June 2002 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (6-30-02) C-USA's Slive reportedly will be SEC commissioner    When Roy Kramer announced his retirement as Southeastern Conference commissioner on March 12, league presidents and athletic directors were split on the kind of person who should replace him.      Basketball Mills: It's the players, not the program      For those questioning the future of the University of Kentucky basketball program, Cameron Mills has a simple suggestion. NBA Draft sends double messages    We already sensed that up-and-coming prospects thought of playing four seasons of college basketball as failure. The surprise was that NBA types might think the same thing. What we saw    Fighting to be Pierce Ex-Wildcat Tayshaun Prince said his slide to 23rd in the NBA Draft will motivate him to be the next Paul Pierce. Sorry, Tayshaun, but Caron Butler has a stronger case. The Heat picked up the former Connecticut star at No. 10, the same spot Boston grabbed Pierce in 1998. Then there's the stats: Butler averaged 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in his final college season; Pierce, 20.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Pat Riley's first-ever lottery pick just might... Kentucky Basketball Notebook    We already sensed that up-and-coming prospects thought of playing four seasons of college basketball as failure. The surprise was that NBA types might think the same thing.      Football Column- Mumme Landing Job Not Right    We in Kentucky have read with dismay — and almost utter disgust — about Southeastern Louisiana's hiring of Hal Mumme as its next head football coach. Assistant just the optimist UK football needs    Forgive McGriff's enthusiasm. He just can't help himself. (6-29-02) Column- SEC's Kramer Leaving Lasting Legacy    Roy Kramer, who announced his retirement as SEC commissioner on March 12, did not want a big fuss made about his departure.      Football Mumme returns at SE Louisiana    Hal Mumme, who left the University of Kentucky football program a shambles, will oversee the reinstatement of the sport as coach at Southeastern Louisiana. Mumme should be stuck in purgatory    The Sporting News College Football Yearbook ranks the University of Kentucky football program as the No. 74 team in America. That's two slots worse than the Wildcats are rated by Lindy's yearbook and six spots better than they are ranked by Athlon. SLU Names Mumme As Football Coach    SLU officials announced today that Hal Mumme has been named head football coach. The hiring was approved this morning by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, officials said. Column- Mumme Hiring Is Laughable At Best    Chris Rock better watch out. If Randy Moffett's gig as president of Southeastern Louisiana University goes bad, the man has the makings of a comedy titan. Mumme History And Highlights    UK hired Mumme, who was head coach at Division I-AA Valdosta State, on Dec. 2, 1996. SLU Revival In Mumme's Hands    Hal Mumme will be the new football coach at Southeastern Louisiana University, pending approval by the Board of Supervisors, sources said Thursday. Ex-UK Coach Mumme Ready For 2nd Chance    Mumme's candidacy has made other peoples' hearts beat fast as well. His candidacy and his previous coaching history have sparked as many backers as detractors, fueled a debate among fans and media. And his reticence when he came to Hammond to interview for the job two weeks ago only increased intrigue.      Basketball Hawkins declared ineligible    University of Kentucky junior point guard Cliff Hawkins will be academically ineligible next semester, according to Brooks Downing, the school's sports information director (6-28-02)      Basketball Hawkins ineligible for fall semester    Kentucky basketball will not leave its recent propensity for turmoil completely behind next season. After weeks of hoping for a twist of fate, UK Coach Tubby Smith responded to incessant speculation yesterday by saying junior point guard Cliff Hawkins will be academically ineligible for the next fall semester. That will sideline Hawkins, the Cats' only experienced ball-handler, until mid-December. Hawkins ineligible for UK's fall term    Speculation concerning University of Kentucky point guard Cliff Hawkins was confirmed to be the cold truth last night. The 6-foot-1 junior will be academically ineligible next semester. Grassi Signs With UK Women's Basketball Program    Kristen Grassi, a 5-8 junior college guard from Colleyville, Texas, has signed to play basketball for the Kentucky women's basketball team, Coach Bernadette Mattox announced today      Football Mumme's job quest blocked by foes    Hal Mumme's bid to become the first coach of Southeastern Louisiana's newly restored football program has run into heavy opposition from a couple of key school supporters. (6-27-02) Column- Sports In Kentucky    When UK president Dr. Lee Todd announces his choice for director of athletics next month, the name might be Mitch Barnhart, current AD at Oregon State.      