July 2005 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (7-31-05)      Football  Brooks not focusing on UK's past futility    Since he knew the question would be coming, Rich Brooks could have had plenty of excuses ready for why he's only won six games his first two years at Kentucky. Brooks: Basketball success helps football recruiting    Rich Brooks views Kentucky's basketball tradition as a plus for the UK football program. Single-Game Football Tickets On Sale Monday     Public tickets to all six home games on the 2005 Kentucky Football schedule will be made available Monday, Aug. 1. Quality season tickets also remain and are available now by phone (800-928-2287), online at UKathletics.com or in person at the Memorial Coliseum ticket office. SEC teams relying on young quarterbacks    Micheal Spurlock bided his time for three years behind Eli Manning, the University of Mississippi's star quarterback. When Spurlock's starting shot finally came -- and went -- he was benched after two mediocre performances Brooks says Woodson is key to Wildcats' attack     During Friday's final day of the Southeastern Conference's annual football media days at The Wynfrey Hotel, the University of Kentucky Wildcats had just one player, senior strong safety Muhammad Abdullah, named to the preseason All-SEC team. Lewis, Duncan try their luck at defensive end     Dominic Lewis and Zipp Duncan weren't recruited to play defensive end for the University of Kentucky football team, but that's exactly where the two former area prep stars could end up this season. Wildcats should play Louisville and play the Cardinals first     University of Kentucky senior wide receiver Tommy Cook has two words for those who think the Wildcats should drop their annual rivalry game with Louisville, which has won five of the last six games in the series: Forget it.        Basketball            Men Sparks hoping to play on USA squad    Since he normally spends all summer working to improve his basketball skills, Patrick Sparks didn't mind working a little harder and giving up a few weeks of vacation for a chance to make the USA World University Games team. UK recruit recovering from ankle surgery    Michael Porter, the only player in the class of 2006 to commit to the University of Kentucky, underwent ankle surgery almost three weeks ago and is expected to have his cast removed this week, his father said. (7-30-05)      Football  Brooks dwelling on positives    JOB SECURITY ASIDE, COACH LIKES ATTITUDE, CHEMISTRY OF HIS CATS    Nothing seems to come easy for Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks these days. A simple 407-mile trip from Lexington to the Birmingham area for Southeastern Conference Media Days turned into an odyssey. Media put Kentucky in SEC East basement     ABDULLAH ONLY CAT TO MAKE PRE-SEASON ALL-CONFERENCE    The media once again painted a bleak picture for Kentucky football in 2005, as UK was picked to finish last in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division at this week's SEC Media Days. Brooks sees better days ahead    The University of Kentucky football team — not surprisingly — was picked to finish last in the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division Preseason All-SEC team packed with experience    Anybody who thinks experience is overrated in the Southeastern Conference needs to look at the preseason all-conference team. The media's picks, which were released yesterday at SEC Media Days, included first- and second-team selections on offense, defense and special teams for a total of 52 players. UK's Brooks concerned with wins, not job security    Strong safety Abdullah considered Cats' top player    University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks already had fielded several questions Friday morning when someone finally asked the obvious one: What about Brooks' job security, considering his 6-17 record during his two seasons with the Wildcats. (7-29-05)      Football  Concussions force UK's Hopewell from football    For as long as he can remember, Andrew Hopewell has spent his late summer and fall playing football. But not this year. Bulldogs, Vanderbilt seeking respect    Kentucky is not the only Southeastern Conference football team looking for respectability. Huffman Featured On Aaron’s Football Saturdays in the South     After a successful first season, Aaron’s Football Saturdays in the South will kick off an all-new second season starting on July 23. Kentucky’s Antoine Huffman, who was selected for the National Good Works Team, will be featured on the “Community Service” show on July 30 UK can't count Dogs, Vandy as instant W's    SEC'S BOTTOM FEEDERS WORKING WAY UP CHAIN    When Kentucky football fans play the projection game of how many wins the Wildcats can get, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt always are two schools that have circles around them. Auburn eyes another perfect finish    Auburn learned the hard way last season that perfection on the field doesn't always equate to a championship in college football's imperfect world. So what do the Tigers do for an encore? Improve on perfection. SEC coaches don't intend to tolerate player problems     The swelling is beginning to start on the black eye of college football's toughest conference.        