Mitch Barnhart spent the past few days wrangling over the Rich Brooks' contract, but he still doesn't have one himself. Barnhart said the delay -- since his Aug. 1 start date -- was due to several hitches, including the language on getting fired.
Men's Basketball
Kentucky vs. Alcorn State NotesKentucky plays its second consecutive home game for the first time this season when it plays host to Alcorn State. The Cats, who are coming off a 115-87 rout of Tennessee State, will meet the Braves for the first time in school history. The game will be part of a
double header at Rupp Arena as the women face Marshall at 5 pm followed by the men at 7:30 pm.
In more ways than one, Kentucky got rich in Rupp Arena last night. During the first television timeout, the crowd greeted an on-court appearance by new UK football coach Rich Brooks with polite applause.
Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart saw possible long-range implications in the loss at Louisville last weekend. It confirmed his decision to look into softening UK's pre-conference schedule.
UK overcomes U of L hangoverThe University of Kentucky's 115-87 victory over Tennessee State may have the impressive margin one
would expect from the No. 20 team playing a struggling mid-major. But everything wasn't pretty for the Wildcats last night at Rupp Arena.
Tubby uses reserves to fire up Wildcats Even though it was a move made to jump-start his
basketball team from a slow start in its game against overmatched Tennessee State on Monday night, University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith found out that perhaps he will be able to press more after all.
Women's Basketball
Win Streak Climbs to Four as Wildcats Defeat Cincinnati on New Years EveThe Kentucky women's basketball team celebrated New Years Eve early and granted Coach Bernadette Mattox her birthday wish by defeating Cincinnati, 69-67, on Tuesday, Dec. 31 in Memorial Coliseum. It was the Cats' fourth straight win.
The Kentucky women's basketball team hopes to extend its three-game winning streak when it plays host to the Cincinnati Bearcats today at Memorial Coliseum.
UK Issues Statements Regarding Coaching HireStatement by UK President Lee Todd, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart and UK Board Chair Steve Reed regarding hiring of
UK Football Coach Rich Brooks.
New football coach's violations record surprises some UK leaders The new coach hired to lead the University of Kentucky's football program out of probation has an NCAA violation record
of his own, something UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart didn't tell UK leaders about before making the hire.
LORENZEN SAYS CATS EXCITED ABOUT NEXT SEASON Jared Lorenzen has gone through three coaches in four years, so he's pretty good at sizing them up. And the quarterback thinks Kentucky
found a good fit in Rich Brooks.
Winning over fans Brooks' first task At 61, coach has 'energy' to do job You can say this much about new Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks: he's obviously studied what UK fans like to
hear.
Brooks is Cats' man Rich Brooks was introduced as the Wildcats' coach at a news conference yesterday, ending a search that started three weeks ago when Guy
Morriss left for Baylor.
Brooks is fiery; his teams will hitRich Brooks is the new University of Kentucky football coach. This might be the last time we see the words
''new'' and ''Rich Brooks'' so close together.
Barnhart was aware of violations at OregonUniversity of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart said yesterday that he was aware of major NCAA
violations at Oregon when the team was coached by Rich Brooks, the Wildcats' new coach.
Coach who? UK fans are shaking their heads If you want my opinion on the arrival of Rich Brooks as the new University of Kentucky football coach, I'll give you the same
answer UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart got from the first 417 guys he interviewed.
After one wacky month, it's Brooks and done And so it came to pass, on the 30th day of the wildest month in memory, that University of Kentucky football was entrusted to a 61-year-old
who was approximately the 61st choice for the job.
Rich Brooks file National Coach of the Year in 1994 when he led Oregon to its first Rose
Bowl bid in 37 seasons.
Brooks' wait to return to coaching ends Rich Brooks said he felt like he had to get out
of football coaching for awhile to get back into coaching, at least as a head coach on the college level.
Brooks to honor verbal commitments given to Morriss
If North Hardin quarterback Andre Woodson and John Hardin running back Dominic Lewis
aren't Kentucky Wildcats next season, it's because they have decided to go else-where.
Brooks flexible on offense, defense
At 61, Rich Brooks says he's a much wiser football today and that means he will adapt his coaching style
to match the personnel at the University of Kentucky.
(12-30-02)
Men's Basketball
Wildcats Bounce Tennessee State, 115-87Keith Bogans scored a season-high 26 points and ignited a decisive second-half spurt with a series of layups as No. 20 Kentucky pulled away to defeat Tennessee State 115-87 Monday night
It would probably be tough to come up with a worse scenario for the Tennessee State men's basketball team than tonight's challenge.
Smith Hopes Cats Can Regain SwaggerKentucky coach Tubby Smith said Saturday's loss to intrastate rival Louisville took its toll on his 14th-ranked
Wildcats.
Kentucky's Confidence Shaken Kentucky's promising season has been plunged into doubt by its humbling 81-63 loss to Louisville on
Saturday.
Kentucky wants more than a victory against Tennessee State tonight. After the dispiriting loss to archrival Louisville Saturday, the Cats want to remind themselves of their regal status.
Wildcats are eager to erase bad tasteThe last thing University of Kentucky players want to do following their 18-point loss to
the University of Louisville on Saturday is practice.
Louisville 81, Kentucky 63 Here's a recap of the University of Kentucky basketball team's
81-63 loss to Louisville before a crowd of 20,061 at Freedom Hall in Louisville:
UK seeks wins to ease the pain There's no time for players on the University of Kentucky
basketball team to wallow in the sorrow they displayed following Saturday's loss to rival Louisville, and they say that's a good thing.
Women's Basketball
Kentucky Women Look To Keep Win Streak AliveThe Kentucky women's basketball team hopes to keep its three-game win streak alive
when it plays host to Cincinnati at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Memorial Coliseum. New Year's Eve party favors will be given away and junior Mason, Ohio native Racquel Ellis will be the featured player of the game.
Brooks Named Head Coach at KentuckyRich Brooks, the 1994 National Coach of the Year at the University of Oregon and a former head
coach in the National Football League, is the new head coach at the University of Kentucky, director of athletics Mitch Barnhart has announced.
Rich Brooks Press ConferenceQuotes from Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart, Rich Brooks and quarterback Jared Lorenzen at the press
conference announcing Brooks as the new head football coach.
Brooks Named New UK Football CoachFormer NFL coach Rich Brooks was named UK's new football coach at a Monday morning news conference.
The 61-year-old replaces Guy Morriss, who resigned on December ninth to become the coach at Baylor.
Brooks Hired To Coach Kentucky FootballRich Brooks is returning to football, introduced Monday as Kentucky's new head coach after two years
away from the game.
Plethora of queries surrounds Brooks It's the conclusion of Kentucky's three-week coaching search, and we are left with questions, questions, and more questions. Why do I have the
feeling that although by all indications Rich Brooks is a good, solid football coach, he is not the home run UK football fans were hoping for?
Ex-colleagues praise UK's choice Many University of Kentucky football fans probably woke up yesterday morning wondering just how the hiring of Rich Brooks will affect the future of the
program.
Brooks ready to take over 'sleeping giant' Rich Brooks said yesterday that he was attracted to the job in part by Barnhart, whom he has known since both worked at
Oregon in 1983.
Brooks set to be next UK coach The University of Kentucky will introduce its new football
coach today, amid reports that former University of Oregon and St. Louis Rams head coach Rich Brooks was hired.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee State NotesKentucky returns to Rupp Arena for just the third time this season as it plays host to
Tennessee State. The Wildcats are looking to get back on track after losing to in-state rival Louisville, 81-63, on Saturday.
CARDS STONE UK Embarrassed. Manhandled. Outworked. And the unkindest selection from the sporting world's dictionary of insults: Quitters. Kentucky players slung those wounding words
after yesterday's 81-63 loss to Louisville.
UK FANS' DARKEST FEAR IS REALIZED: ITS NAME IS PITINO He sealed it with a kiss. There was Rick Pitino, in his stylish pinstripe suit and Cardinal red tie, exiting through the
impromptu mob that had joyously assembled on the Freedom Hall floor yesterday, blowing a kiss to the dancing fans in the stands as he disappeared into the tunnel.
Rupp-like superstition Kentucky will play host to a coaching giant this week when Alcorn State comes to town. Alcorn State's Davey Whitney is one of college basketball's most
accomplished coaches. He's also a man who refuses to tempt the fates.
