April 2002 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (4-30-02) Todd Names Athletics Director Advisory Group    University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. announced Tuesday that he has asked a small group of community leaders, former athletes and University faculty to assist in the process of hiring an athletics director for the University of Kentucky Athletics Department. This group will advise Todd in selecting a national search firm, developing the criteria desired in the next athletics director, identifying candidates for the position, and providing input on the candidates       Football University of Kentucky Files NCAA Appeal    University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. announced Tuesday that the university has submitted its appeal to the NCAA Infractions Appeal Committee regarding the ban on postseason eligibility for the 2002 football season. (4-29-02)        Baseball Bat Cats drop two to No. 5 Gamecocks    Trey Dyson, Drew Myer and Brian Buscher homered for South Carolina in the first three innings yesterday and the No. 5 Gamecocks went on to win 12-6 in the second game of a doubleheader sweep of Kentucky at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Bat Cats Step Out of SEC Action to Play Host to Cincinnati    The University of Kentucky baseball team will take a break from Southeastern Conference action to play host to Cincinnati in a 6 p.m. ET game on Wednesday, May 1 at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The Wildcats (14-28) own a 49-24-2 series lead since first meeting the Bearcats (20-22-1) in 1903       Football This Week in Kentucky Football    Wildcats in Final Examinations for Spring Semester; Coaches Begin Spring Recruiting Period; ESPN Classic to Carry 1998 Football Game at LSU and 1998 Men's Basketball National Championship Game vs. Utah (4-28-02)       Basketball Stockton's coach likes physical traits, attitude of UK signee Azubuike    Because he's coached a standout basketball player at a relatively small school, Bart Flener knows the questions being asked about University of Kentucky signee Kelenna Azubuike of Tulsa. Academically, Prince glad he returned    Even with the benefit of hindsight, Tayshaun Prince's decision to return to Kentucky for his senior season remains as settled as a George O'Leary rsum. Pitino's WKU snub opens door for Tubby    Ah, the commonwealth turned upside down. Our state had a mini-convulsion last week when we found out one of Kentucky's two major universities had performed a high-handed stiff arm on one of our regional universities. Todd wants to appoint committee for AD by next week    University of Kentucky President Lee Todd wants to appoint a committee soon to help him look for a new athletics director.       Football Johnson's future: Cards 'a perfect situation'    The football career of Dennis Johnson has certainly been star-crossed. A former USA Today Defensive Player of the Year out of Harrodsburg, Johnson's UK career was slowed by injuries until he enjoyed his breakthrough last season, earning first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors while setting a school record for sacks.       Baseball Bat Cats Swept by No. 5 South Carolina    The University of Kentucky baseball team dropped both games of a Southeastern Conference doubleheader to No. 5 South Carolina Sunday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The double-dip was scheduled after Saturday's cancellation due to inclement weather in the Bluegrass (4-27-02)       Baseball Kentucky vs. No. 5 South Carolina Baseball Game Cancelled    The baseball game between the University of Kentucky and No. 5 South Carolina on Saturday, April 27 has been cancelled due to inclement weather in the Bluegrass Coach Keith Madison annnounced today. The Wildcats and Gamecocks will play a doubleheader Sunday in two seven-inning games starting at 12:30 p.m. ET.       Basketball Tennessee Tech hires Sutton    Mike Sutton was hired as basketball coach Friday by Tennessee Tech, which is coming off its best season in school history. (4-26-02)       Baseball Bat Cats Fall in 10th Inning to No. 5 South Carolina    Junior Gordon Tyler went 4-for-5 at the plate, but it was not enough to lift the University of Kentucky baseball team past No. 5 South Carolina at Cliff Hagan Stadium Friday night as it fell 6-4 in 10 innings       Basketball Tech Names UK Assistant Mike Sutton as New Men's Basketball Coach    Mike Sutton, an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky who has spent much of his career working alongside the highly successful Tubby Smith, has been selected as the new men's basketball coach at Tennessee Tech University. Tubby aide Sutton leaving UK for Tennessee Tech    After eight seasons as an assistant coach under Tubby Smith, Mike Sutton will branch out on his own Tennessee Tech taps UK assistant    