Basketball            Men Rondo gets nod with calling card    NATIONAL TEAM ADDS DEFENSIVE WIZARD    Kentucky point guard Rajon Rondo can continue to work on his perimeter shooting next month as a member of the USA Basketball Men's Under-21 National Team. UK's Rondo picked for under-21 team    Kentucky sophomore Rajon Rondo was one of 12 players named yesterday to USA Basketball's under-21 World Championship Team.           Women Cats' roster takes shape without two recruits     It's taken Mickie DeMoss longer than she would have liked, but now the Kentucky coach has a much clearer picture of the team she'll be putting on the floor in the fall. (7-28-05)      Football  Too much made about media guides    Kentucky might have been the last school to have media guides arrive here Wednesday for Southeastern Conference Media Days, but this year the media guides are not supposed to be easy to differentiate from each other anyway. Former players praise new UK assistants    If their former players at Mississippi are right, new assistant coaches Kurt Roper and Rick Petri will make a difference in the Kentucky football program this year. Spurrier happy to be back in SEC    OL' BALL COACH HAS BEEN QUIET SO FAR   Steve Spurrier certainly looked the same. He hasn't aged much in two years, not even after a failed stint with the NFL's Washington Redskins. Fulmer fed up with team's infractions     Most football coaches will tell you they don't like reading the newspaper. But if you're Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer, you probably really, really don't like reading the paper, particularly in the past 18 months. Fulmer finally speaks at SEC media days    By 3 p.m. Wednesday, Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer hadn't run into SEC commissioner Mike Slive during the opening day of the conference's annual media days.  Spurrier's encore steals show    With a hearty "It's good to be back," Steve Spurrier signaled a new era of football in the Southeastern Conference yesterday. He hopes to have as much of an impact the second time around as he did the first. Spurrier: Winning will gain respect    South Carolina's new coach says SEC should be fun    Steve Spurrier's return to the Southeastern Conference drew reactions ranging from excitement to curiosity to dismay.        Basketball            Men Rondo Named to 2005 U21 National Team     Kentucky rising sophomore Rajon Rondo was named to the final roster for the USA Basketball Men’s Under-21 National Team after tryouts July 21-23 in Dallas, Texas. The squad was cut from 21 to the final 12-member team that will travel to Mar De Plata, Argentina, Aug. 5-14, to vie for the 2005 FIBA U21 World Championship. Rondo named to 2005 national team     University of Kentucky sophomore Rajon Rondo was named to the final roster for the USA Basketball Men’s Under-21 National Team after tryouts July 21-23 in Dallas, Texas, the university announced Thursday. Kemp briefly made it to UK    Forward did not meet academic requirements    It was about this time of year, 17 summers ago, that Shawn Kemp started to slip from Kentucky's grasp. Kemp, a gloriously gifted 6-foot-11 forward from Elkhart, Ind., was the jewel of the 1988 Wildcat recruiting class, which also included Richie Farmer, Chris Mills and Sean Woods. (7-27-05)      Football  Cats' leader works from the shadows    When Muhammad Abdullah heard on television that he'd been named preseason second-team All-Southeastern Conference, he didn't jump for joy or shout with glee. No, he changed the channel. SEC gathering focuses on new coaches    Spurrier, Meyer, Orgeron, Miles take over programs    With Steve Spurrier returning to a league -- and division -- he once ruled and Phillip Fulmer no longer dodging subpoenas, the Southeastern Conference has returned to normal        Basketball            Women Pfeiffer Returns To UK Hoops Team     Former Kentucky guard Jenny Pfeiffer is returning to the Wildcat Kentucky women’s basketball team, Coach Mickie DeMoss announced Tuesday. (7-26-05)        Basketball            Men Smith talks hoops, Lorenzen on recruiting trail    Chuck Smith knew he might get some interesting questions when he went on the road to recruit for the University of Kentucky football team. Point guard packs in scouts    Upon watching point guard Jerryd Bayless for the first time, a prominent Division I assistant coach couldn't help tossing around the word "love" and gushing over what he saw. (7-25-05)        Basketball            Men Rondo makes first cut; 4 point guards still on roster    Coach Phil Martelli said he wanted to emphasize full-court pressure when he put together the USA Under 21 World Championship team. He made that point even clearer Sunday when four of the 16 players he kept in training camp to compete for the 12 roster spots were point guards Rondo Still in the Running for Team USA Roster Spot     Kentucky sophomore Rajon Rondo is among the 