How the game played Scoring Time (UK-UL) Daniels, jumper 19:41 (2-0) Garcia, 3 Ptr. 19:24 (2-3) Bogans, dunk 17:53 (4-3) Stone, jumper 16:29 (4-5) Estill, layup 16:10 (6-5)
Stone looks dazzling in Red The Kentucky-Louisville basketball game is never short on subplots, but all eyes were on the first player in the history of the rivalry to don both the blue
and the red.
Pitino's magic Got Pitino? I hope you didn't think that was merely a snappy phrase somebody plastered on some red T-shirts as soon as the University
of Louisville began this Rick Pitino energy transfusion 21 months ago.
UK finds a football coach It looks as if the University of Kentucky has finally found a new head football coach: Rich Brooks, a former head coach with the University of Oregon and the
NFL's St. Louis Rams.
Brooks appears set for UK job Rich Brooks, a former coach at the University of Oregon and of the St. Louis Rams, has accepted the job as the University of Kentucky's
new football coach, his wife, Karen, said last night.
(12-28-02)
Men's Basketball
No. 14 Wildcats Drop Battle to Louisville, 81-63Marvin Stone scored 16 points as Louisville beat No. 14 Kentucky 81-63 Saturday,
avenging last season's 20-point loss in Coach Rick Pitino's return to Rupp Arena. Keith Bogans scored 14 for the Wildcats (6-3), who shot 37 percent and went 3-of-18 from 3-point range
Cat confidence trumps Pitino Here's what Kentucky has going for it: The confidence that comes from beating North Carolina and Indiana, winners of the Preseason NIT and Maui
Invitational, respectively.
IT'LL BE A SCREAM Befitting the game's robust aura, Kentucky brings its full complement of players for the first time this season into today's game at Louisville. Transfer Antwain
Barbour, who missed a month because of a broken hand, expects to play.
Barbour set to give Cats energy boost Cliff Hawkins made a smashing, if belated, debut last weekend against Indiana. Now Kentucky hopes to get the same kind of instant gratification
from Antwain Barbour against Louisville today.
Cards 'hungry' to beat Cats The universities of Kentucky and Louisville will renew their basketball rivalry today with a first: Former UK player Marvin Stone will be in
uniform for U of L. A profile of Stone and other stories are in a special section previewing the game.
10 subplots to keep the pot boiling a little hotter The courtside officials won't be the only folks keeping score at high noon today in Freedom Hall. This
is Kentucky vs. Louisville, a game with more subplots than the season finale of ''The Sopranos.''
Star guards unlikely to go 1-on-1 much The head-to-head battle of Wooden Award candidates Reece Gaines of the University of Louisville and Keith Bogans
of the University of Kentucky would be the marquee matchup in today's game -- if it were to happen
Cards vs. Cats History (since 1983) After trailing by 13 in regulation, Louisville went on an 18-6 tear in overtime to win the NCAA Mideast Regional.
Highlights and lowlightsTHE PREGAME WEIGH-IN U of L's 2002-03 media guide: 1 pound, 15 ounces (184 pages) UK's
2002-03 media guide: 2 pounds, 7 ounces (292 pages)
Cardinals don't put too much into game The one thing Rick Pitino has learned from the other
side of Louisville-Kentucky rivalry is that Cardinals fans don't take their annual meeting nearly as seriously as Wildcats fans.
Stone grabs spotlight Pitino had last year It's an ex-Kentucky player, not an ex-coach, who's
getting all the attention leading up to Saturday's game between the Wildcats and Louisville.
Buddies Estill, Stone to duel Marquis Estill and Marvin Stone were best of friends when the
two were teammates on the University of Kentucky basketball team, but they will have to put that friendship aside now that they are on opposite sides today.
UK fully loaded While the storylines are plentiful for today's University of Kentucky-Louisville clash -- from Louisville head coach
Rick Pitino's first home game against UK to Louisville center Marvin Stone facing his former team for the first time -- perhaps the most important is that the Wildcats will be at full strength for the first time this season.
Grambling's Williams interviewed While former Georgia head coach Jim Donnan was pulling his
name from consideration for the vacant University of Kentucky head football coaching position and Mississippi head coach David Cutcliffe said he was staying put at his current school on Friday, another candidate emerged for the position -- Grambling head coach Doug Williams.
(12-27-02)
Men's Basketball
Kentucky Basketball Press Conference QuotesKentucky men's basketball coach Tubby Smith and selected players addressed the media
prior to their game with the University of Louisville.
Pitino glad sequel lacks circus hype Last year's game was more exhibition than competition. As much side show as big show. UK-U of L was a circus event under the big top, with the
former coach of one, being the current coach of the other, standing squarely in the center ring.
Stone: It's not about coaching Good or bad, Marvin Stone's play in Saturday's Kentucky-Louisville game will unleash a torrent of speculation about the two head coaches.
Consider the Pitino payback factor Rick Pitino will tell you he doesn't believe in revenge. He'll tell you it's an unproductive emotion. He'll tell you there are far more noble
reasons to wake up before dawn than payback.
Kentucky Wildcats ReportBarnhart: Smith has done 'wonderful job' University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart gave Tubby Smith a pat on
the back Saturday, calling the coach's performance early this season ''wonderful.''
U of L needs to prove it's the real deal Louisville basketball fans haven't been this giddy since …. well, March 21, 2001, when Rick Pitino
took over a stale program from coaching legend Denny Crum.
UK, U of L not just another game
Just another game. Just another team. The Louisville Cardinals are saying Saturday's game is one of
many this sea-son against an opponent like any other.
Hawkins isn't worried
After seeing his college basketball career put on hold by academic difficulties, University of Kentucky junior point
guard Cliff Hawkins isn't going to worry now about starting.
UK Needs To Capitalize On Charity... Stripe
It is
simple really. You take the basketball from the referee. Dribble it a couple of times, the whole time focusing on the basket. Bend your knees slightly, have a good follow through and "swish."
Cutcliffe may be back in mix for UK coaching job The search for the next University of
Kentucky football coach may be coming back around to the candidate who withdrew from consideration for the position last weekend.
Ole Miss' Cutcliffe Talks About UK JobDavid Cutcliffe is not quite sure exactly what to expect from Nebraska's defense, and Frank Solich is just as
concerned about defending the Rebels' passing attack as Ole Miss is regarding Nebraska's option.
Kruczek withdraws from UK's coach hunt Another candidate has withdrawn his name from the search for a football coach at the University of Kentucky. Central Florida's Mike Kruczek said
in a statement on the school's Web site yesterday that he was no longer a candidate to replace Guy Morriss at UK.
It's 50 years since the season that never was Admirers and detractors alike call the University of Kentucky program ''The Roman Empire of College Basketball.'' The Empire
turns 100 years old this season. Admirers will light a candle -- or perhaps 100. Fifty years ago the detractors tried to light a torch to The Program.
Suspended Animation Kentucky's 1952-53 basketball season was canceled, but UK fans got their fix during four exhibition games in 11,500-seat Memorial Coliseum.
Wildcats Return to Freedom Hall to Face CardinalsArchrivals Kentucky and Louisville meet for the 34th time as the Wildcats travel
to play their third road game of the young season in the River City. It's the Wildcats' second consecutive game in Freedom Hall.
The greatest gift of all The children in line to see Santa have gauze bandages on their forearms. The bandages cover the intravenous ports used to drip chemotherapy
drugs into their veins -- poisons introduced from outside the body to fight what is attacking the kids from within.
ESPN Analyst Headed To UK?On Wednesday, ESPN Radio reported that UK might announce its new head football
coach Thursday. The network said it would be former Georgia coach Jim Donnan. But as of Thursday evening, no official announcement had been made by any of the parties involved.
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
(12-25-02)
Men's Basketball
An 'A' in chemistry Any concern about how Cliff Hawkins' return might adversely affect Kentucky's chemistry had been answered in the first half. His off-the-bench contributions provided a
needed boost as UK rallied from a slow start to beat Indiana on Saturday.
Big Ten asks IU to suspend Davis for tirade in UK game Indiana University will respond Friday to the Big Ten Conference's request that men's basketball coach Mike Davis
be suspended following his outburst at the end of Saturday's game against the University of Kentucky.
Two left in hunt at UK The search for the vacant head football coaching position at the
University of Kentucky is apparently down to two candidates after University of Southern California offensive coordinator Norm Chow pulled out of the running on Tuesday.
Morriss tells his side of the story He arrived back in the Bluegrass on Sunday night, was out at his farm near Perryville on Monday afternoon, then was getting ready for a Christmas
gathering Monday night.