Basketball Prince Drafted 23rd By Detroit    Tayshaun Prince, who graduated in May with a degree in sociology, was drafted in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. He became the Wildcats' ninth first-round pick in the last seven years. PISTONS USE 23RD PICK TO TAKE FIRED-UP PRINCE    As a Kentucky All-American, Tayshaun Prince played with a dignified tranquility that caused critics to question his competitiveness. Pistons choose Prince for his experience and versatility    The Detroit Pistons went against the trend of drafting teen-agers by selecting Tayshaun Prince, who spent four seasons shooting jumpers at the University of Kentucky. Prince's Draft Profile   Excellent outside shooter and possesses great athleticism as well as leaping ability... Experienced Players Go On Center Stage...    There were plenty of things the Detroit Pistons liked about their first-round draft pick, Tayshaun Prince of Kentucky      Football Column- Earl Cox On Sports    Leave your calendar open for Sunday night, Sept. 1. That's when the University of Louisville will be host to the University of Kentucky for their annual football game. (6-26-02)      Basketball Ex-Gamecocks vie for UK assistant job    Two thirty-something coaches who worked with Tubby Smith at South Carolina in the late 1980s have emerged as candidates for the assistant job on Kentucky's basketball staff. Column- Tubby May Like Nuggets Offer    Tonight's National Basketball Association Draft will determine where Kentucky graduate Tayshaun Prince will continue his hoops career next year. It could also begin the process of determining where UK coach Tubby Smith will be next year.      Football Morriss concerned about Lorenzen's weight    While Tim Couch is back on the University of Kentucky campus the next two days, UK coach Guy Morriss wouldn't mind if he had a chance to talk to Jared Lorenzen. (6-25-02)      Basketball Draft will be good bit of drama     With apologies to E! Entertainment Television and its new show Rank, we list the top 10 reasons to actually watch the 2002 NBA Draft. Column- Barbour May Be UK's Point Guard    When Kentucky signed junior college standout Antwain Barbour, everyone thought he would be able to provide needed scoring from the wing position and compensate for the loss of Tayshaun Prince. UK, WKU In CNNSI Preseason Hoops Top 25    Vitale- UK's Prince Will Be 25th NBA Pick    This year's NBA draft features plenty of uncertainty. I see only three prospects becoming instant-impact players.      Baseball SPORTS BRIEFS    The NCAA's Baseball Research Panel has approved a change that is expected to make aluminum and composite bats react more like those made of wood.      Football Column- Cutler's Taking A Cut    I like Jared Lorenzen. I keep on saying that. One of these days, because I like to try and be positive, the thought keeps on coming in that he is going to wake up.   (6-23-02) UK search no model of time efficiency    So much can be accomplished within the confines of 110 days ... One day -- Was all Francis Scott Key needed to write the words to The Star-Spangled Banner      Basketball VanHoose must take different route to pros    As a prospect, former Kentucky Mr. Basketball J.R. VanHoose draws lukewarm interest from the NBA. So, tit for tat, he expresses tepid interest in watching the NBA Draft on Wednesday. (6-22-02)      Basketball Vitale- UK Hoops Ranked 4th In Preseason    With the early entries for the NBA draft now set, it's time to revise my preseason 2002-03 Dazzling Dozen (to compare, check out my previous Dazzling Dozen).      Football Kentucky Football Spring Report    Quarterback Jared Lorenzen (Jr., 6'4" 263) dropped 40 pounds and is now firmly entrenched as the Wildcats starting signal caller. (6-21-02) Column- Sports In Kentucky    ESPN may have nailed it with its glossy three part series The Season, Bluegrass Basketball. As much as high school hoops in Kentucky can be penned down, defined, the sports network’s part one of three segments was dramatic, touching, uncomplicated and narrated expertly by Ashley Judd. Column- Earl Cox On Sports    What else bad is there left that can happen to the University of Kentucky?    