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Alabama Beats South Carolina, Will Face Cats Friday
03/11/2010 04:03 PM
Alabama Beats South Carolina, Will Face Cats Friday

It was quite a comeback.  Alabama trailed South Carolina by a whopping 18 points with just under 12 minutes to go in the opening game of the SEC Tournament.

But the Tide wouldn't roll away.  They continued to chip away at the lead.  Led by Mikhail Torrance's 17 points, Alabama not only came back, but they beat South Carolina 68-63 to earn a date with Kentucky on Friday afternoon.

The Wildcats beat Alabama 66-55 back in February at Rupp Arena.

Alabama coach Anthony Grant says his team plans to enjoy winning this game before thinking about Kentucky, but the players are looking forward to the rematch.

They say they are a different team than the one the Cats saw in February.

UK is trying to win it's first SEC Tournament title since 2004.


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Kentucky Back In Accustomed Spot As SEC Tourney Favorites
03/10/2010 05:03 PM
Kentucky Back In Accustomed Spot As SEC Tourney Favorites

(AP) - Maybe Kentucky coach John Calipari wants to ease the pressure on his young Wildcats.
     
He's busy talking about playing for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, though ending a drought with Kentucky's first Southeastern Conference tournament title since 2004 would a big deal, too.
     
All those blue-clad fans heading to Nashville, determined to sneak through every nook and cranny to watch? They want to see the Wildcats resume their rightful place atop the SEC. No. 2 Kentucky is the heavy favorite to take home a 26th tournament title after running to its 44th regular season crown.
     
"For us, our whole goal is the seed," Calipari said. "So we go in there, we lose the first game we're not going to be a 1 seed. We win the first, lose the second, I think we've done enough to get that seed."
     
The games start Thursday, with South Carolina playing Alabama, No. 15 Tennessee facing LSU, Auburn versus Florida and Georgia against Arkansas.
     
Mississippi State won four games in four days to take last year's title, while Georgia did the same in 2008. Not since Florida won this tournament en route to consecutive national championships in 2006 and 2007 has a team with a first-round bye won the the title.
     
Vanderbilt, the No. 2 seed in the East, has the hometown advantage, playing in the Bridgestone Arena just a couple miles away from campus. Tennessee always draws a crowd of orange anytime the Vols play anywhere in this state. Florida, Mississippi State and Mississippi are desperate for more wins to push them into the NCAA tournament.
     
"There are a number of teams that can win," Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings said. "Obviously, Kentucky was the very best in our league this year, but you never know.
     
"Certainly Kentucky would have to be considered the favorite."
     
Darrin Horn's South Carolina Gamecocks joined Tennessee as the only SEC teams to beat Kentucky (29-2) this season, and his team is coming off a 77-73 road upset of Vanderbilt. He isn't conceding to the Wildcats, not at 15-15 and with the SEC's top scorer in Devan Downey.
     
"Obviously, they're the team over a period of a conference season that has gotten the best record and has earned their No. 1 seed. At the same time, it's tournament time, and anything can happen on a given day," Horn said.
     
Calipari and his Wildcats traveled Wednesday with the short trip from Lexington to Nashville, enjoying the time off until their first game Friday against either South Carolina or Alabama. Calipari has had his share of success in league tournaments played in Tennessee, going 12-0 with four Conference USA titles in Memphis the previous four seasons.
     
This roster features five freshmen, including the sensational John Wall and the stout DeMarcus Cousins. So Calipari had his Wildcats meet with a sports psychologist March 5, and the coach is using the SEC tournament almost more as a tuneup for the NCAA tournament and the chase for an eighth national title.
     
"We've got to get ourselves prepared for that next weekend, and that's what we'll do. Basically everything we do is based on how and where we finish the season," Calipari said.
     
"We're trying to get ready and right physically and emotionally, and in every way so we can go in and do our very best. If you are your best and you do not win, then you can deal with it, as long as you're your best. I want fresh legs. I want fresh minds. I want a competitive spirit. I want the players to expect to win so that when things get a little crazy, it's OK."
     
Kentucky fans are helping create that crazy atmosphere.
     
The search for tickets on the streets outside the arena already was under way Wednesday, and the blue faithful have been working every angle to squeeze into a much smaller building than the Georgia Dome, where the tournament is usually held. Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl noted the coincidence of the SEC tournament being during Kentucky's spring break each year.
     
"It's amazing how much blue that they put in any building that I've been in come tournament time, so I can't imagine what it's going to be like in Nashville so close to Lexington. I know we'll have plenty of orange in the house, but we've got to do enough to give them something to cheer about," Pearl said.
     
Tennessee's J.P. Prince, a Memphis native, is hopeful of seeing plenty of home-state orange.
     
"Our fans are pretty competitive. I'm sure they'll try to outdo Kentucky at whatever they do," Prince said. "I'm waiting to see. We won't know till game-time."
     
The Vols (23-7) have won three straight and five of six. But Tennessee hasn't won the SEC tournament since 1979, losing to Mississippi State in the title game last year. The last time the SEC tournament was played at this arena, Tennessee lost its first game.
     