Chow says he no longer wants UK jobSouthern California offensive coordinator Norm Chow took himself out of the running to be the
University of Kentucky's head football coach yesterday.
Search for coach nears conclusion University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said yesterday that his search for a football coach is coming to a conclusion, and an
announcement could come by the end of the week.
(12-24-02)
Men's Basketball
UK Vows To Battle Marvin Stone
Don’t look for Keith Bogans or any other Kentucky player to take it easy on former UK teammate Marvin Stone Saturday when the Wildcats play Louisville.
Women's Basketball
Cats shove aside Morris Brown with 106-32 win Jennifer Humphrey scored a career-high 20 points and Jenny Pfeiffer added 17 as the University of Kentucky women's basketball team
overwhelmed winless Morris Brown 106-32 last night in Memorial Coliseum.
Kentucky Football NotebookKick returner Derek Abney has been named first-team All-America by The Sporting News. TSN is the eighth
organization that has named Abney a first-team All-American following his record-breaking season
UK coaching search apparently narrows to threeThe University of Kentucky's search for a football coach apparently has narrowed to
three candidates: Central Florida coach Mike Kruczek, former Georgia coach Jim Donnan and Southern California offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
UK-U of L: 'Business' as usual? With about six minutes remaining in what otherwise qualified as a relaxing rout, the fans in one end zone of Freedom Hall tried a tepid chant of "Beat
UK."
Davis rues late-game meltdown Whether it was a foul or not, Indiana University basketball
coach Mike Davis knows his outburst at the end of Saturday's game against the University of Kentucky was wrong.
New combinations key in UK victory While Indiana University coach Mike Davis' emotional
outburst helped ice the victory for the University of Kentucky basketball team, it was UK's versatility which proved to be the bigger factor Saturday and could be a huge advantage for it the rest of the season.
UK Recruit Thomas Skating Through Foes Though Canada is internationally known for the superstars it produces in hockey,
one of its native sons has found success by choosing to pursue athletic endeavors by wearing high-top sneakers.
Davis Sorry For Tirade At KentuckyNo matter how many times it's been replayed, no matter the angle of the camera, the
images were still smoking 24 hours after a Mike Davis team was left reeling after its coach went through the ceiling Saturday night against Kentucky.
Women's Basketball
UK Women Dominate Morris Brown 106-32Jennifer Humphrey scored a career-high 20 points and Jenny Pfeiffer added 17 as the University of Kentucky
women's basketball team overwhelmed Morris Brown, 106-32, in Memorial Coliseum Monday night. It was the second-straight win for the Wildcats (5-4), while the Lady Wolverines remain winless at 0-11
Waiting game continues in search for coach UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart spent yesterday waiting on phone calls as he tries to wrap up his search for a football coach to replace
Guy Morriss.
Riley, Cutcliffe not interested in UK
The search for the next University of Kentucky football coach concludes its second week today just as two more candidates for the position officially struck their names from consideration over the weekend.
(12-22-02)
Men's Basketball
Wildcats Feels Hawkins' PresenceCliff Hawkins was humble in victory. There would be no gloating in what's, for him, a
one-game season.
Hawkins, IU coach bring joy to UK's world Now this is the way to spend the holidays. What better way to experience a little yuletide joy than watching Mike Davis experience his annual
Big Blue-induced meltdown, than watching Cliff Hawkins return from aca- demic exile for many a happy return?
davis accepts blame It was shocking behavior for an Indiana basketball coach. Inside the game's final five seconds, Mike Davis lost his cool and cost his team any chance to
win the annual hoops Armageddon with Kentucky.
INDIANA LOSES IT For the second straight game, victory or defeat depended upon how Hemingway defined courage: grace under pressure. Or crisp last-minute execution, in the sporting
vernacular.
New lineup produces mixed results If Tubby Smith was hoping to shake senior forward Jules Camara out of a slump by benching him, he got
mixed results Saturday.
Cats win by TKO Indiana University basketball coach Mike Davis lost his temper in the final seconds yesterday, and the outburst that followed guaranteed another IU
loss to the University of Kentucky.
A terrific game soiled by Davis As the Wildcats beat IU 70-64, Mike Davis had a Jerry Springer Moment. He set an NCAA record for melting down.
Hawkins makes thrilling return Cliff Hawkins is back in the University of Kentucky lineup. Let the thrill ride commence.
Women's Basketball
Cats Play Host To First-Time Opponent Morris BrownThe Kentucky women's basketball team hopes for an early Christmas present when
it plays host to Morris Brown on Monday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum. Tickets are only for adults and for senior citizens and children (ages 18 and under). UK students, faculty and staff are admitted free with valid identification. The Memorial Coliseum ticket office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
or may be ordered over the phone by calling 859-257-1818 or 1-800-928-CATS (2287).
Another sluggish start, but Cats pull out OT win The Kentucky women were about to bomb against Miami (Ohio). Then bombs away saved the day. Down as many as 18 points in the second half,
the Cats hit almost 90 percent from three-point range to sneak past the visiting RedHawks 108-102 in overtime.
UK rallies for OT win over Miami of Ohio The University of Kentucky women's basketball team erased an 18point second-half deficit to rally for a 108-102 overtime win
over visiting Miami (Ohio) yesterday at Memorial Coliseum.
Barnhart whittling list of candidates UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said he's getting closer to finding a football coach to replace the departed Guy Morriss. Barnhart spent the
past week flying across the country interviewing candidates, and while he wouldn't reveal names, he said yesterday that he's in the "paring-down" process of his coaching search. Barnhart declined to say how many coaches remain on his list.
Mississippi's Cutcliffe bows out of UK searchMississippi's David Cutcliffe, once the focus of the
University of Kentucky's search for a new football coach, withdrew his name from consideration last night.
(12-21-02)
Men's Basketball
Tubby seeks revival of UK Invitational If University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith
has his way with future schedules, he'd like to rekindle the UK Invitational Tournament and move the Indiana game to earlier in the season, he said Friday.
Hawkins' return should boost perimeter attack The University of Kentucky basketball team is
certainly getting junior point guard Cliff Hawkins back at just the right time in the short run, and only time will tell if it benefits the Wildcats in the long run.
Clutch Wildcats Beat No. 6 Indiana, 70-64No. 18 Kentucky beat sixth-ranked Indiana 70-64 Saturday, making five free throws with 2.6
seconds left after Hoosiers coach Mike Davis was ejected for running on the court to protest a non-call on a possible game-winning layup by freshman Bracey Wright. The Wildcats (6-2) took a 65-64 lead on a layup by Marquis Estill with 12.8 seconds left, the sixth lead change over the final 2:16
Today, talk is who will be where tomorrow In the circle of life, and sports, what's here today is gone tomorrow. Easy come, easy go. We have unbeaten Indiana and ranked Kentucky tipping
it up today at Freedom Hall -- Go Big Red! Go Big Blue! -- and all the talk on the state's sports scene is about who's coming and who's going.
Hoosiers suddenly have lost their touch While most of Hoosier Nation has been swept up in the euphoria of an unbeaten basketball season, Indiana University coach
Mike Davis knows some of that excitement could disappear if his team doesn't make shots today against the University of Kentucky
Hawkins got wake-up call, now ready to play Listen, Cliff Hawkins isn't trying to be somebody he's not. The University of Kentucky junior guard readily admits he
doesn't hop out of his warm bed on cold winter mornings fueled by his desire to go to class.
Game Of The Day: Kentucky-IndianaThe Indiana Hoosiers put their perfect record on the line against hated rival Kentucky in Louisville Saturday night.
Five Questions With Tubby SmithOrlando "Tubby" Smith is in his sixth season as coach at Kentucky, where he won the
national championship in his inaugural campaign in 1997-98. He is 137-45 overall with the Wildcats, whom he leads today against one of their biggest rivals, No. 6 Indiana, on a neutral court at Louisville's Freedom Hall. This past week, as the Cats took final exams, Smith answered five questions from
Enquirer reporter Bill Koch.
Hawkins Returns For IU GameIndiana coach Mike Davis hopes Kentucky junior point guard Cliff Hawkins tires early
Saturday in his first game back from a semester-long academic suspension.
IU Needs Big Effort, Davis Says Indiana University basketball coach Mike Davis has faced Kentucky twice in his short tenure at IU
Women's Basketball
Cats Come From Behind To Knock Off RedhawksThe University of Kentucky women's basketball team evened their record at 4-4 on the season with a 108-102 overtime
victory over the visiting Miami (Ohio) Redhawks, today, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002 at Memorial Coliseum.