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    While the University of Kentucky basketball team hasn't had any defections yet from the 2001-2002 roster, it's about to lose an assistant basketball coach (4-25-02)       Basketball Preston LeMaster plans to walk on at UK    Bourbon County basketball standout Preston LeMaster has turned down a handful of scholarship offers to walk on at the University of Kentucky this fall Ky. prep player to walk on at UK    Bourbon County basketball standout Preston LeMaster has turned down a handful of scholarship offers to walk on at the University of Kentucky next fall. (4-24-02)       Football Former UK QB signs with Falcons    Two-time Division II Player of the Year Dusty Bonner has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.       Basketball Basketball Announces Season Awards at Banquet    Tayshaun Prince was named Most Valuable Player for the 2002 season at Kentucky's annual postseason awards banquet, held April 24 in a private ceremony at the UK Basketball Museum. The award was one of four collected by the two-time All-American, who also took home the Leadership, Best Rebounder and Best Defensive Player awards. LeMaster will walk on at UK    Bourbon County all-state basketball player Preston LeMaster says he will walk on at the University of Kentucky next season.       Baseball Bat Cats and Cards Washed Out at Louisville Slugger Field    The baseball game between the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville Wednesday night was called due to severe rain and lightning over Louisville Slugger Field. (4-23-02)       Football Bad ending for everyone    Derek Smith seems hurt, confused and a little bit angry. It didn't have to be this way. Had Smith gotten the opportunity to play both football and basketball like he was promised when recruited to the University of Kentucky three years ago, I think he would have become a true blue folk hero. Johnson, Smith learn NFL draft can be a gamble    When Dennis Johnson and Derek Smith declared for the National Football League draft, early projections were that both made the right move even though each had one year of eligibility left at the University of Kentucky. UK allowing Lorenzen to call own plays    Perhaps a sign of just how far University of Kentucky junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen progressed in his second spring in offensive coordinator Brent Pease's system came on the final series of Saturday's Blue-White game.       Basketball Sutton interviews at Tennessee Tech    Kentucky assistant Mike Sutton is scheduled to be in Cookeville, Tenn., today and Wednesday to interview for the head coaching position at Tennessee Tech. (4-22-02)       Football Pinner shows 'Cats his feature-back skills    After waiting in the wings his first three seasons for the University of Kentucky football team, Artose Pinner showed that he is ready to be ''the man'' at running back. Morriss appeals to god of mercury    Bring the heat. The hotter the better. The sooner the better. "What we need," said Guy Morriss, "is a hot summer." This isn't to say that Kentucky's second-year head football coach is all for the greenhouse effect. It is to say that Kentucky's second-year head football coach knows that the three months between the end of spring practice and the start of fall practice are usually known, in technical gridiron terms, as make or break. Smith, White sign free-agent deals    Two former University of Kentucky Wildcats signed free-agent deals yesterday. Tight end Derek Smith, who gave up his final year of eligibility at UK, signed with the Indianapolis Colts, and linebacker Jamal White signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both players will report to their respective team's rookie camp on Thursday. Transfer Burns ready to make impact for Kentucky    While Dennis Johnson was watching the NFL Draft Saturday, Vincent Burns was watching the University of Kentucky Blue-White Game.       Baseball Bat Cats' losing skid longest since '92    The Georgia baseball team completed a three-game sweep of visiting Kentucky, winning 7-6 yesterday for the Bulldogs' fifth straight one-run victory.       Basketball Helm and Adams Take Top Awards at Annual Women's Basketball Banquet    Sophomore SeSe Helm and junior Rita Adams took home the hardware at the annual Kentucky women's basketball banquet hosted by the UK Victory Club at the Hilton Suites of Lexington Green on Saturday (4-21-02)       Basketball Prince a long shot to hit NBA lottery    In making the case for returning for a senior season, Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith said that Tayshaun Prince could move into prime position for the 2002 NBA Draft.       