The top four teams in the East - Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Florida - went a combined 24-0 against the Western Division. No. 20 Vanderbilt also swept Florida this season, possibly giving the Commodores the easiest path toward their first tourney title since 1951.
     
"It means a lot to us," Stallings said. "We would like to play well, and we would like to be playing on Sunday with a chance to win the tournament."
     
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)


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"Winning This Year Healed A Lot Of Wounds"
03/10/2010 04:03 PM

There aren't many student-athletes like Patrick Patterson.

You know that old line about how when it seems to be too good to be true, it usually is? Patterson is the exception to the rule.

Talk to his parents, and you can see where it comes from.

"Happy, proud, ecstatic," says Tywanna Patterson. "I'm very proud of him."

Life hasn't always been a bowl of cherries for the Pattersons. No parent is happy when their son is struggling, which at times everyone did when Billy G. was here.

"Those two years seems like it was forever ago. It seems like a little memory is gone. And winning this year has healed a lot of wounds."

You can't blame her. Talking about Billy G. isn't a favorite topic. Billy G. has called the Pattersons.

"I don't think we want to talk about Billy. But, I wish him well. Patrick is a bigger man than most people are."

"And, I am glad he is okay with everything. Going through the last two years with him here made him the person he is today."

That wasn't the answer that most True Blue Fans were expecting. Even Patrick gives Billy G. some credit.

"My first two years here were extremely tough, but it shaped me into the player that I am," says Patrick.

"And, I thank him for that."

So, it's possible to have something good came out of a bad situation, but it's one of those deals you hope to never live through again.

We will have a live fan chat Wednesday night at 6:30.  Join us at http://www.lex18.com/pages/true-blue-live-streaming-and-chat

 

 


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Keeneland To Revise Maker's Mark Signing System For Calipari Bottle
03/10/2010 01:03 PM
Keeneland To Revise Maker's Mark Signing System For Calipari Bottle

Keeneland is changing the ticketing process for fans interested in having their 2010 Maker’s Mark Mile commemorative bottle signed by UK basketball coach John Calipari.

Because of the limited time scheduled for this year’s April 9 bottle signing – Coach Calipari is available to sign bottles for two hours -- this year’s process includes a lottery-style giveaway for the 1,200 available tickets to the bottle signing.

The ticketing process will take place three days in advance of the actual signing at an event —on Tuesday, April 6, beginning at 11 p.m. and featuring a pep rally, music and festivities.  Only fans who secure a ticket in advance will be able to have their bottle signed.

“With the popularity of Coach Cal, the enthusiasm of the Big Blue Nation – and, understandably, the Coach’s limited time to sign during the recruiting season -- we felt it was important to create a process that made it is as fair and reasonable as possible for everyone involved, while also creating a fun, festive atmosphere,” said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson.

Here’s how the new process will work:

·         On Tuesday, April 6 beginning at 6 p.m., the first 1,200 fans will be allowed admittance to Keeneland’s Keene Barn and Entertainment Center.

·         At 11 p.m., Keeneland will begin giving tickets away to the up to 1,200 fans in attendance.

·         The tickets will be assigned lottery-style—not first-come, first-served.

·         The event will include music and a pep rally.

·         The Keeneland Barn and Entertainment Center is located inside Gate 1, the entrance across from the Man O’ War Boulevard. All traffic must enter through Gate 1, as Gate 2 and Gate 3 will be closed.

Once the tickets are distributed on Tuesday evening, fans should depart and then return—with tickets in hand—on Friday, April 9. Fans with tickets may begin lining up at 6:30 a.m. on Friday in order as assigned by their ticket number.

There is a limit of one bottle per person this year.


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UK Football Players Try To Impress At Pro Day
03/10/2010 01:03 PM
UK Football Players Try To Impress At Pro Day

The 2009 and 2010 Kentucky football seniors put their physical abilities on display Wednesday morning at the annual "Pro Day" workouts for professional scouts.

Representatives of 15 National Football League teams, along with the combine scouts for the entire NFL and United Football League, put the Wildcats through their paces.  The 2009 seniors, the first UK class to go to four-straight bowl games, were tested in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, agility drills, various position-specific drills and the 225-pound bench press.  The upcoming seniors for the 2010 season were tested in the 40-yard dash.

Five of the '09 seniors, fullback John Conner, linebacker Micah Johnson, cornerback Trevard Lindley, linebacker Sam Maxwell and defensive tackle Corey Peters, had been worked out in February at the official NFL Combine.  Those players were on hand today for additional evaluation.

"One of the things that has changed over the years is the (increased) number of scouts that have attended in recent years," Coach Joker Phillips said.  "This is a day that helps our program.  The current players observe and it helps them understand the level of training they need to succeed."

Phillips noted that this is an area that Rock Oliver, the team's new strength and conditioning coach, has made an impact.

"This game is so much mental and he helps a lot with their attitude," Phillips said.  "Having been with the Cincinnati Bengals the last six years, any time he talks about the NFL, they listen."