UK aims to avenge loss at Miami The Kentucky women's basketball team will play host to Miami (Ohio) at 1 p.m. today in Memorial Coliseum. The Wildcats (3-4) will try to play with the same intensity
they had in the second half against Long Island, when they came back from a 13-point deficit in the consolation game at the Hawaii Invitational last weekend.
Few signs of life in UK search One candidate for the vacant head football coaching position at the
University of Kentucky signed a contract extension with his current school on Friday, another said he wasn't sure if UK was even interested anymore and it's still unknown who else is really even a candidate
(12-20-02)
Men's Basketball
Rupp return excites Davis Kentucky fans of a certain age lament that the storied series with Indiana hasn't had a game played in Rupp Arena since 1988. After that year, the intensely
entertaining series has alternated between neutral sites in Indianapolis and Louisville.
Restocking the arsenal The return of Cliff Hawkins and Antwain Barbour should reinforce, not disrupt, Kentucky's steadily improving basketball team. That's how UK Coach Tubby Smith saw
the in-season addition of two contributors to the Cats' rotation.
Freshmen just one reason IU unbeaten Indiana University's basketball team is off to its best start in 13 years. The No. 6 Hoosiers haven't been ranked this high since
they were No. 1 at the end of the 1992-93 regular season.
Indiana: 8-0 and long way to go Even though his Indiana University basketball team is 8-0 and
off to its best start since the 1989-90 season and sports one of the nation's top backcourts, coach Mike Davis said Thursday he's still waiting for his team, especially that backcourt, to play as well as it has practiced.
Watching and waiting a tough transition for Azubuike The toughest part about being a player in one of college basketball's most storied programs has nothing to do with early
morning practices or balancing sports with academics for Kelenna Azubuike.
Kentucky Wildcats ReportDavis, Smith propose new venue for series
If the two
coaches have their way, the University of Kentucky and Indiana University basketball teams will play every other year in Rupp Arena instead of Freedom Hall. The Wildcats and Hoosiers currently alternate each season from the RCA Dome in Indianapolis to Freedom Hall in Louisville.
Davis wants IU-UK to also play at Rupp Indiana University basketball coach Mike Davis would
like to see the series his team and the University of Kentucky basketball team play take a stop every other season in Lexington's Rupp Arena rather than Louisville's Freedom Hall.
Davis prefers Rupp ArenaIf Indiana coach Mike Davis has his way, the Hoosiers will play Kentucky in Rupp Arena.
Kentucky considers Trojans assistant Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has been tight-lipped about who's on the list to become UK's new football coach, but one name emerging as
a serious candidate is Southern California offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
One of the most painful injuries I ever
received was being plunked in the back of the head with an ice ball.
Kentucky Football NotebookAbney named the 2002 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year and Pinner tabbed as the SEC's Most Improved Player of the Year
by the Southeastern Post.
Pinner named SEC Player of the Year by the Mobile Register.
(12-19-02)
Men's Basketball
Kentucky vs. Indiana Game NotesIn one of the most hotly contested rivalries in college basketball, Kentucky will face unbeaten
and sixth-ranked Indiana in Louisville's Freedom Hall Saturday before a split crowd divided at the midcourt line, a sea of red on one end and a sea of blue on the other
Tickets DwindlingTickets are only available to the following Kentucky men's basketball games: Alcorn State (Jan. 2), Ohio (Jan. 4)
and Auburn (Jan. 22). The Tennessee State, South Carolina and Notre Dame games are all sellouts.
This year's Cats have a real shot It's crack-of-dawn early. Much could change on the road from Midnight Madness to March Madness. But Kentucky is on pace to enjoy an unusually good
shooting season.
Bogans bleeding UK blue The gray home uniforms the University of Kentucky Wildcats recently
debuted -- ostensibly retro because they are belted around the waist but droop near the knees -- bear nothing but numbers on the players' backs. So what we now see in Keith Bogans is not only obvious, it is official: He is playing for the name on the front of the jersey.
Football
USC's Chow in mix to replace Morriss A source close to University of Southern California
offensive coordinator Norm Chow says that University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart discussed UK's vacant head coaching position with him over the weekend, but is unclear if his hiring is imminent.
Plenty of candidates for UK jobThe longer the University of Kentucky football coaching search continues, the more potential coaches it seems to produce.
Some 'Chow' For The Rumor MillJust one day after saying he had not spoken with the University of Kentucky, there
were reports from Los Angeles saying USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow met with UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart about UK's vacant head football coaching position.
(12-18-02)
Men's Basketball
Davis fired up for UK but cools the rhetoric
You could see Indiana University men's basketball coach Mike Davis flinch slightly when told that the next caller on his radio show was from Lexington, Ky. Davis relaxed a bit when the voice at the end of the line told him he was an IU fan.
Indiana To Face Wildcats One week after a thrilling 66-63 victory over Purdue at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, the No. 6/7 (ESPN USA Today Coaches Poll/AP Poll) Indiana Hoosiers
put their 8-0 record on the line against another long time rival, the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats (5-2).
Abney named first-team All-America Derek Abney received an appropriate reward yesterday for his season of rare achievements. Abney, who set an NCAA record with six kick returns for
touchdowns, became only the 10th University of Kentucky football player to be selected to The Associated Press All-America first team.
Wildcats' main man once again is AbneyUniversity of Kentucky junior Derek Abney was named to The Associated
Press All-America team yesterday, highlighting what he described as a bittersweet postseason.
UK seniors signing autographs, selling T-shirts ThursdayUniversity of Kentucky senior football players will be at Kennedy's Bookstore in Lexington
between 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday signing autographs and selling a specially designed T-shirt.
Overstreet would listen if new UK coach called
If the new University of Kentucky football coach wants to call Brodie Overstreet, the Boyle
County lineman would be interested in taking the call.
Lineup changes possible for UK University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith hasn't been
afraid to tinker with starting lineups in his career, and don't be surprised if he doesn't send out a new one for Saturday's game against undefeated Indiana.
Football
Kentucky Football NotebookKentucky kick returner Derek Abney has been named first-team All-America by The Associated Press and
CollegeFootballNews.com while punter Glenn Pakulak has been named third- and second-team All-America, respectively, by those two organizations. Abney, Pakulak, Antonio Hall and Artose Pinner have been named to the Birmingham News All-SEC Team.
UK Football Recruiting No. 16 In Southeast
Here come the Canes! With a banner two weeks, Miami has vaulted into the #1 spot powered by top RB Tyrone Moss. NC State, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee are also beginning to pick up steam, while LSU and Georgia are holding steady in the top 3.
Michigan State 71, Kentucky 67
Here is a look at the University of Kentucky's 71-67 loss Saturday to Michigan State before a crowd of 23,145 at Rupp Arena in Lexington:
'Cats need Hawkins to open up the inside The question before the University of Kentucky basketball team
played Michigan State on Saturday was how much would junior point guard Cliff Hawkins' likely return Dec. 21 adversely effect team chemistry? The realization after UK played the Spartans is that the Wildcats badly need Hawkins back.
Kentucky Set To Battle Undefeated Indiana Kentucky faces undefeated Indiana in its next game at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. The neutral court game is at Louisville's Freedom
Hall. Television is CBS.
Will Hawkins Make UK Better? Listening to the questions and answers exchanged during interviews following the Wildcats' loss to Michigan State would have given
you the impression that's an automatic. The reporters doing the asking and players doing the answering sounded equally convinced Hawkins' return to eligibility would make UK a more dangerous team
Women's Basketball
Freshmen lead Cats to third place in Hawaii Invitational Freshmen Jenny Pfeiffer and Jennifer Humphrey each recorded career highs as the Kentucky women's basketball team defeated Long Island 72-64
for third place in the Hawaii Invitational yesterday.
Pfeiffer Named To Hawaii Invitational All-Tournament TeamFreshman Jenny Pfeiffer was named to the Hawaii Invitational All-Tournament Team
after totaling 36 points in the two-day event. She poured in a career-high 24 points over Long Island, shooting an impressive 63.6 percent from the floor, including 6-of-8 from three-point land. Her six three-pointers tied the school record for most three-pointers made in a game
Kentucky Football NotebookKentucky junior Derek Abney has been named to the ESPN.com All-America team as a kick returner. Abney returned
six kicks for touchdowns this season and broke or tied four NCAA records, nine Southeastern Conference records and 10 school records for kick returns.