Football Cardinals take Johnson with last pick in third round    The phone calls kept coming, but not the one Dennis Johnson and his family were waiting on. Finally, a call that wasn't from friends asking about the draft came about 10:35 p.m. Saturday and that was the call that mattered. Transfer Burns ready to make impact for Kentucky    While Dennis Johnson was watching the NFL Draft Saturday, Vincent Burns was watching the University of Kentucky Blue-White Game. Pinner does it all in White win    The University of Kentucky offense didn't go too deep into its bag of tricks during last night's Blue-White Spring Football Game, but this much is certain: Expect to see a healthy dose of Artose Pinner and Jared Lorenzen in the fall. No QB controversy this season    Here's a position-by-position analysis of the University of Kentucky football team as the Cats wrap up spring drills and begin preparations for camp in August. Pinner establishes himself as Wildcats' go-to guy    Learning new systems and terminology were the goals of the University of Kentucky football team during last year's spring practice.       Baseball Bat Cats Suffer 7-6 Setback at Georgia    Senior catcher Spencer Preston went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs but a five-run seventh inning prevented the University of Kentucky baseball team from avoiding a Southeastern Conference series sweep at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs as it fell, 7-6, at Foley Field Sunday afternoon Georgia devours Bat Cats' early lead    David Coffey's game- winning sacrifice fly scored Kris Edge in the bottom of the ninth as the University of Kentucky baseball team fell 6-5 to Georgia yesterday in front of 3,065 fans at Foley Field in Athens, Ga.   (4-20-02)       Football White Defeats Blue 16-0 in Spring Football Game    When the coaches held a draft on Thursday, they tried to match the teams evenly. However, there were no equalizers for running back Artose Pinner and defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, who combined to spark the White squad to victory Dedications For The Jerry Claiborne Way And The Paul Orberson Football Office Complex Held Saturday    Dedication ceremonies for "The Jerry Claiborne Way" and the new Paul Orberson Football Office Complex were held Saturday at the Nutter Training Facility. The Claiborne Way is the street formerly known as Sports Center Drive. The new Paul Orberson Football Office Complex is an expansion of the Nutter Training Facility. Cats not at full strength    Several key players will sit out because of injuries, but game-like conditions will exist tonight when the University of Kentucky plays the Blue-White spring football game at Commonwealth Stadium. UK players were drafted for tonight's scrimmage    The coaching staff for the University of Kentucky football team likes the progress that was made this spring, but that may be hard for fans to judge in tonight's Blue-White game that concludes spring practice.       Baseball Bat Cats Surrender Run in Ninth to Fall 6-5 at Georgia    David Coffey's game-winning sacrifice fly scored Kris Edge in the bottom of the ninth as the University of Kentucky baseball team fell 6-5 to Georgia in front of 3,065 fans at Foley Field Saturday afternoon. (4-19-02)       Football Johnson 'not nervous' about draft prospects    Dennis Johnson's parents are throwing a draft-day party in his honor at their Harrodsburg, Ky., home, and relatives are coming from as far away as California to help the family celebrate. UK to dedicate street, facility    The University of Kentucky will hold ceremonies Saturday to dedicate Jerry Claiborne Way and the new Paul Orberson Football Office Complex, an expansion of the Nutter Training Facility. Orberson dedication Saturday    More than two years ago, Paul Orberson pledged $1.6 million to add football offices to the University of Kentucky Nutter Training Facility       Baseball Bat Cats Squander Lead to Fall 5-4 at Georgia    Athens, Ga. -- Justin McClain ripped a two-RBI single that capped a three-run Georgia eighth inning as the Bulldogs came from behind to defeat the University of Kentucky baseball team in the Southeastern Conference series opener at Foley Field Friday night. Bat Cats Battle Defending SEC Champs in Athens this Weekend at Foley Field    The University of Kentucky baseball team will look to snap a five-game losing streak tonight when it hits the road to battle the defending SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs at Foley Field. UK coach Keith Madison will hand to ball to Joseph Blanton (3-4, 4.12 ERA) in tonight's 6:30 p.m. ET start.       