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 22-24.  Phillips believes that the '09 seniors will add to the success of the two previous UK senior classes.  A total of 16 Wildcats have been drafted or signed as free agents over the last two years.


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ESPN's Vitale Picks UK's Wall As Player Of Year
03/10/2010 10:03 AM
ESPN's Vitale Picks UK's Wall As Player Of Year

ESPN columnist and commentator Dick Vitale has named UK's John Wall as his pick for the college basketball player of the year.

Vitale, in naming his "All Solid Gold First Team", also named UK center DeMarcus Cousins to the team.

Vitale said about Wall that, "You can make a case for several players, but my choice is John Wall of Kentucky. He has made his teammates much better as a leader of the tough Wildcats. I love the fact he wants the ball in crunch time, and Wall has made so many big plays this season. He is also my Diaper Dandy of the Year!"

To read Vitale's entire column, click here.


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Cutler Comments---- Kevin Stallings Over Cal?
03/09/2010 06:03 PM
Cutler Comments---- Kevin Stallings Over Cal?

DeMarcus Cousins might battle with Cal, but he would be the first to defend him.

When I moved to Lexington in the 1980's, I didn't buy into the anti-UK feeling in the south when it comes to basketball.

It's part of being the NY Yankees of the South.

Recruiting is a big part of coaching. Vandy, South Carolina, Ole Miss, you name it, any one of them had the opportunity to recruit John Wall to their school.

Kevin Stallings is a wonderful coach, but UK, coming off playing in the NIT, is a new team and number two in America.

I like Vandy. I've even told a few of the media who cover them, that I can see them making the Sweet 16. But, giving Kevin Stallings the coach of the year in the SEC is silly.

Cousins couldn't believe that his guy was snubbed.

"John (Wall) was like, what's his name Kevin Stallings." says Cousins.

"He was like who is that. I'm like I don't know who is that. I thought it was the coach of Tennessee, I mean not Tennessee, but like Georgia."

A few times I tried to get Cousins to express his feelings.

"No comment," says the SEC Freshman of the year.

"That's crazy but no comment. "

Wall, who wasn't sure who Stallings was, was more diplomatic.

"Vanderbilt's got a great coach but I just feel like Coach Cal should have got it," says the SEC Player of the year.

"He did a lot of hard work as the first year as the coach for us and bringing in these six freshmen and the seven returning players he had to start from scratch with this whole team."

"I think he did a great job of making us better each day and preparing us for the season and and every game. He's not going to say he's mad about it and we're not going to say we're mad but we just wish he would have got the award."

Cal will tell you he doesn't care.  He will tell you that he's happy for Stallings. In reality, so am I.

But, even Stallings knows that Cal was the Coach of the year.

 


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Cal Pre SEC
03/09/2010 01:03 PM
Cal Pre SEC

Cal Pre SEC

On John Wall being awarded Player of the Year by Yahoo! Sports ...

"Good. He deserves it. They all deserve all of those awards. They have taken on all comers; they've taken on teams that have played out of their minds, and they've come back at them and they have responded and they are still standing. I imagine Pat (Patrick Patterson) will get all kinds of awards, DeMarcus (Cousins) will, and so will Eric (Bledsoe) along with John."

On reaching the level of maturity they need in the few weeks left in the season...

"Oh I hope so. Well I don't know, we could have a meltdown and we'll all look and say that it's been a heck of a year, and it's been a fun ride. Now that's a talk I don't ever want to give. I just don't want to give that talk. And I want you to know that I've given it to our team five times. From where we were at the beginning of the year to where we are now, the maturity and keeping the emotions in-check, it's not even close. But it's got to go more if we're going to do something special."

On if there is a different level of play in the conference tournament...

"No. We're doing exactly what we're doing. I gave them off yesterday; Tuesday is an individual workout day, Wednesday we'll practice and travel, and we'll have walk-through and practice on Thursday to get ready for the game, and that's it. When we go into post-season, whether it's conference or NCAA we do nothing different. We prepare for every team like we always do. I want them comfortable. I don't want them to feel like this is different. It's exactly the same. You're playing a bunch of weekend tournaments. The problem with this one is there's no day in between. If you win, you're playing. If you win, you're playing, and it's hard."

On handling the rotation differently given that it is a conference tournament...

"It depends on the game. The best thing that we have is when we talk about Ramon (Harris) and Perry Stevenson being 9 and 10, that could move down if DeAndre (Liggins) doesn't get that energy back. He'll probably move back and I'll put Ramon in there. But we have room for error with foul trouble and other problems, and then one of those two (Harris or Stevenson) step in and play, we are fine. If you have anybody on the front line that's not doing it, Perry steps in; or somebody in the backcourt that isn't doing it, in any of those three positions, Ramon steps in. It gives us the depth that we need."

On what the SEC Tournament means to him ...