Rodriguez confirms UK's callThe University of Kentucky has made contact with West Virginia football coach Rich
Rodriguez about its vacant head-coaching position.
Rodriguez Coy About Kentucky JobKentucky officials approached Rich Rodriguez Sunday to gauge his interest in becoming the Wildcats’ next football coach. He didn’t tell
them he was, but neither did he tell them he wasn’t.
West Virginia Coach Says UK Contacted HimWest Virginia University coach Rich Rodriguez has not been formally contacted about
Alabama's coaching vacancy but said another school has expressed interest: the University of Kentucky.
Coaching field is being narrowed Even though another report of a candidate for the vacant head
coaching position for the University of Kentucky football team may have emerged Sunday, UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart made it clear Saturday that he is playing the search close to the vest.
Morriss' Meteoric Rise Gives Hope To Others
You think Kentucky made a dramatic turnaround
in college football? It's nothing compared to coach Guy Morriss' reversal of fortune.
Spartan on the spot Kentucky and Michigan State taxed each other's mental and physical resources in Rupp Arena yesterday. Run met counter-run. Strategy smacked into adjustment. Two Top
25 teams played a game that lived up to that billing. And then some.
Trio's sub-par day equals Cats loss Jules Camara, Chuck Hayes and Gerald Fitch shoot a combined 5-for-20. Kentucky loses 71-67 to Michigan State. UK Coach Tubby Smith would consider
that a redundancy.
Hill's death stirs memories of 1966 finals Bobby Joe Hill's death last weekend revived memories of one of Kentucky's most famous games: Texas Western's upset victory over Rupp's Runts
in the 1966 national championship game.
Bograkos' unlikely three helps KO Cats Michigan State sophomore guard Tim Bograkos had not attempted a three-pointer all season. That is, until 50 seconds remained in
yesterday's game against the University of Kentucky.
UK Freshmen Save the Day; Cats Take Third Place in Hawaii InvitationalFreshmen Jenny Pfeiffer and Jennifer Humphrey each recorded
career highs as the Kentucky women's basketball team defeated Long Island 72-64 for third place in the Hawaii Invitational Sunday afternoon. With her career performance, Pfeiffer tied Tedra Eberhart for the school record for most three-pointers made in a game with six. UK hit a season-high eight
three-pointers in the game.
Football
Barnhart still hoping to hire by Christmas This much is clear: University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has been checking out potential candidates for the football
coaching vacancy and still hopes to make a hire by Christmas.
No. 12 Wildcats Drop Close Battle to Spartans, 71-67Chris Hill scored 16 points and made two free throws with 13.6 seconds left to
seal No. 21 Michigan State's 71-67 victory over No. 12 Kentucky on Saturday. Keith Bogans scored 23 to lead the Wildcats, who had won four straight. Kentucky (5-2) had a 34-30 rebounding advantage
UK to wear retro uniforms today The University of Kentucky basketball will turn back the clock
in its attire for today's game against Michigan State as part of a season-long celebration of the school's 100th year of playing basketball.
Smith wants tough board play One of the staples of Tubby Smith's basketball teams at the
University of Kentucky has been missing so far this season and today would be the perfect time to start getting it back.
Poor Shooting Cost Cats In Hawai'i InvitationalKentucky dropped its fourth straight game, falling 70-59 to host Hawaii in the first round of the Hawaii
Invitational on Saturday night. UK will face Long Island, who fell to UNLV 60-56 on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. ET in the consolation game.
Cats try to find a way to win in the sunshine of Hawaii
The Wildcats are hoping the warm weather of Hawaii will be kinder to them as they look to snap a three-game losing streak. Bernadette Mattox's team is joining UNLV, Long Island and Hawaii in Honolulu at the Hawaii Invitational. The Cats will face Hawaii tonight.
Football
Coaching carousel dizzying Despite their tough-guy demeanors, most coaches are dedicated gossip mongers. They distribute inside information, match-make openings and candidates, ride the
rumor mill like a theme-park attraction.
Wildcats' focus is on Harris
A University of Pittsburgh athletic department spokesman vehemently denied reports Friday that Panthers head coach Walt Harris had flown to Lexington, Ky., Friday to interview for the vacant head-coaching position at the University of Kentucky.
(12-13-02)
Men's Basketball
Kentucky vs. Michigan State NotesKentucky will battle its third ranked opponent in five games as its tough Saturday December
schedule continues when No. 21 Michigan State invades Rupp Arena. The Wildcats, which have beaten ranked opponents Gonzaga and North Carolina already this season, will break out its new gray "retro" uniforms against the Spartans. |
Press Conference Quotes
Michigan State Travels To KentuckyKentucky leads the all-time series with Michigan State by an 11-8 margin, including a 7-2
advantage in Lexington.
big-time matchup A big-bodied senior to man -- and we mean man -- the low post. Another experienced player with size who stretches defenses with face-the-basket shooting.
Hockey freezes out Michigan St. practice Earlier this fall, Kentucky linked its poor shooting to the lack of available practice time in Rupp Arena. To bolster its case, UK noted that
Michigan State could not practice in Rupp Arena tonight because Lexington's minor-league hockey team, the Men O' War, had a game.
Kentucky Wildcats ReportUK proceeding with basketball facility The University of Kentucky is moving forward with plans to have a
basketball practice facility built behind Memorial Coliseum and ready for use in the fall of 2004.
Who Can Shut Down Bogans? Kentucky's Keith Bogans represents a dying breed in college basketball. Bogans is a 6-foot-5, 213-pound guard
who can shoot, defend and remember what it was like being in college three years ago.
Bogans Puts Junior Season In The Past...It isn't ironic that Keith Bogans is placed front and center of the team photo this year. That's because the Keith Bogans of old
is back, and he intends to remain the center of UK basketball's attention.
Pinner Ready To Take Care Of His Mom
Artose Pinner used to get
up with his mother, Tinia, at 6 a.m. every day and watch her leave for the first of her two jobs.
Kentucky Football NotebookWildcat punter Glenn Pakulak won the Mosi Tatupu Award as the National Special Teams Player of the Year
... Kick returner Derek Abney has been named first-team All-America on the nation's oldest football honor team, the Walter Camp All-America Team
Barnhart meets with Riley about vacancy University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch
Barnhart talked with New Orleans Saints secondary coach Mike Riley on Tuesday about becoming the Wildcats' next football coach, according to published reports.
McCollum listed as UK candidateMiddle Tennessee State Coach Andy McCollum said although he has been mentioned as a candidate, he
has ''not been contacted officially'' about the Kentucky football vacancy.
Cal Coach Reportedly A Candidate At UKCal football coach Jeff Tedford's name surfaced Thursday as a possible candidate for the vacant
coaching job at Kentucky.
UK excels at changing football coaches In the history of the Southeastern Conference, no school has been through more football coaches than the University of Kentucky.
UK's rivals in search for coach still lookingUniversity of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart is finding plenty of competition
in the search for a new head football coach, with Alabama, UCLA and Michigan State among the schools still in the market for a coach.
(12-12-02)
Men's Basketball
UK Basketball NotebookHands-On Originals will release the second "Legends Series Bobble-head" on Saturday, Dec. 14 at all Dawahare's stores across Kentucky. The secret doll is the second in the series of four and its identity will be kept secret until Saturday
The Crescent City is now an NBA city, so the Big Easy wasn't exactly jazzed about the nation's winningest basketball program coming to town on a Tuesday night to play ever-struggling Tulane.
A little Brandon Stockton went a long way in Kentucky's victory over Tulane on Tuesday night. When starting point guard Gerald Fitch picked up his third foul early in the second half, Stockton got extended minutes. The freshman from Glasgow got a lot out of a 10-minute relief stint. He not
only maintained a steady hand on UK's attack and earned the confidence of the team, he also learned of an extra bonus when he called home after the game.
Football
Kentucky Football NotebookThree Wildcats on Sporting News All-SEC Team ... Abney, Pakulak to be on Home Depot College
Football Awards Show ... Begley Tabbed for SEC All-Freshman Team
Morrisses say it wasn't all about money Concerned that he would be portrayed as a coach jumping on the first money truck out of Lexington, Guy Morriss said his move to
Baylor University was more about job security and support.