Basketball Not all UK fans against Smith    University of Kentucky basketball fans certainly paid attention to a column last week that let Bill Jurgensen of Danville explain why he was upset with coach Tubby Smith. (4-18-02)      Basketball Father, UK deny Chiles dismissed    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Despite several different outlets reporting on Wednesday that University of Kentucky basketball guard Adam Chiles had been dismissed from the team following a meeting with head coach Tubby Smith, his father and a UK athletics department official both denied the story was true. Reports: Chiles removed from UK team   Two Lexington television stations reported yesterday that Adam Chiles' basketball scholarship at the University of Kentucky has been pulled by coach Tubby Smith, but school officials and Chiles' father would not confirm the report. Tubby attends Pacers-76ers game    University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith -- who has been mentioned in broadcast reports as a potential successor to Philadelphia coach Larry Brown -- was courtside last night as the Indiana Pacers played the 76ers in Conseco Fieldhouse. Ex-Shelby County star signs with UK women    Former Shelby County High School basketball star Samantha Newton is headed back to the Bluegrass State.       Football Redshirt freshmen surprise    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Graduation, a depleted roster and then injuries in front of them may have given University of Kentucky redshirt freshmen Antoine Huffman and Trey Mielsch more of a chance to show coaches they're ready to become major contributors, and they've certainly taken advantage of it. New teams calling as Johnson awaits draft    With the start of the National Football League draft just two days away, it's not any easier to predict where Dennis Johnson might go in the draft. Dedication Ceremonies Set for Saturday    Dedication ceremonies for "The Jerry Claiborne Way" and the new Paul Orberson Football Office Complex will be held Saturday at the Nutter Training Facility Kentucky Football Notebook    The Kentucky football coaches held a draft on Thursday to select the teams for the Blue/White Spring Football Game, which will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium. Staff testing Lorenzen's flexibility    Whether it's on the basketball court or on the gridiron, make no mistake about it: University of Kentucky fans love offense. Coach Guy Morriss hadn't been in the hot seat five minutes before fans and reporters were asking about his plans for the offensive side of the football (4-17-02)       Football 'Time to get serious'    The bright side to being a scout-team player is that you get to do things that you'll probably never get a chance to do in a real game. UK names Carr assistant head coach    Gerald Carr has been promoted to assistant head coach of the University of Kentucky football team, the school announced yesterday. Pinner ready to carry load for Kentucky    No matter how tired Artose Pinner gets next season, he's not going to complain. Morriss names Carr assistant head coach    University of Kentucky assistant football coach Gerald Carr has made a big impression on head coach Guy Morriss in a short period of time. Carr, who was hired in February to coach running backs, yesterday was given the title of assistant head coach. Scrimmage plans altered by injuries    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss would like to be able to split up his squad into equal teams for Saturday's Blue-White game, but injuries may prevent him from doing that.       Baseball Offensive Woes Continue as Bat Cats Fall 5-1 to Western Kentucky at Cliff Hagan Stadium    For the second straight night, the University of Kentucky baseball team was held to only three hits as it lost to Western Kentucky, 5-1, Wednesday at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (4-16-02)       Football UK's Smith ready for jump to NFL    By Kevin Goheen, Post staff reporter    Derek Smith has a little more time on his hands these days. The former Highlands High School and University of Kentucky standout tight end can afford to spend late afternoons on the golf course, like he did Monday at A.J. Jolly in Campbell County. He no longer has school commitments to worry about. Former UK players give back    Aspiring football players who would like to learn more about their sport from former University of Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch will be able to do so this summer.       Baseball Bat Cats Fall 6-2 in Non-Conference Play to Lipscomb at Cliff Hagan Stadium    Rob Corrado pitched a season-high 6.2 innings and struck out a career-high eight batters, but the University of Kentucky baseball team failed at the plate to lose 6-2 to the Bisons of Lipscomb Tuesday night. (4-15-02)       Basketball UC, UK recruits put on all-star displays    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Freedom Hall turned out to be a proving ground for a couple of University of Kentucky basketball recruits and a University of Cincinnati recruit on Saturday night       Baseball Crimson Tide drill Cats to complete sweep    No. 3 Alabama scored a 15-4 victory over host Kentucky yesterday and swept the series from the Cats for the second straight season.       