In conference, it is Cincy, SMU and Memphis. Which means, the Bearcats are the only close-to-our-region rival. Not to kick the dog when it is down (excuse the pun), but the rival thing really does suck for us these days.
It used to be Louisville, Cuse and Pitt, but that feels like a generation ago.
KY is our best NCAA rival because we have beaten them on very large stages in very painful ways, and usually as an underdog. Sort of like the Giants have the Patriots number in the Super Bowl. I dislike KY deeply, but absolutely abhor the Squid. There is nothing remotely good about him.
Duke I long ago forgave. They have two intensely painful Final Four loses to us -- and that entirely cleaned out my anxiety closet about them. Honestly, I rather like K these days.
I hope BC loses every match, in every NCAA sport, forever. They rival KY for schools that make me upchuck.