UK starts hunting for a coach The search for a new football coach at Kentucky is off and running. After announcing at a UK Athletics Association board meeting Tuesday that he would like
to name a new coach by Christmas, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart flew to New Orleans for the UK-Tulane basketball game later that night.
Fla. Atlantic game postponed indefinitely Florida Atlantic's 2003 game with Kentucky was indefinitely postponed yesterday because of potential bowl implications the game might have for
the Wildcats
Morriss vows to be tough, restore pride at Baylor Guy Morriss is back in Texas and promising big things for Baylor, even though the Bears are one of the
least-successful football teams in the Big 12 Conference.
Morriss eager to turn Baylor around Guy Morriss is back in the state of Texas and promising
big things for Baylor, even though the Bears are one of the worst teams in the Big 12 Conference.
EX-UK COACH TAKES OVER BIG 12 DOORMAT Guy Morriss is back in the state of Texas and promising big things for Baylor. "I believe we can win here," Morriss said yesterday at a news
conference attended by about 250 Baylor fans and school officials. "We're going to put some accountability and pride back in this program, and we're going to start this afternoon."
Bogans has the whole package in 76-60 romp There were plenty of reasons for the University of Kentucky basketball team to stumble last night. Keith Bogans wasn't one
of them. The senior guard scored 17 of his game high 21 points in the first half as the No. 12 Wildcats breezed past Tulane 76-60.
'Cats stay focused despite small crowd It was the kind of enviroment that could have led to
the sluggish performance that the University of Kentucky basketball coaches feared coming into Tuesday night's game against Tulane.
Stockton makes big contribution for UK University of Kentucky freshman point guard Brandon
Stockton saw his most extended stretch of minutes of the season in the second half of UK's 76-60 win vs. Tulane on Tuesday and impressed Smith with his performance.
Follow the leader Perhaps Keith Bogans' second-half performance in Tuesday night's game
against Tulane showed as much about his improvement this season as his first-half performance.
Women's Basketball
UK Women Bound For Paradise | Complete Release in PDF Format | Download Free Acrobat Reader
The Kentucky women's basketball team is bound for Paradise where it will participate in the Hawaii Invitational in Honolulu on Dec. 14-15. UK will face host Hawaii on Saturday at midnight ET. UNLV and Long Island meet in the first game at 10 p.m. ET. UK's game will be broadcast live on WLXG Sports
Radio 1300 with Drew Deener
Football
Kentucky Football NotebookFour Wildcats Mentioned on CNN/SI All-America Team ... Abney, Pakulak to be on Home Depot College
Football Awards Show ... Seven Wildcats on The Associated Press All-SEC Squad
Goodbye, Guy When Antonio Hall arrived at Kentucky, he so idolized then-offensive line coach Guy Morriss that he tried to mimic Morriss's every move.
Guy's guys plan to follow Guy Morriss, who resigned late Monday night as Kentucky football coach to take the same job at Baylor, bid farewell to the UK team in an emotional meeting
yesterday before heading to Waco, Texas, where he will be introduced at Baylor today.
After shock, recruits ponder their futures Some will stay. Some will go. Some will stay if they're wanted. And some aren't saying. Players who made commitments to Kentucky after being
recruited by former coach Guy Morriss and his staff responded to Morriss's hiring by Baylor in a variety of ways yesterday.
Dewayne Robertson will enter NFL Draft Dewayne Robertson, a junior defensive tackle for Kentucky, will skip his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. "I decided to declare for the draft
because I feel I'm ready to make the next step," Robertson said yesterday. "I also want to make life better for my family. I feel I had a good year this year, and if that hadn't been the case, then I would have come back for my senior year."
Pinner picked as SEC's best on offense Kentucky transformed itself from a pass-oriented team to one that relied heavily on the run this season, and running back Artose Pinner reaped the
benefits.
UK will pay top dollar for right résumé The University of Kentucky wasn't willing to pay former football coach Guy Morriss $1 million a year, but that doesn't mean the
Wildcats won't pay their next coach that much or more.
UK wants to replace Morriss fast The Guy Morriss era is officially over at the University of
Kentucky, and the era of the school's next football coach could start as soon as Christmas according to UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart.
AD has had this challenge before University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart probably wasn't expecting to lose a football coach so soon into his tenure,
but at least he has faced a similar situation before, and a quick decision then cemented his national reputation.
Baylor's AD will miss Morriss' introduction Baylor athletic director Tom Stanton is scheduled to undergo minor heart surgery tomorrow and will miss a news conference
introducing new football coach Guy Morriss.
Morri$$' two-step to Texas no surprise NCAA probation crashed down on the universities of Alabama and Kentucky last winter with the weight of a free-falling Claude Bassett.
Major scholarship cuts and postseason bans were the price for dirty dealings in Memphis.
Pinner is SEC's top offensive playerUniversity of Kentucky running back Artose Pinner, who led the Southeastern
Conference in rushing this football season, yesterday was named the SEC's Offensive Player of the Year by The Associated Press.
UK's Pinner named SEC offensive player of year University of Kentucky running back Artose
Pinner was picked as the top offensive player in the Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference team released Tuesday.
Robertson leaving Wildcats early to try NFL draftDefensive tackle Dewayne Robertson said yesterday he will skip his final season at
the University of Kentucky and make himself available for the National Football League draft.
Robertson to enter draft Kentucky junior defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson announced
Tuesday he will forego his final season of eligibility and enter this summer's NFL draft.
(12-10-02)
Men's Basketball
No. 12 Wildcats Take Out Tulane, 76-60Keith Bogans scored 21 points - the fourth time this season he's topped 20 points - as
No. 12 Kentucky beat Tulane 76-60 Tuesday night. Bogans hit 5-of-5 from 3-point range as Kentucky outshot the Green Wave 55 percent to 43 percent from the field, and 56 percent to 43 percent in 3-pointers. Bogans also had a career-high six steals. The Wildcats (5-1) took the lead less than two minutes into
the game and never trailed. Waitari Marsh led Tulane (3-5) with 19 points. Jules Camara scored 12 points for Kentucky, and Marquis Estill and Gerald Fitch added 10 apiece. Chuck Hays had 10 rebounds for the Wildcats.
Final exams begin next week at Kentucky, but the Wildcats have already passed their early-season chemistry test.
Daniels provides immediate boost off bench Even Erik Daniels didn't expect to have the kind of
first game back for the University of Kentucky basketball team that he did in Saturday's game at North Carolina.
Pain-free Estill turning corner His knees are fully healthy and his confidence is high.
Because of that, University of Kentucky senior center Marquis Estill has played perhaps the most consistent stretch of basketball in his career in UK's first five games and that's a big reason why the Wildcats are off to a 4-1 start.
Cats wary of wrong turn on trip to Tulane Assistant coach David Hobbs started Sunday's basketball practice by reminding the University of Kentucky players that they haven't put
together solid back-to-back efforts in their first five games.
Football
Coach Morriss Resigns From Kentucky Kentucky coach Guy Morriss is set to become the second Southeastern Conference football coach in a week to jump to the Big 12.
Morriss leaving UK for Baylor Less than one week after The Post first reported that University
of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss said he was still willing to listen to offers from other schools before signing a guaranteed contract through the 2007 season, he has accepted a position with another school.
Morriss leaving UK for Baylor A swift three-day courtship between University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss and Baylor resulted in an announcement from UK last
night that Morriss has resigned.
UK wise to avoid this Bear market Baylor University wants to slap a bold-face exclamation point on the absurdity and irresponsibility of hyper-inflated salaries whipping through
college football these days.
Kentucky Football NotebookJunior defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson becomes the fifth player in Kentucky history to give up his
senior season of eligibility in order to enter the NFL draft; former coach Guy Morriss issues a statement
UK Athletics Association Board of Directors MeetingPresident Lee T. Todd
and athletics director Mitch Barnhart conducted the meeting of the UK Athletics Association Board of Directors which convened on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Patterson Office Tower on the UK campus. Mitch Barnhart
Quotes
Fitch Named SEC Player of the WeekUniversity of Kentucky men's basketball junior Gerald Fitch was named the Southeastern Conference
Player of the week on Monday, Dec. 9, after leading UK to wins over High Point and No. 12 North Carolina last week.
UK Looks Like Team Capable Of Big Things Ninety-eight points? Keith Bogans as patient, deadeye outside shooter? Marquis Estill as post-player deluxe? Gerald
Fitch as Mr. Everything? Kentucky walking into Chapel Hill and outplaying, out executing and out hustling North Carolina? Team Turmoil, where art thou?