Football Lorenzen impressive in practice    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The longer spring practice has progressed for the University of Kentucky football team the less attention is being paid to junior quarterback Jared Lorenzen's battle with the bulge and the more is being paid to how well he's performing. UK back bulks up to shoulder large load    By Brian Bennett, The Courier-Journal     Artose Pinner wants to close out his college career with a huge season, so he prepared by getting huge in the off-season. Cats show depth at wide receiver    By Brian Bennett,The Courier-Journal     The University of Kentucky football team may be painfully thin at most positions, but the receiving corps could be pretty deep this fall Kentucky Football Notebook    The annual Blue/White Spring Football Game will be played Saturday at 7 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium. Tickets cost for adults and for persons 18-and-under. UK students are admitted free with UK student IDs. Parking is free in the stadium lots and is first-come, first-served. (4-14-02)       Basketball 'Pumped' Azubuike stars in Festival    Of all the slick offensive moves that University of Kentucky signee Kalenna Azubuike showed in last night's Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic, the biggest was this one: He turned the attention of Blue Nation from who might be leaving the program to who is coming in. Azubuike's play wows crowd at Derby Festival Classic    He didn't get the biggest ovation before the game, but Kelenna Azubuike did his best to earn the applause of University of Kentucky fans after the ball went up. This Derby Classic five is fab     The following column is a look at a high school all-star basketball game. Any connection between how a player performs in an all-star game and how he performs during his freshman college season is strictly coincidental. UK recruit Azubuike scores 26 in win    University of Kentucky-bound Kelenna Azubuike and Duke-bound Shelden Williams scored 26 points apiece to lead their White team to a 149-120 win over the Purple squad Saturday night in the 30th Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic at Freedom Hall. NEW JERSEY MAN COLLARS COLLECTION OF WILDCATS CLOTHING    Once upon a time, in a far and foreign land (well, New Jersey) there was a boy who loved the Kentucky Wildcats. Really, really, really loved the Kentucky Wildcats Ex-strength coach wants to return    If Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith changes strength coaches this off-season (a move that would surprise few), he would not have to search long for a replacement. Kentucky recruits answer critics    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER The Derby Festival Basketball Classic last night gave some springtime encouragement for Kentucky fans who recently endured a winter of discontent.         Baseball Bat Cats Swept by Crimson Tide in Weekend SEC Series    Caleb Stewart cracked a pinch-hit two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, but it was not enough to lift the University of Kentucky baseball team over No. 3 Alabama as it fell, 15-4, Sunday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Bat Cats get just two hits in 10-1 loss to Alabama    Alabama left-hander Jeffrey Norris threw a two-hit complete game in a 10-1 win over the University of Kentucky baseball team yesterday at Cliff Hagan Stadium.       Football Lorenzen's arm distracts from weight    If there's one thing that can make Jared Lorenzen's weight go from a main story to a sidebar, it's his left arm. And the way that the junior has been throwing the ball this spring, well, the few extra pounds he put on in the off-season don't seem like such a big deal anymore. Cats flex receiving muscle during scrimmage    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    University of Kentucky offensive coordinator Brent Pease and receivers coach Harold Jackson spent their first spring in Lexington wondering if they'd be able to patch together a group of respectable wideouts. Lorenzen has 5 TD passes in scrimmage    Jared Lorenzen completed 11 of 17 passes for 223 yards and five touchdowns Saturday during the University of Kentucky's intrasquad scrimmage. Cats counting on Ahmad at linebacker    Defensive coordinator John Goodner knows linebacker Kamaal Ahmad needs time to make the transition from junior college football to playing in the Southeastern Conference. (4-13-02)       Basketball Carrier says he's staying at UK    By Mike Fields, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Josh Carrier yesterday squashed rumors that he was leaving Kentucky because he was upset about limited playing time last season. "I'm not going anywhere," said Carrier, who was at Lexington Catholic to congratulate UK signee Brandon Stockton on being named Mr. Basketball. 