I think I know - and I hope that I am wrong.      Football Morriss Upset Over Lorenzen's Weight    University of Kentucky head football coach Guy Morriss is extremely frustrated with his quarterback, who he calls "The Man." Ex-UK Coach Mumme Has Job Interview    Former UK football coach Hal Mumme has interviewed for the vacant head coaching job at Southeastern Louisiana.      Baseball Castle In The SEC With UK Baseball    One is leaving.And three more are entering. St. Catharine Junior College, located in Springfield, is losing one of its best, but is receiving three more productive players from this area. Heath Castle, who finished 10-6 with the Patriots over two seasons wth an earned run average just above two, signed to play with the University of Kentucky earlier in the week.      Basketball UK's Prince Picked 27th In NBA Mock Draft    Here's an updated look at how the first round of the NBA draft on June 26 could unfold. Sports, Rants, Raves, Rumor & Innuendo    Big Man In The Bluegrass. I've got good news and bad news for Wildcat hoops fans. The word is that Jason Parker made his grades -- barely -- and will be eligible next season. Groninger Joins UK Women's Basketball Staff    Kentucky women's basketball coach Bernadette Mattox announced the hiring of assistant coach Scott Groninger to replace Rick Griffith who left in June to head the girl's basketball program at Lexington's Dunbar High School (6-19-02)      Basketball UK won't move to change Rupp lease    The University of Kentucky will not use the indefinite interruption of scheduled renovations as a means to renegotiate its new lease to play in Rupp Arena, Interim Athletics Director Terry Mobley said yesterday. Chapman among 11 picked for Hall of Fame    Rex Chapman, whose talent and flashy style made him one of the biggest draws in the history of Kentucky high school basketball, has been selected to the Dawahare's/KHSAA Hall of Fame.      Football Cowbells An Issue In The SEC    College football rule number one: Always err on the side of keeping tradition no matter what the consequences. With the possible exception of baseball, no sport has the rich history and tradition that college football has and it must be preserved and revered at every turn. With that in mind, I'm still torn on the cowbell debate. Schedule Breakdown- SEC East Football    Tennessee is our pick to defend its division title, though both Florida and Georgia figure to offer stiff competition.   (6-18-02)      Basketball Prince's Pre-Draft Tour Stops In Atlanta    Former Kentucky forward Tayshaun Prince thinks he has earned plenty of sky miles within the past month. UK Walk-Ons Held To One Point    Two players who are walking on to the University of Kentucky basketball team showed little for the Kentucky boys' All-Star team Saturday against Indiana. UK Connection Alive With Hornets    Is Wildcats' Prince next to join N.O.? In the Hornets' first NBA draft in 1988 they selected Rex Chapman of Kentucky. For their first NBA draft in New Orleans the Hornets are again considering a Wildcat, 6-foot-9, 215-pound Tayshaun Prince. (6-16-02)      Basketball Experiments designed to return finesse to hoops    The rivalry preoccupying many college basketball thinkers is not Kentucky versus Louisville or Duke versus North Carolina. It's finesse versus power.      Football Cats' recruit White won't let knee injury keep him down    Durrell White had every reason to want to stay home on Friday while the Kentucky All-Stars battled Tennessee. White, a sleek 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker from Middlesboro, tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee in practice this week, meaning he will spend his first year at the University of Kentucky on the shelf. (6-15-02)      Football Kentucky's Beach ball too much for Tennessee    Football followers in the Bluegrass might want to put this one in a bottle and savor it for a while. Not only did the Kentucky All-Stars march into Neyland Stadium and whip Tennessee, they did it with a University of Kentucky signee leading the way.      