Interlocking cats Last Friday, North Carolina Coach Matt Doherty uttered one of those upcoming opponent compliments that might have seemed obligatory had it not turned out to be, for
him, so painfully true.
Kentucky 98, North Carolina 81 Here's a recap of the University of Kentucky's 98-81 win vs.
North Carolina on Saturday before a crowd of 21,750 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.:
Wildcats finding their form If the University of Kentucky basketball team continues to roll
offensively the way it has the past 2½ games it can thank its loss to Virginia in its second game.
Football
Morriss ResignsKentucky football coach Guy Morriss has resigned his position in order to accept another coaching job, UK Director
of Athletics Mitch Barnhart announced Monday night.
UK's Morriss Headed To Baylor
Barring a last-minute switch,
Kentucky's Guy Morriss is expected to be named the Baylor football coach by Tuesday.
Morriss reportedly on Baylor's short list According to a newspaper report on Sunday, Baylor
University could name a football coach within the next two days and there's a possibility it will be University of Kentucky head coach Guy Morriss.
Kentucky Football NotebookSix Kentucky Wildcats, including four first-team selections, were picked for the Coaches
All-Southeastern Conference team released Monday by the league office.
Kicker Taylor Begley and defensive end Deion Holts were selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team
(12-08-02)
Men's Basketball
Wildcats tar and feather Heels The University of Kentucky basketball players walked out of the locker room at halftime of yesterday's game at North Carolina with one
directive: Get Marquis Estill the ball. And if coach Tubby Smith's message wasn't loud and clear enough, sophomore forward Chuck Hayes issued a command of his own.
Wildcats' Respect Month has a fine start Seat belts, everybody. Actually, I'd recommend a full shoulder harness. Another wild, unpredictable and schizophrenic University of Kentucky
basketball season is officially under way.
ABYSMAL IN BIG GAMES LAST SEASON, BOGANS REGAINS GROOVE IN CLUTCH Spread the news: Bogans is back. To be sure, Gerald Fitch was fabulous, scoring 25 points. And yes, Marquis Estill was
a second-half sensation, scoring 20 points in the final 20 minutes as part of Kentucky's continued excavation mission inside assorted post defenses.
Heads over Heels A player and coach working together can create a thing of beauty. For example, an unwitting halftime collaboration by forward Chuck Hayes and Coach Tubby Smith produced
Kentucky's 98-81 victory at No. 12 North Carolina yesterday
Cats haven't forgotten recruit who died -Kentucky's final home game was on Jim Anderson's mind before this season started. Anderson, a 1978 UK graduate, called team publicist Brooks
Downing and asked if the Cats could honor John Stewart on Senior Day. Stewart would be playing his senior season for Kentucky had the 7-foot center not collapsed and died during an Indiana state playoff game in 1999.
Cats' game says, 'We're no joke' Beating North Carolina was not all Kentucky wanted to do here yesterday. The Cats also wanted to make a statement to the basketball nation.
Women's Basketball
Western finds a way If you listen to Western Kentucky Coach Mary Taylor Cowles, you'd think that her nine players are more powerful than a locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet
and can leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Football
Baylor has permission to talk with Morriss
University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss has become a target in Baylor's search for a new coach. Baylor athletic director Tom Stanton phoned UK AD Mitch Barnhart late Friday afternoon and asked for permission to talk with Morriss, which was granted, Barnhart said yesterday.
morriss catching eye of suitors Kentucky Coach Guy Morriss can now say he's seen both ends of the off-season spectrum. This time last year he had finished his initial season 2-9 and
knew he'd have one last chance to make a good impression and save his job.
(12-07-02)
Men's Basketball
No. 18 Wildcats Pounce on No. 12 North Carolina, 98-81Gerald Fitch and Marquis Estill scored all of Kentucky's points during an 18-2 run to start the
second half as the 18th-ranked Wildcats defeated No. 12 North Carolina 98-81 Saturday. Fitch finished with a career-high 25 points, while Estill and Keith Bogans added 20 for the Wildcats (4-1), who made 10 of 16 from 3-point range to beat the Tar Heels for the third straight year
Cats usually up to a challenge Two years ago, not even those peering through the bluest of tints gave Kentucky a chance. The Cats were reeling, their record 1-3, their faces red from a home-court
loss to Penn State. In basketball. Next stop was Chapel Hill. Most feared a Heel of a beating.
Tar Heels freshmen talented and poised Perhaps the perfect sign for North Carolina basketball coach Matt Doherty in regards to his young team came the day after its first loss of the season -- a
92-65 blowout at the hands of Illinois on Tuesday night.
UK out to ruin UNC's 'quick fix' After North Carolina beat Penn State in the Preseason NIT opener, a sportswriter asked freshman guard Rashad McCants if he would be ready for a second-round game in
less than 48 hours. McCants' sore shoulder prompted the question.
Carolina mixing green with blue When Matt Doherty was the men's basketball coach at Notre Dame, he had to persuade the band to show up for a game. When the band leader offered to
be there by halftime, Doherty fired back, ''Be there for warm-ups, or don't be there at all.''
Series could be extended Both head coaches involved in today's University of Kentucky vs. North Carolina basketball game in Chapel Hill, N.C., which pits the nation's two winningest programs
against each other, say they'd like to see the series extended.
Head-to-head North Carolina Leads Series 16-8 1924 North Carolina 41, Kentucky 20 1929 North Carolina 25, Kentucky 15 1932 North Carolina 43, Kentucky 42
First year Wins 1. Kentucky 1903 1,820 2. N. Carolina 1911 1,794 3. Kansas 1899 1,774 4. Duke 1906 1,684 5. St. John's 1908 1,643 6. Temple 1895 1,590
Daniels ready despite injury Sore thumb and all, Kentucky forward Erik Daniels is anxious to return to action today at North Carolina. Daniels sat out the season's first four games because he
played in an unsanctioned summer league. That meant missing the Maui Invitational, a trip his parents decided to make.
Daniels returns today with an injured thumb After sitting out the University of Kentucky's first four regular-season games for illegally participating in a summer league, junior forward Erik
Daniels isn't about to let a bad thumb keep him from playing today against the Tar Heels.
Kentucky Probable starters No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 44 Chuck Hayes F 6-6 247 So. 40 Jules Camara F-C 6-11 240 Sr. 50 Marquis Estill C 6-9 236 Sr.
Cats Fall In Final Minute To Intrastate Rival Western Kentucky; Adams Drains Career-High
Rita Adams scored a career-high 29 points and
Bowling Green native SeSe Helm recorded her first double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to send the Kentucky women's basketball team past visiting Western Kentucky as it fell, 88-83, at Memorial Coliseum Saturday night.
Helm just one of UK's weapons The talk around Bowling Green this week is about stopping Kentucky star SeSe Helm. It only seems natural since the 6-foot-4 junior hails from that area, but Western
Kentucky Coach Mary Taylor Cowles has other thoughts as the Lady Toppers head into Memorial Coliseum tonight.
(12-06-02)
Men's Basketball
Fitch making his point
Gerald Fitch's stylish patent-leather shoes and silver leather jacket with the words ''Maximum Velocity'' on the sleeve belie his laid-back and soft-spoken demeanor.
The two college programs that have combined to win 3,614 basketball games and stand as the two winningest
teams of all time will meet for the 25th time when Kentucky travels to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina.
North Carolina lost a school-record 20 games last year and came into this season counting on six freshmen, including three who
made the starting lineup, to revive the team.
Women's Basketball
UK Women Face Intrastate Rival Western Kentucky In Memorial Coliseum
| Complete Release in PDF FormatThe Kentucky women's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 7 when it
plays host to intrastate rival Western Kentucky at 7 p.m. ET in Memorial Coliseum. The game is the 26th meeting between the teams and UK's first matchup against the Lady Toppers in Lexington since 1999.
Football
Pakulak and Abney both All-AmericansKentucky football players Derek Abney, Glenn Pakulak and Artose Pinner continue to pick up postseason honors.
Wildcats surpass expectations The goal posts at Commonwealth Stadium never did get torn down, but that doesn't mean Kentucky's season didn't surpass all expectations.
Weight remains issue for Lorenzen University of Kentucky coach Guy Morriss and his staff
stopped harping about quarterback Jared Lorenzen's weight last offseason and just tried to make sure he was in good enough condition to play.
Morriss takes look ahead and at the past Even though it was a season of major accomplishment
for the University of Kentucky football program, head coach Guy Morriss admits to being left with a feeling that it should have accomplished much more.