16 finalists remaining for the 2005 USA U21 World Championship Team. UK's Rondo among finalists for U-21 Team    University of Kentucky sophomore Rajon Rondo remains in position to earn a spot on the 2005 Under-21 National Team after the completion of six sessions, USA Basketball announced yesterday. Memphis teammates interest Wildcats    If you cross-reference the list of schools that have a chance at getting Team Memphis teammates Willie Kemp and Thaddeus Young you would come up with six. (7-24-05)      Football  Brooks hoping new SEC replay will limit mistakes    FORMAT WILL FOLLOW THE ONE USED BY BIG TEN    Kentucky football coaches and fans certainly make their case for being on the wrong end of more than a handful of questionable calls over the years. Loyal UK fans deserve winning football program     On six Saturdays each fall, Lexington booms with activity. Thousands of fans go to UK football games and have a great time rooting for the Wildcats. Unfortunately, the team has a history of losing, yet we sit back and do nothing about it. We need to wake people up and get things rolling for the program -- now. UK's Joker Phillips believes he can revive Cats' offense    He might have the most difficult job in the Southeastern Conference, but Kentucky offensive coordinator Joker Phillips insists he feels no added pressure going into this season.        Basketball            Men It's not easy being Morris    FORMER KENTUCKY PLAYERS, CATS FANS DEFEND OFT-CRITICIZED CENTER    For those inclined to chastise Randolph Morris, former Kentucky All-American Kevin Grevey sounded a cautionary note: Before criticizing the wayward big man, walk a mile in his Nikes. Rondo likes chances to make USA team    Rajon Rondo could find out today if he's going to be part of the USA team that will play in the Under 21 World Championship in Argentina next month. (7-23-05) Media, students will miss UK's glue    SPORTS INFORMATION LEGEND TO RETIRE    We're no angels. We want our free credential and our free parking space and our free (good) food and our free phone right next to our free sideline seat, and, by the way, we want that box score faxed back to our office.      Football  Kentucky Football Notebook - July 23     Kentucky strong safety Muhammad Abdullah has been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given annually to the nation’s best defensive player. Law of this land must be UK vs. U of L in opener    Denver Butler has heard the disturbing chatter that the UK-U of L football series might end or at least be bumped from its traditional spot as the season opener. This is a legitimate fear after the contract expires following the Sept. 4 game at Commonwealth Stadium.        Basketball            Men Wildcats eye prep prizes    A doorway separated two potential University of Kentucky players participating in adjacent gyms at the Reebok Big Time Tournament that started Friday morning. (7-22-05)      Football  Ex-Cats assistant lands NFL job    HUDSON TO SCOUT CHIEFS' OPPONENTS    After nearly eight months of unemployment, Ron Hudson has landed a gig. The NFL's Kansas City Chiefs hired Hudson, who resigned under pressure as offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky in November, as an advance scout.        Basketball            Men With Morris back, Conley favors Cats    If Larry Conley had picked his preseason Southeastern Conference favorite when the NCAA Tournament ended in April, he likely would have gone with Florida. The lure of the NBA    When University of Kentucky center Randolph Morris proudly predicted that he'd be a mid-to-late first-round pick in the National Basketball Association draft, he was asked who told him so. "Sources," Morris said with a grin. Clearly, they weren't reliable sources. Morris didn't go in the first or second round of the June 28 draft, and now he's trying to return to UK           Women Summer Comeback: UK Hoops Trio Recovering from Knee Injuries     While most college students spend their summers relaxing at the beach or hanging out with friends, three Kentucky women’s basketball players are working hard this summer to get a “leg up” on the upcoming season. (7-21-05)      Football  Colts sign 3rd round draft pick    Defensive lineman Vincent Burns, Indianapolis' third-round draft pick, signed a three-year deal with the Colts on Thursday.  Burns was selected 92nd overall, out of Kentucky. At 6-feet, 267 pounds, he was a two-time All Southeastern Conference pick. Three Cats make All-SEC teams    Seniors Muhammad Abdullah, Glenn Holt and Taylor Begley made the pre-season list. Coaches' All-SEC football teams     The pre-season All-Southeastern Conference football teams as voted on by the league's 12 coaches (Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own players; x-tie in the voting; y-unanimous selection): Wildcats are blanked on All-SEC first team    If the coaches' preseason All-Southeastern Conference team is a reflection of who's supposed to be good and who's not, the University of Kentucky could be in for another long season.        