July 2003 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (07-31-03) Top Cat: University of Kentucky's Scratch Named to 2003 Capital One All-America Mascot Team    Capital One today announced Scratch of the University of Kentucky was selected to the second annual Capital One All-America Mascot Team. Scratch joins 11 other B.M.O.C.s (that's "Big Mascots on Campus") whose fur, feathers and scales will be featured in an upcoming national television advertising campaign showcasing their competition for the Capital One National Mascot of the Year title.       Football Governor's Cup Luncheon Press Conference Quotes    Kentucky and Louisville head coaches Rich Brooks and Bobby Petrino participated in the 2nd annual Governor's Cup Golf Classic today at the Cardinal Club in Simpsonville, Ky. During lunch there was a press conference where they talked about the upcoming game. Timing of game suits Petrino, not Brooks    Louisville coach Bobby Petrino and Kentucky coach Rich Brooks acknowledge that the biggest game of their respective first seasons is the opener between their teams. Comparisons to Kentucky are close    Talk about a tough year. You start out by being slapped with NCAA sanctions, largely based on recruiting improprieties in Memphis. Then, after a better-than-expected football season, the coach who has steadied the ship for two years bolts in an unexpected, lateral-at-best move to a school in Texas. As a reaction, you turn to a veteran coach who turned around a traditionally moribund program in the Pacific Northwest.  Aaron Boone Stock Rising with the Cowboys    The 6-foot-2 rookie free agent from Kentucky recorded the catch of the day when he made a leaping grab of a fade pass from Quincy Carter in the corner of the end zone. Boone, who outjumped rookie cornerback Don McGee for the ball, has made several nice catches in camp.  Brooks has been around, but SEC players hardly know him    The University of Kentucky football media guide has quotes from such notable coaches as Bobby Bowden of Florida State and Joe Paterno of Penn State lauding Rich Brooks' coaching ability. Brooks, Wildcats have no time to lose    Derek Abney holds five NCAA records for punt and kickoff returns and was named to eight All-American teams last season, but Kentucky’s fifth-year senior wide receiver has yet to play in a bowl game. Lorenzen's weight not an issue     It took just two questions on Tuesday for new Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks to face a question that has surrounded the Wildcat football program from the time Jared Lorenzen arrived on campus. 'Cats bank on new, old coach    Forced to find a second head coach in three years, Kentucky flirted with a monster hire (Bill Parcells), considered breaking the SEC color barrier (Doug Williams), but wound up with a 61-year-old unemployed West Coast guy who didn't know Lexington from Little Rock.   UK's Brooks set for local rally Aug. 25    The week before his first game as University of Kentucky football coach, Rich Brooks will take a timeout from practice and come to Louisville to talk with local Big Blue fans.  Brooks accepting another challenge at Kentucky    Rich Brooks is no stranger to taking over a lightweight program in a heavyweight league.  The new Kentucky coach did it once before. At Oregon. In 1977. (07-30-03) Commissioner promises probation-free SEC by 2008    Expecting 12 Southeastern Conference schools to stay clean is something akin to asking the Three Stooges to kick clumsiness.       Football Abney optimistic about Brooks, UK    One of the most disappointed players at Kentucky when coach Guy Morriss decided last December to leave for Baylor was Derek Abney. Lorenzen still topic of media queries    Jared Lorenzen was not at the Southeastern Conference Football Media Days, but his presence certainly was felt. Smith finds SEC hooked on football    FIRST-YEAR KENTUCKY COACH TESTS NEW WATERS AT MEDIA DAY    This time a year ago, Rich Brooks was in Alaska. His mind was on salmon, not safeties. His hook was set for halibut, not halfbacks. The trip had nothing to do with football, and everything to do with fishing. UK end will use different means   BURNS SAYS HE WILL BRING SPEED TO NEW DEFENSE    Derek Abney can now call himself a Media Day veteran, as yesterday marked the second straight appearance at the Southeastern Conference kickoff for Kentucky's All-American return man. BUT CATS PICK UP CORNERBACK IN JONES There was a surprise addition and a couple of notable omissions from the 2003 Kentucky football media guide released yesterday at SEC Media Days. UK's mission: Get what's owed to them    Artose Pinner is now in the National Football League. Brooks would like to redshirt