"Well if you're going to be in a tournament, you want to win it. But our whole thing is that it's bigger and it's more important than winning. We've got to get ourselves prepared for that next weekend and that's what we'll do. Basically everything we do is based on how and where we finish the season. We're trying to get ready and right physically and emotionally, and in every way so we can go in and do our very best. If you are your best and you do not win, then you can deal with it, as long as you're your best. I want fresh legs. I want fresh minds. I want a competitive spirit. I want the players to expect to win so that when things get a little crazy, it's ok. That takes a mature person. They don't call a foul, ‘Oh well, we're still winning.' A player starts talking, ‘Oh well, we're still winning.' These kids are 19, they don't know how to react when things get thrown at them. The good news is we've gone through just about everything, and we're still standing."


On Darius Miller's play in the past few games...

"It's been good for us. He and Darnell (Dodson) have stepped up for us. It's nice when they pull up to shoot and you think the ball is going in versus please don't shoot an airball. I'll tell you, some of it is on John (Wall) and Eric (Bledsoe) because when they're making shots it takes some pressure off our team. Because now those other guys know, ‘I can let it go and it's not on me.'"

 

 

 

 


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Wall Named SEC Player Of Year; Cousins Top Freshman
03/09/2010 11:03 AM
Wall Named SEC Player Of Year;  Cousins Top Freshman

UK freshman John Wall has been named SEC Player of the Year and DeMarcus Cousins SEC Freshman of the Year by league coaches, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday.

Wall, a 6-4 guard from Raleigh, N.C., is UK’s all-time leading freshman scorer and assist leader. He leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks fifth nationally in assists (6.2). He is also fifth in the league in scoring (16.8).

Wall is the first Wildcat to be named SEC Player of the Year since Keith Bogans received the honor in 2003 and is the 13th Wildcat to be named the league’s Player of the Year. He is also the second freshman to be named the conference’s Player of the Year. LSU's Chris Jackson won the award as a freshman in 1989.

Cousins is the second Wildcat to receive the Freshman of the Year honor; however he is the first player in UK history to receive the award outright. Patrick Patterson was named the league’s Co-Freshman of the Year in 2008.

Cousins has set all-time records for Wildcat freshmen in double-doubles with 18, and rebounds with 312, while averaging 10.0 boards a game, second best in the SEC. His 18 double-doubles is the most in the league this season and the most by a Wildcat since the 1973 season.

Cousins, Wall and Patterson were all voted First Team All-SEC by league coaches, while Cousins, Wall and Eric Bledsoe were all named to the SEC All-Freshman team.

Patterson was also selected to the league’s All-Defensive team.

It is the first time in UK history the Wildcats have had three players named First Team All-SEC by the coaches and the second time in three years that UK has had three players named All-SEC by conference coaches.

This season also marks the first time in UK history the Wildcats have placed three players on the Freshman All-SEC team.

First Team All-SEC

*Trey Thompkins, Georgia – F, 6-10, 247, So., Lithonia, Ga.
*DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky – F 6-11, 270, Fr., Mobile, Ala.
Patrick Patterson, Kentucky – F 6-9, 235, Jr., Huntington, W.Va.
*John Wall, Kentucky – G 6-4, 195, Fr., Raleigh, N.C.
Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State – F, 6-9, 230, Sr., Brownsville, Tenn.
*Devan Downey, South Carolina – G, 5-9, 170, Sr., Chester, S.C.
Wayne Chism, Tennessee – C, 6-9, 246, Sr., Jackson, Tenn.
*Jermaine Beal, Vanderbilt – G, 6-3, Sr., 205, DeSoto, Texas

Second Team All-SEC

Mikhail Torrance, Alabama – G, 6-5, 210, Sr., Eight Mile, Ala.
Courtney Fortson, Arkansas – G, 5-11, 180, So., Montgomery, Ala.
Erving Walker, Florida – G, 5-10, 171, So., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Tasmin Mitchell, LSU – F, 6-7, 238, Sr., Denham Springs, La.
Chris Warren, Ole Miss – G, 5-10, 168, Jr., Orlando, Fla.
Dee Bost, Mississippi State – G, 6-2, 170, So., Concord, N.C.
A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt – C, 6-11, Jr., 255, Sydney, Australia
Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt – F, 6-7, So., 210, Norrkoping, Sweden

SEC All-Freshman Team

Tony Mitchell, Alabama – F, 6-6, 185, Fr., Swainsboro, Ga.
*Marshawn Powell, Arkansas – F, 6-7, 220, Fr., Newport News, Va.
Kenny Boynton, Florida – G, 6-2, 183, Fr., Pompano Beach, Fla.
*Eric Bledsoe, Kentucky – G, 6-1, 190, Fr., Birmingham, Ala.
*DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky – F 6-11, 270, Fr., Mobile, Ala.
*John Wall, Kentucky – G 6-4, 195, Fr., Raleigh, N.C.
Reginald Buckner, Ole Miss – F, 6-8, 233, Fr., Memphis, Tenn.
*John Jenkins, Vanderbilt – G, 6-4, 215, Hendersonville, Tenn.