Basketball            Men NBA list linked Morris to SFX    NO CONTRACT, BUT AGENCY WAS PRE-DRAFT CONTACT    A list used by NBA teams in preparing for this year's draft named sports agency SFX as the contact for Kentucky big man Randolph Morris. (7-20-05)      Football  Kentucky Football Notebook - July 20     Three Kentucky Wildcats, strong safety Muhammad Abdullah, kicker Taylor Begley, and wide receiver Glenn Holt, were named to the 2005 Preseason All-Southeastern Conference Team selected by league coaches. Huffman Featured On Aaron’s Football Saturdays in the South     After a successful first season, Aaron’s Football Saturdays in the South will kick off an all-new second season starting on July 23. Kentucky’s Antoine Huffman, who was selected for the National Good Works Team, will be featured on the “Community Service” show on July 30.  3 UK players earn spots on pre-season All-SEC teams    Three Kentucky Wildcats were named to the 2005 Coaches Pre-Season All-Southeastern Conference football teams announced today. UK signee faces real test     All that stands between Garry Williams and a spot on the University of Kentucky's football team is a point on a standardized test. And it makes Williams downright mad. Not necessarily mad about the test or the NCAA's entrance requirements that call for student-athletes to achieve a minimum grade-point average and test score. Just ticked that he's not playing football at UK (7-19-05)        Basketball            Men Coaches: UK looks just fine    Hobbs says Cats must prepare to play without Morris    Although Randolph Morris' status remains in doubt, a Southeastern Conference coaches' teleconference produced optimism about Kentucky basketball's chances to excel in the 2005-06 season. Suspension expected for Morris    University of Kentucky center Randolph Morris likely will face a suspension, if he's cleared by the NCAA to play at all next season, associate head coach David Hobbs said yesterday. NCAA probes Morris' eligibility    As the NCAA continues investigating whether Randolph Morris will be allowed to rejoin the University of Kentucky basketball team for his sophomore season, the Wildcats are preparing to play without the center who averaged 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds last season Morris' status remains unclear    Hobbs says UK must be prepared to play without center    With Randolph Morris' possible return now in the hands of the NCAA, University of Kentucky assistant basketball coach David Hobbs said Monday that the Wildcats must prepare to play without him.      Baseball  Cowgill Plays in Valley League All-Star Game     University of Kentucky baseball standout Collin Cowgill competed in the Valley League All-Star Game this past Sunday and helped his Southern Division team to a 4-2 victory over the Northern Division. (7-18-05)        Basketball            Men UK preparing to play without Morris    Randolph Morris has done everything necessary to petition the NCAA for reinstatement at the University of Kentucky, but that doesn't mean the Wildcats are not preparing for games, or a season, without Morris.      Football  White returns to UK    Anthony White, who left the University of Kentucky early to play in the NFL, has re-enrolled in hopes of graduating in December and fulfilling a promise he made to his grandmother. (7-17-05)        Basketball            Men Morris diminishes UK experience in interview    BIG MAN SAID IN PRE-DRAFT TALK 'NBA BEST PLACE' TO IMPROVE INTENSITY    Wayward big man Randolph Morris now wants to return to Kentucky. But less than a month ago, he apparently belittled the impact playing for UK had on his basketball development.      Football  UK finds losing begets losing in in-state recruiting    EVEN AT HOME, CATS' 17-40 RECORD IN 5 SEASONS A BIG DRAG    There was a time when the University of Kentucky was the program when it came to high school football players across the state. Those days, for now at least, seem to be gone. For various reasons, many of the top prospects in the Bluegrass are looking elsewhere for their football futures. Phillips gets the point; now he wants to score    Joker Phillips understands the sociological interest in his chance to call the offensive football plays for the University of Kentucky this season. He does not obsess on the subject, but he does understand (7-16-05) No UK Wildcat Sporting News at 8 AM -- Please check back later... (7-15-05)        Basketball            Men Morris' future still in limbo    UK, NCAA INVOLVED IN JOINT INVESTIGATION    The University of Kentucky and NCAA issued a joint news release explaining the on-going process that will determine Randolph Morris' basketball future yesterday. UK, NCAA looking into Morris affair    University of Kentucky center Randolph Morris could face a suspension of several games even if he's reinstated to the basketball team, according to a joint news release issued yesterday by the NCAA and UK. Prosecutor needs more time on rape allegation    A prosecutor reviewing a woman's allegation that she was raped by a University of Kentucky basketball player may take several more days before deciding whether to prosecute.      