Woodson, Lewis    New University of Kentucky head football coach Rich Brooks has no plans on playing North Hardin's Andre Woodson or John Hardin's Dominic Lewis in a game this season. Razorback receiver took last year's loss to UK hard    Arkansas wide receiver George Wilson was never offered a scholarship to play at the University of Kentucky when he played at Paducah Tilghman High School. Despite his absence, Lorenzen still hot topic at Media Days    University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks was asked why he didn't bring senior quarterback Jared Lorenzen to yesterday's session of the Southeastern Conference Media Days. Mills, Reynolds Inelligible    There was a surprise addition and a couple of notable omissions from the 2003 Kentucky football media guide released yesterday at SEC Media Days.  UK end will use different means    Derek Abney can now call himself a Media Day veteran, as yesterday marked the second straight appearance at the Southeastern Conference kickoff for Kentucky's All-American return man.  Arkansas, Vandy, Kentucky highlight opening day    First-year Kentucky coach Rich Brooks came to SEC Media Days after making a bet with associates on how long it would be before he was asked a question concerning the weight of his starting quarterback.  Is bowl in UK's near future-    Many view Kentucky as a graveyard for coaches, which makes this latest hire seem questionable at best. At least for the guy who took the job.  Kentucky to expand Abney's role   In this age of big, fast and furious, Derek Abney is a modern marvel.  Another New Blue Blood At UK    New Kentucky coach Rich Brooks' first attempt at humor fell flat during Tuesday's first of three Southeastern Conference Football Media Days in the Wynfrey Hotel.   Brooks still seeking acceptance    Guy Morriss' black lizard-skin boots and slick suits are out, replaced by Rich Brooks' sensible loafers, blue blazers and khaki pants.   Kid dyna-mite    Derek Abney showed Florida last season that he can almost beat a team all by himself.  Brooks faces familiar circumstances    The sad, familiar story was played out again Tuesday at SEC Media Days. The past recounted in all its sorry detail. Wildcats' Weapon Abney is key to Kentucky's offensive success    Kentucky's Derek Abney holds five NCAA kick return records, and nine Southeastern Conference kick return records, but don't expect him to explain how he does it.  New coach has more plans for Wildcats' Abney Kentucky's Derek Abney promises he won't question the wisdom of an opposing football coach who chooses to have his punter or kicker lift a kick in Abney's direction.   UK's Brooks an oldie but goody    Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks knows he's old.  Brooks confident UK can climb SEC ladder    With just three winning seasons since 1985, Kentucky is in no danger of being confused with one of the Southeastern Conference's traditional football powerhouses.  Hudson persuaded to direct UK offense    When new Kentucky coach Rich Brooks asked Ron Hudson to be his offensive coordinator, the answer should have been easy.         Basketball Fitch undergoes surgery for hernia    Gerald Fitch underwent outpatient surgery yesterday morning to repair a hernia, but the Kentucky guard shouldn't miss any practice time, Coach Tubby Smith said. Fitch undergoes hernia surgery    Joe Razzano was one of the nation's top-rated high school fullbacks in the 2003 recruiting class. UK's Fitch has hernia surgery    Gerald Fitch underwent outpatient surgery Tuesday to repair a hernia, but the University of Kentucky guard shouldn't miss any practice time, coach Tubby Smith said. (07-29-03)       Football Creative Cats keep adding to roster    Kentucky continues to find creative ways to add to its football roster.  Brooks working to change fans' attitudes about UK    He certainly didn't look anxious when he arrived to talk football with University of Kentucky fans.  Rich Brooks Quotes from media day    "When you are at my age it's a pleasure to be anywhere. I just want tell you how excited I am to be back in college football and be coach at University of Kentucky. I think I'm going into a program in similar situation in SEC as Oregon was in Pac-10, were team most other schools put W by at beginning of season. But at Oregon, we didn't have facilities, didn't have fan support. Oregon didn't produce as many Division 1-A players as Kentucky does. We have facilities (at Kentucky) and population and we have a tremendous fan base."   Derek Abney and Vincent Burns quotes from media day   On the coaching change:  "When you have coaching changes, people look at the negatives, but I have had four position coaches and I try to take the best things I can from each of them."   