SEC All-Defensive Team

Patrick Patterson, Kentucky – F 6-9, 235, Jr., Huntington, W.Va.
*Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State – F, 6-9, 230, Sr., Brownsville, Tenn.
Devan Downey, South Carolina – G, 5-9, 170, Sr., Chester, S.C.
Sam Muldrow, South Carolina – F, 6-9, 220, Jr., Florence, S.C.
Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt – F, 6-7, So., 210, Norrkoping, Sweden

SEC Coach of the Year: Kevin Stallings, Vanderbilt
SEC Player of the Year: John Wall, Kentucky
SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Ray Shipman, Florida
SEC Freshman of the Year: DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky
SEC Sixth-Man of the Year: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
SEC Defensive Player of the Year: Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State*

*-Unanimous selection

^-Ties are not broken


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What Does John Wall's Mother Do At Games?
03/08/2010 05:03 PM
What Does John Wall's Mother Do At Games?

He's a great kid," says Frances Pulley.

"I love him to death."

For a moment, can we forget that John Wall is Yahoo Sports player of the year? Let's talk about the relationship between mother and son. Frances has made it to 8 or 9 games at Rupp, and a number of games on the road.

"It means a lot," says John.

"It's mainly because my sister is my biggest fan."

"She usually be scared to watch. She usually runs out of the gym, but she can't run to far because she sits so close."

Frances Pulley is like a number of parents we've met. When Dicky Lyons played football for UK, and his Dad was a big star at UK, he couldn't watch when the game got tight.

"I do that now," say Frances. "I walk out now."

So if the game gets close in the second half?

"I'm out. I'm gone. Yeah."

Do you put your ear by the door and if there is yelling and screaming....

"I know he is doing good."

And if you don't hear anything do you worry?

"Yes, very much."

John is smiling when talking about his Mom.

"Yeah, in high school she was the worst," says Wall.

"She'd be at the door peeping in and out, peeping in and out. She would run. I'd be like you can't do that if you want to watch the end of the game."

As far as next year, it hit John during senior day when the Cats beat Florida. He admits to fighting back some tears.

"I thought about it for a couple of seconds. Just thinking that this might be my last game so. I was kind of getting emotional."

"I don't know if he is going to stay here next year or not," say Frances Pulley.

You guys will talk about it after the year is over ?

"Yes sir," says Frances.

Now if we can only get Frances to watch her son at the end of games, where his name should be Mr. Clutch.


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Patterson Named To SEC Community Service Team
03/08/2010 05:03 PM
Patterson Named To SEC Community Service Team

 In a continuing effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the field of competition, the SEC once again highlighted a Community Service Team for men's basketball for the 2009-2010 season.

This marks the 12th year for the SEC Community Service Team for men's basketball as well as for women's basketball. All 20 league-sponsored sports have had a Community Service Team since 2004, with at-large teams for men's and women's sports being chosen from 1999-2003. The SEC began this concept with a football Community Service Team in 1994.

 Senario Hillman - Alabama

Jr. • G • 6-1 • 192 • Irwinton, Ga.

Community Service Projects: Visited school children at University Place Elementary & read books to them in library ... Tuscaloosa Animal Shelter volunteer ... Attended Focus on Senior Citizens program where he spoke to elderly and participated in games ... Spoke to elderly and attended their tailgate party at Glen Haven Retirement Home ... Coordinated bucket toss game for kids at UA Halloween Extravaganza ... Several hours of various volunteer activities with the Tuscaloosa YMCA.


Rotnei Clarke - Arkansas

So.  • G • 6-0 • 184 • Verdigris, Okla.

Community Service Projects: Has been a featured speaker at several events including church groups and Fellowship of Christian Athletes ...  At Christmas was part of a group that went to a local game stop to play with underprivileged children ... Visited the Fayetteville Juvenile Detention Center on Thanksgiving day and served meals ... Participated in the campus event "Take a Walk in Her Shoes" to bring awareness to rape, sexual assault and gender violence ... Visited the Fayetteville Veterans Administration Hospital on Valentine's Day to speak to those staying ... Has been asked to be a special guest to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Fame induction of former Arkansas Football Coach Ken Hatfield.


Lucas Hargrove - Auburn

Sr. • F • 6-6 • 218 • Pontiac, S.C.

Community Service Projects: 2010: Visited children and cancer patients at East Alabama Medical Center ... Ran in East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Race ... Served dinner at American Red Cross "A Meal for Haiti" event on Auburn's campus. 2009: Signed autographs at City of Auburn CityFest ... Ran in East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Race ... Visited children and cancer patients at East Alabama Medical Center ... Signed autographs at City of Auburn Downtown Trick or Treat ... Donated toys for Student Athlete Advisory Committee Toys for Tots Drive ... Participated in the Miles for Myles 5K Run for Myles Brand.


Dan Werner - Florida

Sr. • F • 6-8 • 230 • Middletown, N.J.