Football  In honor of his grandmother    Anthony White, the former University of Kentucky running back, had a decision to make when he reached his football crossroads. He could continue leading the vagabond life of a football free agent, looking for a job in any town, in any league. Or he could go back to college and get his degree. (7-14-05)        Basketball            Men Joint Statement From NCAA and University of Kentucky Regarding Randolph Morris    The NCAA and the University of Kentucky are working cooperatively to examine the eligibility of basketball student-athlete Randolph Morris. Return would be good for Morris, UK    Randolph Morris has made some ill-advised decisions in the last few weeks. No debating that.      Football  Louisiana back commits to Cats    UK BEATS OUT USC, LSU, UCLA, OLE MISS FOR TOP RUSHER    His nickname may be Turtle, but over the last three years he hasn't run like one. Moncell Allen, a senior-to-be at Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, has verbally committed to the University of Kentucky football team, his coach Barry Wilson confirmed yesterday. (7-13-05)        Basketball            Men Tar Heels coming to Lexington    Home games with defending NCAA champion North Carolina and Final Four participant Louisville highlight the non-conference portion of the University of Kentucky's basketball schedule, released Tuesday. Wildcats to host Tar Heels, Cardinals    UK will play at Kansas on Jan. 7    Home games with defending national champion North Carolina and Final Four participant Louisville highlight the nonconference portion of the University of Kentucky's basketball schedule, released Tuesday. UK announces non-conference schedule    CATS NOT RUSHING MORRIS PROCESS    Kentucky announced the non-conference portion of next season's basketball schedule yesterday amid speculation about how many games Randolph Morris might miss. Guardians Classic spices Cats' early schedule    The University of Kentucky men's basketball schedule will have a familiar look in 2005-06 with non-conference games against the Wildcats' two fiercest rivals, Louisville and Indiana, as well as defending national champion North Carolina and Kansas -- all teams they played last season.      Football  Wildcats bloom in summer workouts    BETTER ATTITUDES SPAWN BIGGER BODIES    You hear it on every campus at the start of fall camp. A college football coach gushing about how great an off-season his team has had and how his players are bigger, stronger, faster, yada, yada, yada. New Orleans back picks Cats over Nebraska, USC    In his 32 years of coaching high school and college football, Barry Wilson said he's seen just two other running backs who remind him of his current pupil, Moncell Allen. (7-12-05)        Basketball            Men UK Announces Non-Conference Schedule     Kentucky announced its 2005-06 men’s basketball non-conference schedule Tuesday, which includes seven regular-season games at Rupp Arena and high-profile traditional foes North Carolina, Indiana, Louisville and Kansas. Morris ready to come back    If the NCAA clears Randolph Morris to return to Kentucky, he can come back with the blessings of UK coach Tubby Smith. Morris wants to be a Cat again    UK WORKING WITH NCAA TO SEE IF CENTER PRESERVED ELIGIBILITY    Wayward big man Randolph Morris now wants to return to Kentucky's basketball team, Coach Tubby Smith said in a statement released yesterday. Smith welcomes Morris' return    University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith wants Randolph Morris back, and Morris wants to return after his failed entry into the National Basketball Association draft. However, the NCAA will determine under what terms. Morris mends fences    Randolph Morris was a no-show at the Atlanta Hawks' rookie camp Monday as the Atlanta native instead pursued the possibility of returning for his sophomore season at the University of Kentucky. Ex-Wildcats playing in NBA summer league     Five former Kentucky basketball players -- Chuck Hayes, Gerald Fitch, Kelenna Azubuike, Cliff Hawkins and Erik Daniels -- are on NBA summer-league rosters. Police defend actions in rape case   Lexington police yesterday defended their decision to close an investigation into a woman's claims that a University of Kentucky basketball player raped her April 20, a decision they acknowledge was made without searching the player's room or interviewing the suspect. Sex was consensual, ex-player tells investigators     POLICE TALK TO BOTH SIDES IN WILDCAT LODGE ALLEGED RAPE    A University of Kentucky basketball player accused by a woman of drugging and raping her at Wildcat Lodge in April told police that he and the woman had consensual sex, Lexington Assistant Police Chief Ken Hall said yesterday. Morris seeks return to the Wildcats    UK checking on eligibility    Randolph Morris was a no-show at the Atlanta Hawks' rookie camp Monday as the Atlanta native instead pursued the possibility of returning for his sophomore season at the University of Kentucky. He's baaack, but Morris is hardly a savior    Book the Final Four party room in Indianapolis. Shred the confetti. Get the word to Duke, Connecticut, Louisville and the rest of the college basketball world that they'll be playing for second place in the 2005-06 season. Kareem-Abdul Morris is thundering his way back to the University of Kentucky.      