My, how SEC media days have changed    Could it be true? Could this year's annual Southeastern Conference football media days event actually take on a whole new twist to preseason meetings?   Former Wildcats star looking to catch on with Bengals    Next chapter    Derek Smith still believes in happy endings. That belief has the former Kentucky standout in the Cincinnati Bengals' training camp trying to compose a storyline that will take the sting out of the contentious finish to his UK career. Ohio fullback signs to play with UK; 3 Toppers honored    Joe Razzano, a fullback from Milford, Ohio, has signed to play football at Kentucky, Coach Rich Brooks said yesterday. The 6-foot, 235-pound Razzano originally signed with Virginia Tech in February but was released from his commitment during the summer. He will report to Kentucky on Aug. 6 and will be eligible to play this season. Fullback signs with Wildcats    Joe Razzano was one of the nation's top-rated high school fullbacks in the 2003 recruiting class. SEC's challenge - change tainted image, win big    In nine states all over the south in the fall, the passion for college football often rivals the devotion reserved for family and religion. "Bear's Boys" try and get together every other year.    Even though father time is marching on, there are still many Wildcats left who played for Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1946-53.         Basketball Expect more competitive in-season tourney matchups    College basketball got a rare dose of offseason good news Monday night when an Ohio federal judge rescinded the NCAA's 2-in-4 rule. Judge blocks NCAA rule    A judge's ruling Monday will allow high-profile teams such as Duke and Kentucky to participate in preseason tournaments like the Great Alaska Shootout every year.   Fitch Undergoes Surgery; Smith Expects Full Recovery    University of Kentucky senior guard Gerald Fitch underwent surgery to repair a hernia at the UK Medical Center on Tuesday morning. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis.          Baseball  This Webb is sight to see    Brandon Webb was politely trying to accommodate a visitor Monday afternoon in the Arizona Diamondbacks clubhouse when Luis Gonzalez yelled from across the room.  (07-28-03)       Football 2003 Football Media Guide Now On Sale    Orders are now being accepted for the 2003 Kentucky Football Media Guide. This 280-page soft-cover book contains complete information for the 2003 team, historical information and records, plus school and city information. Kentucky Football Notebook    Joe Razzano, one of the nation's top fullbacks in the 2003 recruiting class, has signed to play football at Kentucky, Coach Rich Brooks has announced. Razzano originally signed with Virginia Tech in February, but was released from his commitment during the summer. He will report on Aug. 6 and will be eligible to play for UK in 2003. Brooks puts emphasis on running, contact    Jared Lorenzen doesn't know how much he's been running. The University of Kentucky senior quarterback only knows that it has been a lot.  NFL team already gathering info on Caudill    One of the National Football League’s top franchises, the Oakland Raiders, wants to know more about Prestonsburg High School graduate and current University of Kentucky defensive lineman Jeremy Caudill.   UK likes Dewalt in two sports    Like most football coaches, Rick Wood would have preferred to have Lonnell Dewalt with his team last week for conditioning workouts. Top TV games in the South- #65 UK vs. UL    This is the rivalry game in the Bluegrass State. For that reason alone one should turn the television on. But we have ranked this game the lowest of all television games of the season for a reason; it’s just not that great. Still, with Kentucky’s coaching change and Louisville’s possible exit from Conference USA this game does have a few story lines. Just not nearly as many as the rest of the games this season.   (07-27-03) UK and U of L getting exposed    As billboards go, it's nothing spectacular. Nothing like the monster eye-grabbers you'd see in, say, New York or Los Angeles.       