'Humble' Azubuike ready to fit in at UK    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER It might seem hard to adopt an aw-shucks attitude when you scored 39.1 points a game and maintained a 4.0 grade-point average to boot. But Kentucky's latest recruit, Kelenna Azubuike, gave it a good effort yesterday. High-scorer eager to join UK 'family'    On his first day as a University of Kentucky basketball signee, Kelenna Azubuike arrived at Bellarmine's Knight's Hall for last night's Derby Festival Classic Night of Future Stars with two live television interviews and several newspaper requests awaiting him. Azubuike signs letter to play with Kentucky    The Associated Press    Kelenna Azubuike, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound swingman from Tulsa, Okla., has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Kentucky next season, the school said Friday. Ky. Mr. Basketball excited to be a 'Cat    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Brandon Stockton may not have the size, or even the game, many University of Kentucky basketball fans would like him to have, but there are at least two things he says he'll bring to the program that would be a refreshing change from 2001-02 - a team-first attitude and pride in wearing a UK uniform. Cats add two good ones -- for now    Mark Mathis, Messenger-Inquirer    As Kelenna Azubuike suits up for tonight's Derby Festival Basketball Classic, those who care about University of Kentucky basketball are thinking the best and worst of the situation.       Baseball Bat Cats Washed Out to Tide, Fall 10-1 to No. 3 Alabama at Cliff Hagan Stadium    Gordon Tyler's home run in the bottom of the eighth inning provided the University of Kentucky baseball team with its only run of the game, as the Wildcats fell 10-1 to the Crimson Tide of Alabama Saturday night at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Alabama tops Bat Cats    The University of Kentucky baseball team scored eight runs in the fifth inning off All-America right-hander Lance Cormier but couldn't complete the upset, losing 11-9 to Alabama last night at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (4-12-02)       Basketball Future Cat eager to impress fans    By Jerry Tipton / HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Kentucky recruit Bernard Cote will bring a painful memory into the Derby Festival Classic on Saturday. When he played in Lexington Catholic's Adolph Rupp Classic in December, Cote and his team struggled. Cote scored 12 points in two games. And his Montreal-based school, St. Lambert, was drubbed by Pleasure Ridge Park (55-31) and Oak Hill Academy (77-53). Local signees eager to get at it    When is an all-star game not just an all-star game? When you're a basketball signee for the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville or Indiana University coming to play for the first time in your new back yard.       Baseball Eight-Run Fifth Inning Not Enough as Bat Cats Squander Lead to Fall 11-9 to No. 3 Alabama The University of Kentucky baseball team scored eight runs in the fifth inning off All-America right-hander Lance Cormier but a four-run Alabama seventh prevented the UK upset as the Wildcats (14-18, 3-10 SEC) fell to the Crimson Tide (30-5, 10-3 SEC), 11-9, in the Southeastern Conference series opener Friday night at Cliff Hagan Stadium       Football Kentucky Football Notebook    Wildcats Shorten Practice on Friday in Anticipation of Saturday's Scrimmage (4-11-02)        Basketball KENTUCKY'S 2002-03 RECRUITING CLASS Three UK signees coming to Derby classic    The Derby Festival Basketball Classic not only will feature three University of Kentucky signees, but it will have at least nine players that will play against the Wildcats. Prep sensation delays signing letter with UK    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     High school basketball standout Kalenna Azubuike didn't sign his letter of intent with the University of Kentucky as expected on Wednesday, but his brother said he is expected to sign today. When he does, his high school coach said, UK will be getting its next great player. Shooting star Azubuike tapped to replace Prince    By Jerry Tipton, Herald-leader Staff Writer    Kentucky recruited Oklahoma high school scoring machine Kelenna Azubuike on the premise of stepping in for the departing Tayshaun Prince.       