Football  New Orleans running back commits to UK    Moncell Allen has never been to the University of Kentucky, but that didn't keep him from deciding that's where he wants to play his college football. New BCS poll to include former players, begin later    The Bowl Championship Series has a new poll, one that will begin a month into the college football season and include former coaches and players, plus media members. (7-11-05)        Basketball            Men Center undrafted, returning for sophomore season    Prodigal center Randolph Morris is returning to Kentucky, sources told ESPN.com. The question now is what it will take for him to be eligible to play his sophomore season. Morris making a mockery?     John Mason, meet Tubby Smith. You two have a lot in common.    Followers of the "Runaway Bride" saga -- and you're a sad lot, really -- know Mason. He's the prospective groom who refuses to bail on his fiancée, no matter how foolish she's made him look. Depending on your take, he's either the embodiment of noble perseverance, steadfast commitment and patient love, or he's a tool. Tubby Addresses Morris Situation     Men's basketball head coach Tubby Smith released a statement Monday regarding the status of Randolph Morris. Morris' return to UK still up in the air    Freshman center Randolph Morris indicated to Kentucky that he would like to return to the team, and Coach Tubby Smith would welcome that, but it is not a done deal, according to a press release issued Monday by the university. Update: Barring NCAA problems, Morris heading back to UK    Kentucky and center Randolph Morris are ready to reunite provided the NCAA does not have any eligibility problems with his return to the Wildcats. Morris Indicates Desire to Return to Wildcats    Randolph Morris was a no-show at the Atlanta Hawks' rookie camp Monday as the Atlanta native instead pursued the possibility of returning for his sophomore season at the University of Kentucky. Monday afternoon, UK issued a statement saying Morris had told Tubby Smith he intends to return to school. Tubby Smith Says Morris To Return To UK Pending NCAA Approval    The Randolph Morris saga is about to add another chapter, and, pending NCAA approval, it will document his return to the Kentucky Wildcats. UK coach Tubby Smith confirmed Monday that he spoke with the wayward 6-10 center over the weekend and Morris expressed his desire to return to UK for his sophomore season in the fall. Morris went undrafted in last month's NBA draft, but appears to have retained his college eligibility by not signing with an agent. Morris May Return To UK     Randolph Morris was a no-show at the Atlanta Hawks' rookie camp Monday as the Atlanta native instead pursued the possibility of returning for his sophomore season at the University of Kentucky. Morris eligibility takes another turn    Tubby Smith said he will welcome the center back for sophomore season with open arms (7-10-05)        Basketball            Men NBA could pluck Morris mid-season    EVEN IF FORMER CAT RETURNS TO UK, SCOUTS MIGHT BE LURKING COME TOURNEY TIME    Here's a scary thought: The oddest chapter in the ongoing Randolph Morris-Kentucky saga might have yet to be written. That's saying something, given how Morris defied conventional wisdom by entering this year's NBA Draft, notified the UK coaches via fax of his plans, got involved with a sports agency (thereby complicating, and perhaps ending, his chances of again playing college basketball), gave UK the silent treatment for about two months and then agreed to meet with UK Coach Tubby Smith as he... Rondo struts stuff in Nike workouts    University of Kentucky point guard Rajon Rondo stood out in scrimmages with other college players at the Nike All-America Camp last week in Indianapolis.      Football  Important Upcoming Dates for UK Football     Click for a list of some upcoming dates of importance for Kentucky football including Fan Day, kickoff luncheons and the UK/UL Golf Challenge Right guard makes fresh start    ONCE ON PRACTICE SQUAD, WILLIAMS GAINS SCHOLARSHIP, FIRST-STRING SPOT    Trai Williams came to the University of Kentucky from Franklin-Simpson High School three years ago without much notoriety or a scholarship. Tamme says UK will be better    Jacob Tamme has no doubts that Kentucky's football team is going to be better this season. Yet he also understands why many others don't feel that way about the Wildcats. (7-09-05)        Basketball            Men Cats covet Wright's stuff    UK will have to battle Duke, UNC to get him    Heralded national prospect Brandan Wright is assumed to be the player Kentucky most covets this recruiting year. So UK fans may press those panic buttons if this comes as news: He spent 90 minutes speaking with Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski this spring. Meeting between Smith, Morris