Community Service Projects: Dan Werner is extremely active in the Gainesville community ... In addition to his leadership role in the Gators' locker room as the team's lone senior, Werner has spent countless hours giving back to the Gainesville area ... He has made numerous trips to the pediatrics ward at local Shands Hospital ... Werner has helped serve meals to the homeless at the famous St. Francis House in Gainesville ... In addition, he has visited numerous local elementary schools promoting the values of education ... Werner was also among a group of UF athletes that visited the set of Extreme Makover: Home Edition recently, as the Gators supported a huge community effort.


Trey Thompkins - Georgia

So. • F • 6-10 • 247 • Lithonia, Ga.

Community Service Projects: Participated in Habitat for Humanity home builds ... Participated in reading and mentoring programs through the Athens/Clarke County & Oconee County school systems ... Volunteered with programs that collected food products for distribution through the Northeast Georgia Food Bank ... Volunteered at the Athens/Clarke County Council on Aging ... Visited patients at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens ... Participated in mentoring program for the Boys & Girls Club of Athens ... Played Santa Claus at the basketball team's Christmas party for underprivileged children


Patrick Patterson - Kentucky

Jr. • F • 6-9 • 235 • Huntington, W.Va.

Community Service Projects: Repeatedly makes visits to UK Children's Hospital to visit and sign autographs ... Has visited students at local elementary schools ... Made visit over Christmas holiday to UK Children's hospital along with the team ... Involved in Hoops for Haiti project that helped raise over $1 million for Haiti earthquake victims. Other Activities, Awards, etc.: 2009 First Team All-SEC and NABC Second Team All-District ... SEC Player of the Week in 2009 and 2010 ... Member of UK's prestigious 1,000-point club.



---Continued on Next Page---


2010 SEC Community Service Team--Page 2


Alex Farrer - LSU

Sr. • G • 6-5 • 200 • Phoenix, Ariz.

Community Service Projects: Member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board representing men's basketball at LSU ... Helped setup the basketball activity for kids at the Halloween BOOzar ... Led the Christmas With The Tigers event for men's basketball, where he led his team in adopting an underprivileged child for Christmas ... Also was part of the annual team visit to our Lady of the Lake Hospital children's ward where the team visits patients singing Christmas Carols.


Zach Graham - Ole Miss

Jr. • G • 6-6 • 218 • Suwanee, Ga.

Community Service Projects: Has participated in Reading with the Rebels (a program which helps promote reading to area students) ... Spent time with children at local day care centers during his time at Ole Miss ... He has joined teammates in visiting patients at the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital and Children's Cancer Clinic at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson ... This December, he and his Rebel teammates took time to visit with underprivileged children from the local Boys and Girls Club, while also delivering Christmas gifts to them.


Barry Stewart - Mississippi State

Sr. • G • 6-3 • 170 • Shelbyville, Tenn.

Community Service Projects: Reads books to kids at the library and at local schools ... Works with Boys & Girls Club and is a yearly guest speaker at Camp of the Rising Sun.               


Austin Steed - South Carolina

 Jr.. • F. • 6-8. • 235. • Hephzibah, Ga.

Community Service Projects: Has participated in After School Kick Off at Alcorn Middle School, Ronald McDonald House Day, Columbia Parks and Recreation SEC Can Food Drive, NCAA Diversity Workshop Participant, Dodie Academic Enrichment Center Ambassador and is an SAAC Representative.


Bobby Maze - Tennessee

Sr. • G • 6-3 • 195 • Suitland, Md.

Community Service Activities: Maze has been an intricate part of Tennessee's community efforts and has volunteered for numerous events during his two years in Knoxville ... In 2008-09, Maze assisted with the Hoops for Hope basketball tournament for children with Down Syndrome ... He also visited with patients at East Tennessee Children's Hospital and helped to raise the walls on a new home for a woman in need as part of a Habitat For Humanity project ... Maze was the featured speaker during the 2009 April Play Day event for the Boys & Girls Club at Apostolic Christian, as he helped to mentor at-risk youth ... During the 2009-10 season, Maze again took part in the Hoops for Hope tournament and has visited with patients at ETCH and the UT Medical Center in conjunction with the basketball program's OUTLIVE initiative ... He also assisted with Knoxville's Race For The Cure.


Joe Duffy - Vanderbilt

Jr. • F • 6-8 • 225 • Charlotte, N.C.

Community Service Projects: He is Vanderbilt men's basketball SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee) representative and is constantly involving his teammates in service projects through SAAC, like the annual SAAC Christmas Party and the organization's Field Day with a local elementary school ... He is also organizing a charity basketball tournament this spring for "Nothing But Nets", with the proceeds going towards buying mosquito nets to protect children in Africa from Malaria.


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Wall Named National Player Of The Year By Yahoo Sports
03/08/2010 02:03 PM
Wall Named National Player Of The Year By Yahoo Sports

 

UK freshman John Wall has been named National Player of the Year by Yahoo! Sports, while both Wall and DeMarcus Cousins were named First Team All-America by the online publication.

Wall was also named Yahoo's Freshman of the Year while Patrick Patterson received Honorable Mention All-America honors.

