kentucky basketball out there, and being able to go across the state to see fans will only verify that. Kentucky basketball is still huge, and we are just thankful for this opportunity."
Obrzut thought he had learned to understand the tradition of Kentucky basketball the last four years. The barnstorming tour has enhanced his understanding of the passion UK fans have.
Not just youngsters
"It has been wonderful and shows me how strong Kentucky basketball is, and everybody should recognize that," Obrzut said.
"When you are practicing and tied up with basketball and school from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., you don't get to see that. But now they are really showing their appreciation to us and how much they like the Kentucky Wildcats when they graduate. You should never forget that."
At Mercer County High School, it wasn't just youngsters who lined up to have pictures made with the seniors - and Randolph Morris who joined the tour because his NBA season is over. It was the same with the autograph session.
"We have a lot of kids come out to see you, but we also have grandmothers and great-grandmothers coming to see us and talk to us. It is a great joy to see that," Thomas said. "I had never been to places like Prestonsburg or Harrodsburg before. They are nice spots with a lot of UK fans. It's good to be able to thank all those fans for how they supported us."
While there have been Kentucky barnstorming games for more than 30 years, this group is doing something slightly different. They are donating part of their proceeds to a different charity after each game and have various projects they want to support.
They are not publicizing that part of their tour. But it says a lot about the seniors' character.
"We wanted to give back, and donating part of the proceeds to various charities is one way to do that," Perry said. "We all realize how lucky we are to have spent four years at Kentucky and what that meant to us. If we can just give back some small something, then that is what we should do."
"I love doing this. I always wanted to go out and pay back for what I received from the fans during my four years at Kentucky," Obrzut said. "I want to get out as many places as I can and just have a wonderful time spreading the message around to schools and everybody."
Motivating children
Obrzut beamed when he talked about speaking at an elementary school to motivate students to do well on the current statewide testing program that is used to measure how well schools are doing.
"Trying to motivate kids means a lot to me. I liked doing that," he said. "It's just another way to give back to the wonderful people of Kentucky."
Perry says his only regret is that the seniors cannot spend more time with the fans at each stop.
"The fans are so great. They all thank us for what we have done, but we are the ones who should be thanking them for what they did for us. I don't think any of us will ever forget how supportive they were," he said.
Obrzut has been telling UK's returning players how lucky they are every time he sees them.
"I tell them it is worth it to play at Kentucky. I tell them if they get a degree, graduate on time and do the right things, Kentucky fans are going to respect and love you," Obrzut said. "It will all be worth it because the fans love you. Players should never forget that."