Football Fan Day more fan friendly    Slowly but surely the University of Kentucky attempts to crawl out of the aftermath of its 2001 Fan Day fiasco. The event lacked so much that year (no public-address system, fans were prevented from going on the playing field, started late, etc.) that several football fans pledged to never return. Kentucky tie helped Wildcats land linebacker Coaches never know when a connection will come in handy. Such was the case with linebacker Tedd Bullock, a senior-to-be from McDermott, Ohio, who has committed to play at UK. (07-26-03)       Basketball Hayes makes Pan Am team    Kentucky's Chuck Hayes was named to the 2003 USA Men's Pan American team yesterday, following six days of training in Orlando, Fla. Ex-All-Star leaving Dayton for UK    Nastassia Alcius, a first-team All-State guard from Henry Clay, is leaving the University of Dayton to play for Kentucky and new coach Mickie DeMoss. (07-25-03) About another Brooks   UK will survive if the president, chancellor, the AD and all the head coaches pack up and leave. I want you to understand that. But those people have let one of the most competent people on campus leave. Brooks Downing was in charge of sports information for UK. He wasn’t just good, he was the best. Three weeks ago his basketball media guide was again judged the best in the nation.   LFUCG and UK Release Statement Regarding Traffic Control at UK Athletic Events    The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) and the University of Kentucky (UK) have reached an agreement on managing traffic control at UK home football and basketball games. The city and the university believe that by working together they have developed a plan that is fair to both entities and more importantly achieves safe, efficient traffic control for UK athletic events UK to pay for football traffic control    DEAL HAS CITY ABSORBING BASKETBALL COSTS   The University of Kentucky will reimburse the Lexington city government for police traffic control at football games, but the city will continue to absorb costs associated with basketball games. Barnhart's report card    Mitch Barnhart came to UK one year ago as the transfer student that no one wanted to play with in elementary school.         Basketball Chuck Hayes Named to USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Team    Kentucky junior forward Chuck Hayes was named to the 2003 U.S. Pan American Games team after six days of training in Orlando, Fla. Hayes is one of 12 college stars on the roster and will travel with the squad to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic next month for the event. Hayes hopes he can make final roster    Chuck Hayes thinks he's having a good training camp. He just wishes he knew more about what those making the final selections for the USA team for the Pan American Games thought. Magic Sign Bogans    The Orlando Magic have signed second round draft pick Keith Bogans (43rd selection overall), General Manager John Gabriel announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed.       Football Fans' Day Set for Saturday, Aug. 9    The annual UK Football Fans' Day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9 at Commonwealth Stadium. The event begins at 5 p.m., outside the stadium with the debut of the Wildcat Refuge, an area of inflatable games. Gates 4 and 9 of the west end zone (Nicholasville Road side) will open at 7 p.m. and the first 2,000 fans will receive a gift bag, free hot dogs and Pepsi. Joker is succeeding    Tip to parents of high school football prospects: If you don’t want your son to become a Wildcat and wear the blue and white of the University of Kentucky, you’d better keep Joker Phillips out of the house. Cards vs. Cats has history to know    You are a month away from your first Game Week as the men in charge in the University of Louisville-University of Kentucky football rivalry. The people of the commonwealth slowly will wean themselves off basketball recruiting and start learning your names. (07-24-03)       Basketball Hernia ends Fitch's U.S. tryout    Kentucky guard Gerald Fitch re-aggravated a hernia yesterday in Orlando, Fla., where he was trying out for the U.S. team that will compete in the 2003 Pan-American Games. Hernia sends Fitch home from Pan Am trials    University of Kentucky guard Gerald Fitch, one of 17 finalists to make the 12-man U.S. basketball team that will compete in the Pan American Games, was forced to leave the trials yesterday when he aggravated a hernia injury. (07-23-03) Southeastern Conference Leads Nation in Academic All-America Selections    The Southeastern Conference had 17 student-athletes named first-team Verizon Academic All-America for the 2002-03 academic year, the most by any conference in the nation. In addition, the SEC had 13 second-team selections and five third-team winners, bringing the league's total to 25 honorees.       Basketball Fitch Re-aggravates Hernia; Returns Home from Pan-Am Tryouts    University of Kentucky guard Gerald Fitch re-aggravated a hernia today and was forced to return to Lexington from Orlando, Fla., where he was in the final tryout for the 2003 Pan-Am Games Team. SEC rivals not underestimating Kentucky    While University of Kentucky basketball fans worry about who UK coach Tubby Smith is recruiting this summer, rival coaches are worried about dealing with the players Smith will have next year.       