(12-05-02)
Men's Basketball
He's back
After a puzzling season-long junior slump, Kentucky guard Keith Bogans knew fickle fans doubted he would be an effective player again. Even UK Coach Tubby Smith noted the importance of a good start to Bogans' psyche.
Keith Bogans is averaging 17.8 points a game this season. If the UK senior continues at that pace, he'll pass Jamal Mashburn for fifth place on Kentucky's all-time scoring list by the end of the regular season.
Football
Kentucky Football NotebookHonors continue to pour in for Kentucky as Derek Abney and Glenn Pakulak are chosen first-team All-America
by CBS SportsLine and CollegeFootballNews.com has tabbed Artose Pinner as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Cats weren't turkeys, but Morriss wants caviar The week before the University of Kentucky's football season finale at Tennessee, a few Wildcats asked coach Guy Morriss
if they could go home for Thanksgiving.
Morriss wants Boyd to try second position Shane Boyd must be on the field, University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss said, and that probably means preparing him to play a
position other than quarterback during the off-season.
(12-04-02)
Men's Basketball
Be a Part of Kentucky's 100th Basketball Season!Tickets are now on sale for the Kentucky men's basketball games against Tennessee
State (Dec. 30), Alcorn State (Jan. 2), South Carolina (Jan. 11), Notre Dame (Jan. 18), and Auburn (Jan. 22).
Fitch making strong point for Wildcats
Instead of fretting about how playing point guard might hurt his game, Gerald Fitch decided to use the position
switch to his advantage.
Lineup on, off floor intrigues intriguing The bad news was the first game of the newest of the new emergency makeshift Kentucky basketball lineups was, well, sufficient. The good news
was that High Point did not become the low point.
Hot half fells High Point As in politics and comedy, timing can be everything in basketball. Bad timing as much as High Point served as Kentucky's opponent last night.
Fitch a quick success in new point guard role After not exactly embracing the point guard role
in the University of Kentucky basketball team's two exhibition games, junior Gerald Fitch is beginning to adapt quite nicely to it.
Wildcats answer call The threat of a 6 a.m. practice on Wednesday and a film session an hour
after its game against High Point ended were enough to finally get the University of Kentucky basketball team kick started Tuesday night.
Wildcats rally late to avoid low point Threats of a postgame videotape session and a 6 a.m. practice were all the University of Kentucky's basketball players needed to hear.
RECOVERY TIME RE-ESTIMATED AT 4 TO 6 WEEKS Kentucky swingman Antwain Barbour underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair his broken left hand, UK said in a news release.
Women's Basketball
Kentucky Misses Final Shot ; Cats Drop To EvansvilleWith 14 seconds remaining and Kentucky trailing 68-66, freshman Jennifer Pfeiffer's three-point
attempt failed and Evansville held on to upset Kentucky, 70-66, on Wednesday at Roberts Stadium. Sophomore Sara Potts tied her career-high 21 points while Rita Adams and Pfeiffer added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Cats back on road vs. Aces
Kentucky's women's basketball team hopes to get even with Evansville tonight. The Wildcats (2-1) want to avenge last year's 78-72 home loss when they visit the Purple Aces. Tip-off is 8 p.m.
Football
Morriss still open to offers University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart is close
to finalizing the terms of head coach Guy Morriss' contract extension, but until he does Morriss says he'd be willing to at least listen if other schools made him an offer.
Kentucky Basketball Press Conference QuotesCoach Tubby Smith and selected players talked to the media Monday afternoon. They discussed the upcoming game against High Point and what the loss of Antwain Barbour means to the team.
Kentucky vs. High Point NotesKentucky returns from the Maui Invitational to open play at Rupp Arena against Tubby Smith's alma mater, High Point. The Wildcats had two wins and a loss last week in the Hawaiian tournament for a third-place finish, but it was this past Sunday that the Cats suffered
another injury, losing starting guard Antwain Barbour with a broken hand.
Antwain Barbour, a starting guard for Kentucky, broke his left hand yesterday and might be out five weeks. The junior-college transfer, who played his high school ball at Elizabethtown, was bumped during practice yesterday and fell on his non-shooting hand, breaking the third metacarpal bone,
according to UK.
Barbour has broken hand University of Kentucky starting guard Antwain Barbour broke his left hand at basketball practice yesterday and is expected to miss about five weeks.
UK loses Barbour to injury The University of Kentucky basketball roster continues to dwindle
little by little and is now down to nine scholarship players after junior swingman Antwain Barbour suffered a broken left hand during practice Sunday.
Kentucky Football NotebookDerek Abney has been named first-team All-America as a return specialist by the Football Writers
Association of America ... Glenn Pakulak is one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is awarded annually to the nation's best punter.
A fork in QB's road Congratulations, Jared Lorenzen, you Round Mound of Touchdown. You threw for 24 scores, sliced your interception total to the fingers on one hand, paced the SEC in
pass efficiency. You led your team to seven victories.
Loss to Vols aside, season was a winner The worst part about the final Sunday team meeting for the Kentucky football team was getting through the film session of the painful-to-watch
24-0 whitewashing administered by Tennessee in Saturday's season finale.
Shutout mars strong season It wasn't exactly the way the University of Kentucky wanted to end
its 2002 season, but it may have been just the right way for the Wildcats to begin working toward an even better 2003 season
UK juniors to take a look at NFL draft
Three University of Kentucky juniors said following Saturday's 24-0 loss to Tennessee that they will request feedback from the NFL to see where they might fit into this year's draft, although two of the three say they will be back next season.
UK blew its chance at upsetJust like last year, the home team dominated the game early and took a 21-0 lead.
Injury Bug Strikes the Cats AgainTubby Smith's Wildcats, fresh off their return from Maui, suffered a blow on Sunday when they lost starting guard Antoine Barbour with a broken left hand. The University of Kentucky junior was bumped during practice and fell on his non-shooting hand, breaking his third
metacarpal bone, the same bone teammate Jules Camara broke in early October.
Occasionally over the years, Kentucky laments its lack of complete access to Rupp Arena for practice. Recently, UK Coach Tubby Smith linked an inability to practice in Rupp this fall with his team's poor shooting in two exhibition games
Host Washington made it a perfect 10 last night, grabbing the championship of the Seattle Times Husky Classic for the 10th time with a convincing 88-56 throttling of Kentucky.
Flat Cats miss chance at making history So it's now 18 years. Eighteen long, long years since Kentucky last beat Tennessee in football. At the rate this "rivalry" is going, there
are newborns who may not live long enough to see another UK football victory over UT.
FROM JARED TO RICK, KENTUCKY HAS REASON TO BE SENTIMENTAL On the weekend set aside for such sentiments, 14 reasons to be thankful you are a sports fan in Kentucky: 1. You get to
see a 300-pound man play quarterback in the SEC. And, for the most part, do it well.
ANOTHER ROCKY FINISH Some things must be meant to stand pat. On the surface, it appeared that Kentucky stood a good chance of ending its 17-game losing streak to Tennessee yesterday,
considering the teams came in with matching records (7-4) and injuries had gutted the Vols' usually loaded depth chart.
Cats go quietly as Vols win 24-0 The Wildcats started the game with bad news, and it got worse after kickoff. Coach Guy Morriss suspended four starters -- tailback
Artose Pinner, tight end Chase Harp, defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson and cornerback Leonard Burress -- for the first quarter.
Kentucky's 'Orange Bowl' goes sour So despite seven victories, and a feel-good fall, and the two-week build-up to its so-called Orange Bowl, Kentucky ended its football season with a
thud of a dud.
BY THE NUMBERS Kentucky 0 0 0 0-- 0 Tennessee 7 14 0 3--24 First quarter Derrick Tinsley 18 pass from Casey Clausen (Alex Walls kick), 2:47. Second quarter
Cats' Knoxville showing unpleasantly reminiscent The UK offense took a step back to the Bill Curry days yesterday, as its 172 yards were the lowest total since a 154-yard output in a
56-10 loss to Tennessee in Curry's final game as UK's coach. The Wildcats' 83 yards passing was also the program's worst showing through the air since that 1996 season when they passed for 49 yards in a 35-7 loss at Alabama.
UK game against Schnellenberger in jeopardy The University of Kentucky's football game next season against NCAA Division I-AA Florida Atlantic is in jeopardy, UK athletic director
Mitch Barnhart said yesterday.
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