expected    The anticipated meeting between Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith and wayward big man Randolph Morris probably happened yesterday or will happen today. UK officials play down meeting    Top University of Kentucky officials said yesterday they are not concerned that they were not told in advance about a meeting involving basketball coach Tubby Smith, a Lexington-area woman and the former UK basketball player she alleges drugged and raped her in his campus dorm room. (7-08-05)        Basketball            Men Prince's pal likes look of Kentucky    They're not related by blood, but Patrick Christopher's relationship with former University of Kentucky forward Tayshaun Prince is one reason he would like to become a Wildcat. Sparks to Compete for Spot on World University Games Squad     Kentucky rising senior Patrick Sparks will be among 13 players competing for a spot on the USA Basketball World University Games Team during the organizations tryouts July 28-August 4 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Sparks tests his mettle at national team tryout     Kentucky senior-to-be Patrick Sparks will be among 13 players competing for a spot on the USA Basketball World University Games Team during the organization's tryouts July 28-Aug. 4 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Kentucky prep star vows to keep word    JACKSON SAYS HE'S STILL SOLID ON GEORGIA, NOT UK    The only Kentuckian at the Nike All-America Camp turned down the University of Kentucky's offer of a basketball scholarship. Making good on a previous commitment to Georgia meant more to Albert Jackson than the prospect of being a Wildcat. Alleged rape victim files complaint    The woman who alleges she was drugged and raped by a University of Kentucky basketball player in Wildcat Lodge has filed a criminal complaint. UK bigger than Morris -- and should prove it without him     Before he embarrasses Kentucky basketball, diluting one of the most powerful brands in sports, Tubby Smith needs to reconsider how badly he needs Randolph Morris.   A walk through the Kentucky locker room would do the trick. Smith might bump into Patrick Sparks, the Western Kentucky transfer who spent his redshirt year at Kentucky as a walk-on, despite having scholarship offers from Louisville and other schools. That's how badly Sparks wanted to play for Kentucky.      Football  Important Upcoming Dates for UK Football    Click for a list of some upcoming dates of importance for Kentucky football including Fan Day, kickoff luncheons and the UK/UL Golf Challenge Football Weight Training Photo Gallery    This summer the Kentucky football players are working hard to build strength, speed, and endurance under the guidance of strength and conditioning coaches Marc Hill, Chad Hutsko, Kevin Deweese and Garen Stephan. Click for a photo gallery from one of the workouts. (7-07-05)        Basketball            Men Casey still popular    It would be easy for Dwane Casey to still be bitter over the end of his collegiate coaching career. Rondo aiming at long-range goals    University of Kentucky guard Rajon Rondo has a message for those defenders who don't think he can make a jump shot. "Go ahead, keep backing up," he said. "I'm going to prove you wrong." Rondo develops shooting threat    Keep the elbow in, get the shot off quicker and lift off the floor instead of settling for a set shot disguised as a jump shot. Smith, Morris plan to meet over future     The window of opportunity has not completely closed on Randolph Morris' return to the University of Kentucky. Accuser in UK rape case files complaint    WOMAN TALKS WITH POLICE; PROSECUTION DECISION PENDING    A woman who has accused a University of Kentucky basketball player of drugging and raping her in April in Wildcat Lodge filed a criminal complaint at the Fayette County Attorney's office yesterday. Morris, Tubby will meet 'soon'    University of Kentucky center Randolph Morris and basketball coach Tubby Smith have planned a meeting to discuss Morris' return to UK Tubby has plans to speak with Morris    LIKENS CENTER TO PRINCE, BOGANS    Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith said yesterday he planned to speak soon with Randolph Morris, the big man who now finds himself in basketball limbo after going unselected in the NBA Draft. Rondo will pave his own way to NBA     GUARD LEARNS FROM WATCHING MORRIS, PLANS TO REMAIN AT UK    With Randolph Morris in basketball limbo, his testing of the NBA waters this spring seemed neither expert dive nor messy bellyflop to Kentucky teammate Rajon Rondo. Police reopen investigation of alleged rape by Wildcat    Police have reopened an investigation into claims by a Lexington-area woman that she was drugged and raped by a University of Kentucky basketball player in his dorm six weeks ago. (7-06-05)        Basketball            Men Morris may play in summer league    CENTER EXPECTED TO PLAY FOR ATLANTA    The chance that heralded big man Randolph Morris will play again for Kentucky next season dimmed yesterday when his hometown team, the Atlanta Hawks, included his name on