Baseball Friday's Pitching Match-up Highlights Weekend as Bat Cats Play Host to No. 3 Alabama    Two of the most heralded right-handers in collegiate baseball, UK's Joseph Blanton and Bama's Lance Cormier, put their toe to the rubber in Friday night's highly-anticipated match-up at Cliff Hagan Stadium       Football Wildcat savors second chance    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    It didn't happen as soon as he would have liked, but you won't hear any complaints from Travis Atwell. He's finally a Kentucky Wildcat. Former Hornet Atwell finally living his dream    It didn't happen as soon as he would have liked, but you won't hear any complaints from Travis Atwell. He's finally a University of Kentucky Wildcat. (4-10-02)        Basketball Oklahoma prep star will sign with Cats    Oklahoma prep standout Kelenna Azubuike won't make his planned visit to the University of Kentucky, his high school basketball coach said. Azubuike's mind is made up. Carruth, Chiles status on hold    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The anticipated signing of a national letter of intent today by standout high school swingman Kalenna Azubuike to the University of Kentucky basketball team hasn't yet changed the status of at least two UK players who could be affected by it. Fan not optimistic about UK    With the expected signing of Oklahoma standout Kelena Azubuike, Kentucky will have two blue-chip additions to next year's basketball roster        Football Wildcat savors second chance    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    It didn't happen as soon as he would have liked, but you won't hear any complaints from Travis Atwell. He's finally a Kentucky Wildcat. Defensive tackles strong point for UK    Robertson, Caudill, Moore are big, quick, finally healthy again    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Dewayne Robertson weighs 308 pounds, but the University of Kentucky defensive tackle plans to be a svelte 299 for the 2002 season. Finneytown grad making headway at UK    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Eric Ogletree grew up in Cincinnati as an Ohio State fan who looked at the University of Kentucky with the normal disdain many Buckeyes seem to have for the Bluegrass State (4-09-02)       Baseball Eight Pitchers See Action in 14-4 Victory Over Marshall    Eight pitchers took the mound and a season-high 24 players saw action as the University of Kentucky baseball team defeated Marshall, 14-4, in a non-conference game at Cliff Hagan Stadium Tuesday afternoon.        Basketball Azubuike picks Cats    Kentucky will add a high-scoring wing player from Oklahoma to its basketball roster sometime this week. UK wraps up Oklahoma star, prep coach says    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER If all goes according to plan, Kentucky has lined up a replacement for the departing Tayshaun Prince. And UK fans can watch Prince's would-be successor play in the Derby Festival on Saturday in Louisville. Prep standout to commit to UK    Illini move alters Azubuike plans    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Even though it has no scholarships available, the University of Kentucky basketball team is apparently a day away from getting a commitment. FORMER WILDCAT STAR CONVINCED SOUTH ALABAMA IDEAL SITUATION    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    John Pelphrey wasn't sure. Not at first. The former Kentucky hoops standout knew next to nothing about the University of South Alabama.        Football NFL teams continue to evaluate Johnson    The closer the National Football League draft gets, the less Dennis Johnson knows about his future. (4-08-02)        Baseball Bat Cats Take Break from SEC Play to Battle Marshall at Cliff Hagan Stadium    The University of Kentucky baseball team will face Marshall in a non-conference game at Cliff Hagan Stadium on Tuesday, April 9 at 4 p.m. ET. Freshman James Rodriquez has been named the starter in UK's 30th meeting with the Thundering Herd. Hahn Complete Game, Morris Grand Slam Lead Kentucky Past Tennessee    Seth Morris' grand slam in the third inning and Cory Hahn's first career complete game highlighted the University of Kentucky baseball team's 6-1 Southeastern Conference victory over Tennessee at Lindsey Nelson Stadium Sunday afternoon. Morris' grand slam sends Bat Cats past Tennessee 6-1    Seth Morris hit a grand slam in the third inning yesterday to help Kentucky defeat host Tennessee 6-1 and break a six-game Southeastern Conference losing streak.        Basketball Blue-chip swingman to visit UK    Highly regarded high school basketball recruit Kalenna Azubuike will announce his college choice on Monday, April 29, according to his father, Kenneth. The University of Kentucky is one of the 6-foot-5 swingman's two finalists even though it currently doesn't have a scholarship available. UK Basketball Museum Unveils New Website at http://www.ukbballmuseum.org/    The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum unveiled a new web site at http://www.ukbballmuseum.org. The donated site provides a way for the Museum to be promoted not only to Kentuckians, but to potential visitors to the Bluegrass.        