Wall, a 6-4 guard from Raleigh, N.C., is UK's all-time leading freshman scorer and assist leader. He leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks fifth nationally in assists (6.2) and ranks fifth in scoring (16.8).

Cousins has set all-time records for Wildcat freshmen in double-doubles with 18, and rebounds with 312, while averaging 10.0 boards a game, second best in the SEC. His 18 double-doubles is the most in the league this season and the most by a Wildcat since the 1973 season.

Additionally, National Freshman of the Year by Sporting News magazine, while DeMarcus Cousins received Freshman All-America status by the publication.

 


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UK Back Up To No. 2 In Polls As Post-Season Kicks Off
03/08/2010 01:03 PM
UK Back Up To No. 2 In Polls As Post-Season Kicks Off

After a week out of the top spot in The Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN college basketball polls, Kansas has replaced Syracuse at No. 1 with Kentucky moving up to the second spot in both polls.

Kansas received 63 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel in the AP poll. UK took the other two first-place votes. Both teams are 29-2 heading into this weekend's conference tournaments.

Syracuse had moved into the top spot last week for the first time since 1990. The Orange drop to third in both polls after losing to Louisville, though still recieved one first-place vote in the USA Today/ESPN poll.
     
Duke held fourth while Ohio State moved up to fifth in the AP poll, while Purdue move up one place to fifth in the USA Today/ESPN poll. West Virginia, New Mexico, Kansas State and Villanova round out the top 10 in both polls.
     
The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through March 7, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking:

                         Record   Pts Pvs
 1. Kansas (63)           29-2  1,623   2
 2. Kentucky (2)          29-2  1,553   3
 3. Syracuse              28-3  1,500   1
 4. Duke                  26-5  1,348   4
 5. Ohio St.              24-7  1,344   6
 6. Purdue                26-4  1,252   7
 7. West Virginia         24-6  1,231  10
 8. New Mexico            28-3  1,188   8
 9. Kansas St.            24-6  1,063   5
10. Villanova             24-6  1,016   9
11. Michigan St.          24-7  1,015  11
12. Butler                27-4    796  12
13. Wisconsin             23-7    710  15
14. BYU                   28-4    690  14
15. Tennessee             23-7    650  16
16. Pittsburgh            24-7    644  17
17. Temple                26-5    552  20
18. Gonzaga               26-5    534  18
19. Maryland              23-7    499  22
20. Vanderbilt            23-7    480  13
21. Baylor                24-6    474  21
22. Georgetown            20-9    277  19
23. Texas A&M             22-8    271  23
24. Xavier                23-7    136  25
25. UTEP                  24-5    134  24

Others receiving votes: N. Iowa 48, Richmond 41, Utah St. 12, Virginia Tech 12, Texas 10, Marquette 6, Notre Dame 6, Cornell 3, Louisville 3, California 2, Oklahoma St. 1, Siena 1.

The top 25 teams in The USA Today/ESPN college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through March 7, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote:

1    Kansas (30)     29-2    774
2    Kentucky      29-2    740
3    Syracuse (1)     28-3    709
4    Duke                  26-5    661
5    Purdue                  26-4    625
6    West Virginia    24-6    610
7    Ohio State    24-7    604
8    New Mexico    28-3    526
9    Kansas State    24-6    501
10    Villanova                  24-6    476
11    Michigan State    24-7    463
12    Butler        27-4    461
13    Tennessee    23-7    387
14    Gonzaga        26-5    347
15    Brigham Young    28-4    324
16    Pittsburgh    24-7    295
17    Temple        26-5    282
18    Wisconsin    23-7    273
19    Maryland        23-7    210
20    Baylor        24-6    167
21    UTEP        24-5    153
22    Georgetown    20-9    125
23    Vanderbilt    23-7    117
24    Texas A&M    22-8    103
25    Northern Iowa    28-4    54

Others receiving votes: Utah State 24, Xavier 24, Cornell 10, Texas 7, Saint Mary's 6, Richmond 5, California 4, UNLV 2, Oklahoma State 2, Virginia Tech 2, Old Dominion 1, Memphis 1


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UK Hoops Loses To Tennessee In SEC Championship
03/07/2010 11:03 PM
UK Hoops Loses To Tennessee In SEC Championship

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) - Pat Summitt encouraged her team to reach for a No. 1 NCAA seed during the SEC tournament championship game.

Then the Tennessee coach reached for the high notes in a surprise postgame song.

Shekinna Stricklen scored 20 points and No. 4 Tennessee beat No. 19 Kentucky 70-62 on Sunday night to win the Southeastern Conference tournament and possibly wrap up that No. 1 seed.

Summitt was so pleased she brought down the house by grabbing the microphone and singing "Rocky Top" in front of the scorer's table to the Tennessee fans who dominated the Gwinnett Arena crowd, while her plays cut down the nets.

"I thought she was just going to say, 'Thank you fans, for coming out,"' said guard Angie Bjorklund. "When she started singing, I just looked at our team and I started laughing. We all started laughing. It was great."

Most players left the net-cutting ceremony to stand in front of Summitt. After the short song, she said "You are the best fans! We love you!"