its summer-league roster. Morris on Hawks' summer-league roster    The Atlanta Hawks have included University of Kentucky center Randolph Morris on their summer-league roster, but his participation with the National Basketball Association team doesn't preclude him from returning to UK Alleged UK rape victim to talk to police today    The woman who accused a former University of Kentucky basketball player of rape is scheduled to be re-interviewed by Lexington police today after she said that she'll cooperate with an investigation. Accused UK player will talk to authorities    Woman alleges she was raped at Wildcat Lodge    A University of Kentucky basketball player accused by a woman of drugging and raping her at Wildcat Lodge in April agreed to be questioned by police Tuesday, Assistant Police Chief Ken Hall said. The player had refused to be interviewed at the time of the alleged rape.      Football  Numbers don't lie: UK playing catch-up    A Top 21 countdown designed to show the arithmophobic that numbers can be fun: 21. The number (according to my unofficial count) of Kentucky high school products on the rosters of out-of-state college football teams from BCS conferences: 28. (7-05-05)        Basketball            Men Accuser tells rape story in detail    WOMAN DESCRIBES HAZY MEMORY OF WILDCAT LODGE, SUBSEQUENT FEAR    A woman who accused a University of Kentucky basketball player of drugging and raping her in April says she is ready to answer police questions about the case and will provide cell-phone text messages, medical records and a UK basketball program with the suspect's autograph and phone number to back up her claims. (7-04-05)        Basketball            Men Police reopen probe of rape allegations    Police plan to interview a woman who says she was drugged and raped by a University of Kentucky basketball player in April and who has notified police she wants to file charges. (7-03-05)        Basketball            Men Dear Coach Smith: Take our son back   TUBBY FACES DECISION IF MORRIS COMES CALLING   To: Tubby Smith From: Your friends, the Morrises Dear Coach Smith: First of all, have we told you what a great job you did coaching the Kentucky Wildcats last year, well, every year for that matter? Ideally, Morris owes Wildcats better than this    If nothing else, Randolph Morris' wrecked basketball career would make him a nice candidate for a Snickers commercial. Charges sought in alleged UK rape    The woman who accused a University of Kentucky basketball player of drugging and raping her wants to go forward with the once-stalled case and will talk to police this week.      Football  2005 PREVIEW: Kentucky Wildcats     College football is a brutal, occasionally cold business. Rich Brooks won't be the head coach at Kentucky next year at this time BROOKS' OFFENSE WALKS THIN LINE    Anticipated depth up front falls through for Cats    Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks gushed on national signing day about his nine offensive-line signees, saying that offensive-line depth wouldn't be nearly as big of a worry in 2005 as it was during his first two seasons at UK. SEC Level of play, talent suffering    NFL showing interest, but Hayes' heart in basketball    Coaches and administrators worked overtime making a case for why Southeastern Conference basketball did not endure a "down" year in 2004-05. Archer 'trusts' Cats    Trust could be a key word for the University of Kentucky football team this season. (7-02-05)        Basketball            Men Perdue: Morris only sought agency's advice    FORMER CLIENT OF SFX ADMITS RELATIONSHIP APPEARS MURKY    In testing his status with the National Basketball Association this spring, former -- and perhaps future -- Kentucky big man Randolph Morris sought advice and received assistance from a company that provides professional players with agents. (7-01-05)        Basketball            Men Would Morris' return benefit UK?    While it's easy to assume that there's no way Kentucky should want Randolph Morris back and/or that there's no way Morris would want to come back to UK, let's try being a little more open-minded about this bizarre saga that may never end. Morris could use a second chance    REUNION WITH UK MIGHT BE GOOD FOR BOTH PARTIES    Welcome to a retro session of Vacation Bible School. This morning, a parable refresher: You do recall the moral from The Prodigal Son? Morris could return to UK    Center wasn't selected in Tuesday's NBA draft    Randolph Morris, who declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft but wasn't selected, could return to play basketball at the University of Kentucky thanks to a little-used NCAA eligibility rule. Wildcats' ex-center needs to learn lesson    Randolph Morris might have a chance to fix the mess from his ill-advised flirtation with the NBA Draft.     Our Privacy statement can be read here...   Disclaimer:  This site solely owned by WildcatZone.Com and is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Kentucky, the Southeastern Conference, or the NCAA copyright (c) 1997-2006, WildcatZone.Com (except where otherwise indicated)