Basketball UK, U Of L Hoops Follow JuCo Trend    With the NBA full of them and the colleges that used to turn their noses up now courting them, the value of junior college players has been demonstrated time and again in the last decade. (6-14-02) Maryland's Yow Advising UK On AD Job    Maryland Athletic Director Debbie Yow met with University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr., last week and discussed the vacant AD job at the Southeastern Conference school, Yow and a Kentucky spokesman confirmed yesterday. (6-13-02) Column- Sports In Kentucky    Success in athletics can be sweet...or bittersweet      Football 'Grayshirts' keep four Kentucky All-Stars in Wildcats' future    They won't officially become Kentucky Wildcats for seven months, yet Brad Booker, Maurice Marchman, Paul Webb and Randy Driver already have established their identity as "The Grayshirts." UK signee injures knee, will miss All-Star game    The University of Kentucky football team might have lost one of its top recruits for the season when Durrell White injured his left knee while practicing with the Kentucky All-Stars on Tuesday. Overstreet waiting for more college options    When it comes to Division I scholarship offers, Brodie Overstreet has a simple, and logical, theory. Ex-UK Coach Mumme Candidate For SLU Job    Southeastern's search for a coach to lead the Lions into their 2003 season opener entered a new phase today with the first of a string of on-campus interviews, and a new name has surfaced as a possible finalist. Ex-Wildcat DE Johnson Signs With Cardinals    Defensive end Dennis Johnson, the second of the Arizona Cardinals' two third-round draft picks, signed a three-year contract Wednesday.      Basketball Sports Rants, Raves, Rumor & Innuendo    Tubby Watch. Rumors continue to circulate that the Denver Nuggets are trying to do what the Atlanta Hawks couldn't. Which is to lure one Orlando "Tubby" Smith from the less-than-friendly confines of the Bluegrass to coach their woeful NBA team. We believe Tubby's coaching is never going to be fully appreciated by UK fans. We also are convinced he realizes fans will never truly embrace him -- unless Rick is in town -- but the team turmoil he had last season is nothing compared to the daily hassle of attempting to mentor the uncoachable nouveau riche prima donnas at the next level. As the song says, "He ain't goin' nowhere."   (6-12-02)      Football UK signees to be friendly rivals    For now, running backs Arliss Beach and Monquantae Gibson are getting adjusted to sharing a room, but they hope to split time in the University of Kentucky's backfield next season. Column- UK Should Trade QB Boyd    This has not been the best off-season in the history of the SEC and a lot of the problems have been blamed on the fact that the teams really don’t seem to like one another. (Really?)  Column- Prep All-Star Game A Good Idea    While the state's focus on high school football in mid-June is with the Kentucky all-star team preparing to play at Tennessee Friday, our area has a chance to again showcase why high school football is special here.      Basketball Ex-Wildcat Turner Injured In USBL Game    The Florida Sea Dragons lost more than a game Monday night in Glens Falls, N.Y., against the Adirondack Wildcats. They may have lost their starting point guard as well. Prince Enjoys Workout With Bulls    The 6-9, 215-pound Prince was at the Berto Center in Chicago on Wednesday, May 29, for a private workout with the Bulls. After the session, he visited with Bulls.com to discuss his workout and playing with Tyson Chandler for a year in high school. (6-11-02)      Football Aug. 16-17 A Big Weekend For UK, Bama    This just in: The season doesn't start in the third week of August as previously advertised. The weekend of Aug. 16-17 should have plenty of football fireworks. College Football Inside Dish    There is talk that BCS officials want any margin-of-victory factor eliminated from the computer polls used by the BCS system. Last season, four of the eight polls included margin of victory, and the computer gurus behind those polls believe that dumping that component could produce some bizarre results. Regardless, word is that any poll using margin of victory will be removed from the BCS equation. . . .      Basketball Column- Fans Own Piece Of Wildcat History    Part of Rupp Arena has been moved to Louisville.  