Football Robertson flashing form that dominated in 2000    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The Dewayne Robertson of 2002 says he feels a lot like the Dewayne Robertson of 2000, only better, and that could mean trouble for opposing offenses. (4-07-02) IN SEARCH OF THE MODEL PROGRAM    We interrupt your Sunday newspaper perusal for an announcement sure to shock all Kentuckians: It is possible for an SEC university to be good -- championship good -- at more than one sport.        Baseball Bat Cats Commit Season-High Eight Errors in 16-10 Setback at Tennessee    Spencer Graeter went 4-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs but a season-high eight errors prevented the University of Kentucky baseball team from winning the second game of a Southeastern Conference series at Tennessee as it fell, 16-10, Saturday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.        Basketball Tulsa star won't sign for a while    There's still a very good chance Kelenna Azubuike will sign with the University of Kentucky, but don't expect the Oklahoma high school star to put it in writing this week when the national signing period begins.        Football Trio of DTs provide strength    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    As long as Dewayne Robertson, Ellery Moore and Jeremy Caudill stay healthy, the University of Kentucky football team can stack up as well as anybody at defensive tackle. Robertson can't be blocked    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER The University of Kentucky football team reached the midpoint of spring drills with an 80-play scrimmage yesterday at Nutter Field. Backup back busy in Cats' scrimmage    Alexis Bwenge was tired. But it was a good kind of tired. Moeller graduate a UK hit    Kamphake works hard    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     It's what has made all the rehabilitation he went through and all the extra film he watched worth it for University of Kentucky fullback Mike Kamphake. (4-06-02)        Football Shoe-filling tops Wildcat's agenda    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER Otis Grigsby must feel a little like Dusty Bonner right about now. No, Coach Guy Morriss isn't planning on taking away his starting job in the middle of the summer. (4-05-02)       Basketball Oklahoma star takes long look at Wildcats    A visit from University of Kentucky men's basketball coach Tubby Smith appears to have Oklahoma high school scoring sensation Kelenna Azubuike inching closer to signing with the Wildcats, his father said yesterday. Assistant coach interviews at Radford    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The University of Kentucky basketball team is already faced with the possibility of losing some players by the time next season begins, and it may be in the process of losing an assistant coach as well. Barbour close to decision    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    Antwain Barbour still wants to play in the NBA. Now he seems more willing to wait.       Baseball Kentucky Drops Series Opener, 12-7, at Tennessee    Joseph Blanton struck out eight batters and Knoxville native Russ Rutherford went 2-for-3 with a run scored but it was not enough as the University of Kentucky baseball team dropped its Southeastern Conference series opener to Tennessee, 12-7, in front of 1,310 spectators at Lindsey Nelson Stadium Friday night   (4-04-02)      Basketball Teammate thinks Bogans will go pro    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     A University of Kentucky basketball teammate of swingman Keith Bogans said Wednesday that he thinks Bogans will forgo his senior season and turn pro.       Baseball Kentucky Continues SEC Play this Weekend in Knoxville    Dating back to 1915, Kentucky and Tennessee have battled 248 times on the baseball diamond. The Wildcats will look to snap a four-game SEC losing skid this Friday, April 5 when it travels to Knoxville to renew their oldest rivalry in a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium        Football UK aide crosses line to coach defense    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER One of the moves during Kentucky Coach Guy Morriss's off-season staff shakeup moved running backs coach Wesley McGriff to defense to direct the secondary. (4-03-02)       Baseball Wildcats Post Season-High 15 Hits in 13-4 Win Over Eastern Kentucky    Freshman Mike Ferris and sophomore Cory Hahn launched back-to-back home runs to highlight a four-run second inning that propelled the University of Kentucky baseball team to a 13-4 non-conference win over visiting Eastern Kentucky Wednesday afternoon. Booster group gets board's OK for cash    The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees yesterday unanimously voted to pump as much as $3.5 million from an athletic department fund into a booster fund-raising group overseeing renovation of the school's baseball stadium.       Football