Football coach has his eyes on everything    Trying to keep up with Rich Brooks during a Kentucky football practice could leave you as exhausted as the linemen after a series of gassers. Linebacker commits to Cats    Linebacker Ted Bullock of Lucasville, Ohio, confirmed Monday that he had officially committed to the University of Kentucky. Rookie Robertson improves Jets' pass rush    Five observations on the 2003 New York Jets gleaned from training camp practices on July 21: (07-22-03)       Football BCS changes won't include a playoff    Forget about a college football playoff for now. The committee overseeing changes to the Bowl Championship Series won't consider using a tournament to determine the national champion despite pleas to open up the post-season to more schools. (07-21-03)       Football Freshly signed Robertson reports to Jets' camp EX-UK STAR'S ROOKIE GOALS: SUPER BOWL, PRO BOWL    The New York Jets officially signed first-round pick Dewayne Robertson yesterday. The 6-foot-1, 317-pound defensive tackle from Kentucky reached an agreement in principle with the team Saturday night. He signed the deal yesterday afternoon, the same day players reported for the start of training camp today in Hempstead, N.Y. Robertson signs with Jets in time to report to camp    Former UK defensive tackle reached an agreement in principle with the team Saturday night.       Basketball Starring for UK launched career as auctioneer    The story goes that Vernon Hatton stuttered so much in front of intimidating coach Adolph Rupp that his only logical career move after basketball was to become an auctioneer. New coaches finding way    Suzie Gardner hasn't coached a game in her new role as Arkansas women's basketball coach, but she already has discovered her life has changed from her days as head coach at Austin Peay.  Celtics Re-Sign Veteran Walter McCarty    The Boston Celtics re-signed veteran forward Walter McCarty to a multiyear contract Saturday. (07-20-03)       Football Brooks gaining foothold in in-state recruiting    If you care about University of Kentucky football, you have to be encouraged with early in-state recruiting returns for the Rich Brooks regime.       Basketball Prospect on recruiting road less traveled    When the letters and phone calls came from Arizona and UCLA, Josh Duncan's father said he and his son simply weren't interested.   (07-19-03)       Football Antonio Hall's Complete College Experience Photo Gallery    Senior offensive lineman Antonio Hall held his second annual Complete College Experience Saturday on the campus of UK. Click to see a photo gallery from the event.       Basketball Yazoo City's Edwards heads to Kentucky    Yazoo City's Ida Edwards didn't want to play college basketball in Mississippi because she wanted to experience something new.  (07-18-03)       Basketball Recruiting Dish- Top players still searching for a school    Two of the top 10 have UK on their lists.....  (07-17-03)       Football Back injury ends Atwell’s football playing career    Football has often been called a game of inches. But for UK safety Travis Atwell, his playing career rested in a few millimeters. Atwell – Kentucky’s Mr. Football four years ago – suffered a serious back injury which has ended his football playing days....   Negotiations between Jets and Robertson not going well    New York Jets: With the clock ticking toward the rookie reporting date for the Jets training camp this weekend, ESPN.com has learned the agent for first-round draft pick Dewayne Robertson traveled to New York on Wednesday, and plans to meet with team officials Thursday.  Pinner signs with Lions    The Detroit Lions fourth-round draft pick, former UK running back Artose Pinner, whose draft stock did not reflect his overall productivity in college, signed his first professional contract on Wednesday.  Boy Selling Lemonade and Cookies To Go To UK Football Games    Eleven year old Brandon Prater loves Kentucky football. He loves it so much that he has sat at a lemonade stand on the corner of his street since Monday in order to raise money for football season tickets. Football players Jeremy Caudill and Ellery Moore along with Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart visited the entrepreneur today to help him with his cause. Women's Football Clinic Set for Aug. 2     University of Kentucky head football coach Rich Brooks will host UK's second annual Women's Football Clinic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Commonwealth Stadium. The clinic is being offered for women who know football well and to those who just want to learn more about the game.       