Todd Baldwin, an environmental engineer and Jefferson County businessman, has installed one of Rupp Arena's former free-throw lanes in a private gym behind his home in eastern Jefferson County. UK's Prince Picked 27th In Mock NBA Draft    The Chicago pre-draft camp helped crystallize the draft process -- but not with the players on the court. The action was in the stands at the Moody Bible Institute where scouts, general managers and player personnel directors were speculating on who is going where, what trades could occur and who was rising and falling. UK's Prince Picked 23rd In Mock NBA Draft (6-09-02) UK, U OF L BACKERS HAVE THEIR OWN BEEFS    Exploited consumers of sports, rise up!!!!! Ralph Nader has your backs. Yep, the consumer rights activist -- who once filled his days fighting to make cars safer and drinking water cleaner -- has suddenly lurched into sports.      Basketball Maui will be launching pad for Kentucky, Indiana    Those who believe the college three-point line is too close to the basket will have an added interest in watching Kentucky play in the Maui Invitational next season. No more orange seats in Rupp    You know those orange seats in Rupp Arena? The ones that look so out of place? They will be replaced this summer as part of a $48 million renovation and expansion of the Lexington Convention Center and Rupp      Football Just in case, Morriss aims for fast start    University of Kentucky President Lee Todd said earlier this week that it would be "an upset" if the NCAA overturned the one-year bowl ban it imposed on the WIldcats for rules violations. (6-06-02)      Football UK to fight bowl ban 'all way'    During an Aug. 17 hearing in Chicago, the University of Kentucky will get to make its case against the one-year football bowl ban dealt it by the NCAA infractions committee in January, and university President Lee Todd said he plans to come out fighting. (6-07-02) UK Tightens Reigns On Cars For Athletic Staff    In tone and substance, an annual budget meeting yesterday confirmed the seriousness of Lee Todd's desire to change how University of Kentucky athletics does business.      Football Morriss's all-star idea might not make cut    Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss says he wants to find a way "to spice up and intensify high school football, and make it a priority in this state." That's why he's floated an idea to revive the East-West all-star game, which died because of financial difficulties 20 years ago. UK Defense Has Chance To Be Improved    A linebacker corps that was razor thin took its first hit before the season even started when Chad Anderson failed to qualify.  It took hit number two in the first game when Ronnie Riley's knee zigged while the rest of him zagged.  SEC Football News & Notes   Injury report and status for start of season      Basketball Column- UK Fans, Take The Blue Pill    With the lingering, bitter taste of last season all too memorable to the legions of Wildcat basketball fans around the Bluegrass, it is time to swallow that magic, Big Blue Pill. You know the one. Kentucky’s pharmaceutical shops are all well stocked with this essential remedy at this dull time of year in the basketball off-season. Just swallow, nap, and forget Team Turmoil. The 2003 Cats will be different. Expectations are renewed. Expect greatness.   (6-05-02) Who Will Be Next To Run The SEC    It is the best of jobs, it is the worst of jobs. On one hand, the commissioner of the Southeastern Conference oversees what is arguably the nation's premier college sports league.      Basketball Column- In KY, Basketball Season Never Ends    Basketball season never ends in Kentucky.  In other places, March ends the madness.  In the Bluegrass, the mania is yearlong; its boundaries have no limits.  Forget that roster and even coaching changes may not yet be completely decided.  Let the prognostication for next season, only about six short months away, begin.      Football Ex-Cat Johnson Not Sure Why He Was Cut    For the last three weeks Derrick Johnson had been in Cincinnati working out with the Bengals and trying to learn all he could about the team's playbook. Wildcats After FL Prep RB Smith    Although Tallahassee's population is only around 200,000 some of the best high school football in the nation is played in the area. In fact if you count Madison County, which is a mere 20 minutes away, Tallahassee area high schools accounted for three of the six state titles in 2001. The North Florida city also produced over a dozen division one prospects last year. This year should be no different. (6-04-02)      Baseball Joseph Blanton Selected 24th Overall by Oakland    The Oakland Athletics selected University of Kentucky junior right-hander Joseph Blanton with the 24th selection in the first round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft Tuesday afternoon White Sox Take SeMo in 21st Round    University of Kentucky junior center fielder Seth Morris became the second Wildcat selected in the first day of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft when he was made the 18th pick (630th overall) in the 21st round by the Chicago White Sox.      