Baseball Boyle's Brummett to chase dream with Kentucky    There's no guarantee that Jeremy Brummett will play baseball for the University of Kentucky, but he's confident that he can make it.  (07-16-03)       Football Defense tries new equation: 3-4    New coordinator, new scheme, new identity. If the University of Kentucky defense is looking for a theme for the 2003 season, "Out With The Old, In With The New" might be appropriate. Complex offense helping defense prepare for season      Kentucky defensive coordinator Mike Archer said Ron Hudson's complex offensive system has helped his defense adapt to a new scheme. Free safety from Fort Campbell chooses the Cats    The University of Kentucky football program has gotten a verbal commitment from another of the commonwealth's top seniors. Marcus McClinton, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound free safety, told UK recruiting coordinator Joker Phillips yesterday that he will be a Wildcat, his high school coach said last night. Kentucky bound    Marcus McClinton may already know what it takes to be successful.   The Fort Campbell High School football star has never tried to take a shortcut -- hard work pays off which translates into playing time and eventually, visibility.   It's easy to relate to Jared Lorenzen    What first time father doesn't have trouble changing diapers ?        Basketball Dewalt might try two sports for Cats    It's not unusual for two-sport high school athletes such as Warren Central's Lonnell Dewalt to consider playing football and basketball at the University of Kentucky. Fitch cleared to try out for Pan-Am team  There was a possibility that UK guard Gerald Fitch was going to have to miss trying out for the Pan-American basketball team this week, but now he's got the green light. Fitch has been cleared to try  Estill signs with Nets    Marquis Estill played for the Miami Heat last week, but he's going to suit up for the New Jersey Nets this week. The former UK big man and Madison Central star is playing on the Nets summer league team in the NBA developmental league in Boston. (07-15-03)       Basketball Rolen was UK's loss but a gain to baseball     It wasn't simply the basic Hoosier Hysteria buzz you'd expect when two prime-timers like Walter McCarty of Evansville Harrison and Scott Rolen of Jasper went sneaker-to-sneaker.       Football Top prospect commits to Wildcats    Marcus McClinton, one of the state's top high school football prospects, said yesterday that he'll play for the University of Kentucky. (07-14-03) No UK Sports News Today (07-13-03) In the money    Before the University of Kentucky's board of trustees officially hired Mitch Barnhart as the school's athletic director last summer, one objection was raised.   Business acumen now more prized than athletic ties    But U of L, UK, IU ADs all had some sports background         Football Pressure on Brooks starts from first snap    CIRCUMSTANCES DEMAND HE WIN NOW    What I know: As you read this, there are 49 days -- some 1,176 hours -- between Rich Brooks and his debut as Kentucky head football coach. Receiver will walk on    Ryan Partridge, a junior college receiver from California, will join the Wildcats this season as a walk-on. Season-ticket sales surpass 2002 total    Sparked by strong sales during the summer, the Kentucky Ticket Office has sold 43,400 football season tickets for 2003, already surpassing last year's total of 43,116. Brooks Seeks Out Second Fort Campbell Player    Lexington, KY UK head football coach Rich Brooks already has one commitment from a Fort Campbell football star. Now he's apparently close to getting Gabe Wallace's teammate.   Art Still Update    He really looks like he could still play. The shoulders are wider than the belly.         Basketball SUCCESS UNDER FIRE    While acknowledging that he did not play or shoot as well as he'd like, Kentucky-bound prospect Adam Williams proclaimed his stay at the Nike All-America Camp last week a success. UK-Spartans 'BasketBowl' sells out    A sellout crowd of more than 75,000 basketball fans is expected to pack Ford Field when Michigan State hosts Kentucky in Detroit. All 19,028 tickets available to the general public have been sold for the Dec. 13 game, the Ford Field Ticket Office announced Friday. College Notebook- IUPUI coach thanks Tubby    Ron Hunter, the coach at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, the host school for the Nike All-America high school camp, credits University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith with his decision to stay at IUPUI. Patrick Sparks getting use to Lexington    Patrick Sparks isn't one to play poker with. He shows zero emotion. Nothing seems to bother him. The former Western Kentucky star isn't going to take any classes this summer. He's playing in the KBA league and adjusting to Lexington. (07-12-03)       Football Kentucky Football Notebook    Football season-ticket sales already surpass 2002 total ... Junior-college wide receiver Ryan Partridge to walk on this fall ... Jared Lorenzen makes the big plays on and off the field. Football recruit Urrutia still likes UK but reconsidering    Fern Creek High School two-sport standout Mario Urrutia said right now he plans on signing to play football for the University of Kentucky in November.       Basketball Tubby Smith wants youngsters to treat basketball right -- like he always has    When Howard Garfinkel raised his hand to ask Tubby Smith a question during a Q&A session, the Kentucky basketball coach took it as his cue that he had five minutes left to talk at the Five-Star Basketball Camp.   Bogans continues strong play for Magic    Keith Bogans is making a name for himself this week while resembling a player the Orlando Magic would like to forget. (07-11-03) UK to ACC- It would be great for football and fans    As a sub-plot to the college athletic conference swap shop that is going on, could Kentucky be one of the schools changing its league address?       Basketball Bogans weaves his Magic    Ex-Wildcat could parlay maturity into job as McGrady's backup    Keith Bogans isn't here to prove anyone wrong. He's just here to prove himself right. Bogans, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound guard from Kentucky, already has the look of a keeper -- a very pleasant surprise -- for the Orlando Magic after three days of summer-league play. Determined Bogans vows to make mark in NBA    Hell hath no fury quite like a scorned second-round NBA pick.   Players noticing Wildcats    Kentucky coach Tubby Smith is not one to tip his hand, or even get in a hurry, when it comes to recruiting.       Football Pookie returned to football for son    Now 31 and those dreams long since faded, Jones finds himself in the spotlight again, but this time at a much lower wattage and with his future unmapped.       Baseball UK names assistant for baseball    Gary Henderson, former National Assistant Coach of the Year, has been named assistant baseball coach at the University of Kentucky, UK head coach John Cohen announced Tuesday. (07-10-03) ACC might have eyes on SEC programs    Frank Broyles, the Arkansas athletics director who is heading toward half a century of service at Arkansas, raised some eyebrows last week when he sounded a warning that the Atlantic Coast Conference could possibly look to the Southeastern Conference for its next raid.       Basketball UK will make schedule after federal ruling    An upcoming federal court ruling will help Kentucky decide whether to play exhibition games in Mexico this fall and/or play host to a two-day tournament early next season, UK Coach Tubby Smith said yesterday.  Campers flock to Shepherd    His name is forever woven into the rich fabric of University of Kentucky basketball.   Bogans shows maturity    Keith Bogans isn't here to prove anyone wrong.  He's just here to prove himself right.       Baseball DREAM IN THE DESERT    Sinker helps lift former Wildcat to league's best ERA Summoned to the manager's office, Brandon Webb hoped he knew the purpose of the meeting. The Tucson pitcher was up on the scuttlebutt. Various hard bodies with parent club Arizona had experienced hard luck. The disabled list was growing. Roster spots were opening. (07-09-03)       Basketball Combo guards popular with Cats     University of Kentucky men's basketball coach Tubby Smith described Gerald Fitch's move to point guard as a turning point last season. Summer no time to recruit  high school basketball's summer camp circuit is just getting into high gear. But the heavy-duty recruiting legwork by college coaches for the next crop of high school seniors is almost over. UK gains interest from top prospects    SMITH LOOKING FOR PERIMETER PLAYERS    Kentucky will put a priority on finding two perimeter players. Kentucky will not put a priority on finding a big man or a "star" athlete.       Football plan of attack    Is there anything that excites the Kentucky football fan more than offense? Well, winning certainly would qualify. But if you can't win, you'd better score some points and entertain in the process. Transition to new offense will take time    Ron Hudson's offense contains a multitude of different sets and formations, and he threw every one of them at Kentucky players during spring practice.       