Football Junior college safety walking on at UK    Kentucky's creative football recruiting has added another player to the roster for the 2002 season without having to use a scholarship. (6-03-02) Column- Cutler's Taking The Cut    Pressure is a funny thing. It is amazing watching all these NBA stars choke with the game on the line. It amazes me to see so many missed free throws. Today's 'experts' always like to say that the game has changed. Not as much as they think.      Basketball Center Alleyne on Kentucky's recruiting list    Signing a center is one of the University of Kentucky's basketball recruiting priorities for next season.      Football Halliwell's move may help UK    Because of the NCAA sanctions and consecutive two-win seasons, Kentucky's football coaches have had to try and find ways to be creative with their recruiting. (6-02-02)      Basketball NY Prep Alleyne On UK's Recruiting List    Signing a center is one of the University of Kentucky's basketball recruiting priorities for next season. College programs like their prospects young    Increasingly, college teams are pursuing commitments from ever-younger prospects. Even traditional powers like Kentucky and Duke no longer can afford the luxury of waiting indefinitely to pick and choose the players who fit specific needs. Tubby says Nuggets haven't contacted him     It seems as if everywhere University of Kentucky men's coach Tubby Smith goes, National Basketball Association rumors are soon to follow. Smith, who is in Colorado Springs, Colo., this weekend for the U.S. Junior National team tryouts, has been rumored to be a candidate for the Denver Nuggets' vacant position. Rants, Raves ... Rumor and Innuendo: Wood you be mine?    One of the biggest mysteries in these parts is the name of UK’s next athletics director. We say they should consider Wood Selig, that adolescent with the machine-gun mouth currently in charge of sports at Western Kentucky University Inside Dish Includes Thought On UK Recruit    Kentucky filled one of three expected vacancies in its 2003 recruiting class with SF Bobby Perry of Durham, N.C      Football Inside Southeastern Conference Football    After moving at a snail's pace for more than two months, the search for the SEC's new commissioner finally will start to pick up some steam this week. But as the annual SEC spring meetings came to a close on Friday, it was obvious that not all of the league's 12 institutions are happy with the process Column- Why Is Parity Such A Problem...-    Is it just me, or do half of the sportswriters and fans across the world have a problem with parity in college football? Parity is a simple word, yet you'd think it was as complicated as a proton inhibitor in a nuclear reactor after talking to a supposed big time college football fan. Wildcats Pick Up Junior College Safety    Kentucky has added a late addition to its roster for the 2002 football season.    Joe Spurlin, a junior college player from California, will come to Kentucky as a walk-on with the hopes of earning a scholarship in the future. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound safety will have three years of eligibility remaining after transferring from Bakersfield College.   (6-01-02)      Basketball Rupp's seats will get true blue hue    The blue seats are coming! The blue seats are coming! Despite a funding impasse that threatens to kill planned Rupp Arena renovations, the University of Kentucky's home court will get the long-desired, all-blue seating. Prince Picked 35th In Mock 2002 NBA Draft UK Hoops After WA Prep PG Appleby    Appleby is visiting Florida the following weekend and is being looked at by North Carolina State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Stanford, Washington, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas and California. He plans to sign in the early signing period. Appleby recently played with a Washington team in Vienna, Austria, which finished 6-0 and became the first American team to win the tourney. He lost five pounds during the European trip.       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)