Baseball Kentucky Names Gary Henderson Assistant Baseball Coach    Gary Henderson, former National Assistant Coach of the Year, has been named assistant baseball coach at the University of Kentucky, UK head coach John Cohen announced Wednesday. (07-08-03)       Basketball Improving Thomas has interest in Wildcats    The stock of thick-bodied 6-foot-7 forward Charles Thomas has risen this summer because of his physical inside play and developing perimeter game. copy cat recruit    Williams aspires to be next Chapman, Sheppard    As a longtime Big Blue fan, Kentucky recruit Adam Williams knows precisely whose footsteps he wants to follow as a Wildcat. "Rex Chapman, Jeff Sheppard," he said. "I'd love to be the next athletic white guy to play at Kentucky. That'd be a dream come true if it worked out like that."       Football Phillips shares some of his recruiting methods    Here's a look at some of the recruiting philosophies of Joker Phillips, the University of Kentucky's recruiting coordinator. New staff hitting recruiting trail with a plan    Rich Brooks can run X's and O's until he's blue in the face, but he knows there's only one thing that can turn around the Kentucky football program.        Baseball Former Wildcat Pitcher Brandon Webb Making A Splash In The Majors    It wasn't that long ago when Brandon Webb left the bluegrass of his Kentucky home in search of a path to the major leagues. Now the rookie for the Diamondbacks is showing signs of developing into one of the game's blue-blood pitchers.  (07-07-03)       Basketball Wildcats need OL Jones    Considering that Louisville Trinity quarterback Brian Brohm is ranked among the nation's top overall recruits, it would be easy to assume that he has to be the most important in-state recruiting target for the University of Kentucky. Realignment a way of life for former UK hoopster    The realignment of the Atlantic Coast Conference has led to a lawsuit, verbal sparring and a public debate over the future of college athletics. UK-Michigan State tickets to go on sale    Tickets for Michigan State's game against the University of Kentucky next season at Ford Field in Detroit will go on sale this week to the public. 'Serious' hoops camper    Fredrick trying to impress Cats    Almost 200 of the country's better high school basketball players are here trying to make a name for themselves at the Nike All-America Camp. Michigan St.-UK tickets go on sale Tuesday Tickets for Michigan State's upcoming basketball game against Kentucky at Ford Field in Detroit go on sale Tuesday to the general public. More than 19,000 tickets remain. (07-05-03) No UK news on the net today (07-06-03)       Basketball Ex-Cat Parker surfaces at junior college    When Jason Parker was a Parade All-American in high school, no one imagined that he'd wind up playing for Chipola Junior College in some nowhere town such as Marianna, Fla. Planning a reunion?    As basketball combinations go, they weren't Karl Malone and John Stockton. Though celebrated as Kentucky basketball teammates, they lacked the sizzle of David Beckham and Posh Spice. Actually, they've never played together in a game.       Football Brooks gets 320-LB surprise    Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks talks with dozens of prep players across the Bluegrass about walking on the UK football team, so when West Paducah native Eric Klope called to set up a meeting with the Wildcat staff, Brooks probably didn't give it a whole lot of thought. (07-04-03)     Happy 4th of July!!!         Basketball Chapman won't join U of L staff    Former Kentucky basketball star Rex Chapman will not be an assistant coach at Louisville next season. Chapman has decided not to continue exploring the possibility of joining Louisville Coach Rick Pitino's staff. Chapman noted the allure of working for a renowned coach like Pitino but decided the job would be too time consuming. (07-03-03) University of Kentucky Statement Regarding a Potential Change of Athletic Conference Affiliation    "The University of Kentucky is a charter member of the Southeastern Conference and very proud of its partnership in the SEC. The University has no plans to change that relationship."  -UK President Lee T. Todd, Jr UK 'has no plans' to break SEC ties    If the Atlantic Coast Conference turns its sights on the University of Kentucky as its 12th member, the league better keep looking, UK President Lee Todd said yesterday. (07-02-03) How about South Carolina to ACC, Cards to SEC   Now that the Atlantic Coast Conference has successfully recruited Miami and Virginia Tech, it still needs one more school to reach the 12-team limit needed to have a lucrative playoff game to determine its conference football champion.