Said Summitt after leaving the court: "I did that for the fans. I know I don't have a great voice, but our fans love 'Rocky Top."'

Tennessee (30-2) completed its first sweep of the SEC's regular-season and tournament championships in 10 years. In each case, the decisive win came against Kentucky, which improved from a .500 finish a year ago to play in its first tournament final in 28 years.

Tennessee's 14th straight victory gave Summitt her 19th 30-win season.

The Lady Vols were focused on more than the conference title. Summitt said she talked to her players during the game about needing to win to claim a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

"I told them we needed this tonight to make sure we get a No. 1 seed," Summitt said. "We talked about that even during the game. I said, 'We're not losing a No. 1 seed. If we do, that's not going to be good for us."'

Kentucky (25-7) played tough in its first championship game appearance since winning its only title in 1982. The Wildcats, led by Victoria Dunlap's 21 points, played even with the Lady Vols until midway through the second half.

"We came here to win and came up a little short," said Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell, a former graduate assistant for Summitt at Tennessee. "But I thought our players battled against a really fine basketball team today, and I thought we found out a lot about our team."

Tennessee set a school record with 15 blocks when it clinched the SEC regular-season title with its 81-65 win over Kentucky on Feb. 25. The Wildcats showed no sign of intimidation in the rematch, even after Tennessee took an early 19-9 lead.

Kentucky answered to take its first lead with 5 minutes remaining in the half.

A layup by A'dia Mathies cut the Tennessee lead to 23-22. Amber Smith then stole the ball, drove toward the basket and made a behind-the-back pass to Dunlap, who was fouled as she scored. Dunlap's free throw gave Kentucky a 25-23 lead.

Freshman Kamiko Williams, who didn't score in Tennessee's first two tournament games, answered Dunlap's three-point play by scoring Tennessee's next four baskets, helping the Lady Vols lead 35-29 at halftime.

Tennessee center Kelley Cain picked up two quick fouls and played only three minutes in the first half. The Lady Vols' depth showed as they held a 31-14 advantage in rebounds even playing most of the half without the 6-foot-6 Cain. They finished with a 51-32 advantage.

Cain had 11 points, all in the second half.

Kentucky opened the second half with an 13-3 run for a 42-38 lead. Stricklen's three-point play and 3-point shot helped Tennessee pull even at 46-46.

Following the last tie at 50-all, Tennessee took the lead for good with an 11-3 run, which included another 3-pointer from Stricklen.

Tennessee's Alyssia Brewer, who had eight points, was the
tournament MVP.


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Plenty Of "I Love You" For Senior Day
03/07/2010 06:03 PM
Plenty Of

29-2. Cal, who says he hasn't had a day off in six months is glad the regular season is over.

When it's all said and done, this might be called a great basketball team, but it's a crazy basketball team. Wasn't it just the other day, we were talking about how Kentucky couldn't shoot. Kentucky beats Florida because they out shot them. Four more three's, and a much better percentage. Shooting was the difference. But Cal is still worried even after beating Florida 74-66 on senior day.

"I thought Florida outworked us in individual positions, which gave them a chance," says Cal.

"And, I just keep coming back to our goal has to be we are going to have to play harder than that other team. We have to. If not, we are going to disappoint ourselves somewhere a long the way."

Senior day was special for so many reasons.

"You see my Mom out there," says the classy Mark Krebs.

"I didn't know what to do. I saw her last night and I told her if you don't feel like it, it's okay if you don't think you can make it."

"She said there was no way. That was her birthday wish, she wanted to be there. So I just gave her a big hug and told her I love her. It was special."

Give it up to Krebs. A senior who believes that more good things have happened to him than he deserves. Krebs told LEX18 at the beginning of the season that his mothers goal was to make it to senior day.

Terri Krebs is a fighter. She has been beating cancer. In a wheelchair, her smile was beautiful on the court at Rupp before the game.

"When I saw Mark's mom, that kind of hit you right in the gut," says Cal.

"Coach Cal is great about that," says Krebs.

"He asks how she is doing everyday. He understands the fight she's been through and the fight she's still fighting."

Pick a teammate. They all support Krebs. They were all happy for him.

"We play every game for him," says John Wall, who was very happy to have his mother at the game.

"To see his mom out there and he was able to walk out there meant a lot to him and the whole team."

Krebs appreciates every Cat.

"My teammates have been great. They are great guys. They are like my brothers. If I ever need anything, they are there for me. For them to go up and hug her, Patrick and Perry and Ramon came out, it means the world to me."

With 17 seconds to go and John Wall on the line, the students were chanting one more year. With about 9 seconds to go and Patterson on the line, fans were chanting, one more year. When they players got together, they were chanting one more year.

"When they were screaming one more year, I looked at my Mom, she started crying, my grandmother started crying. I thought I saw my grandpa was crying. I was trying to hold back tears. I kept looking over there and looking at the fans screaming. I was just trying to soak it all in and enjoy that moment."

The team gathered around Patrick.

"I love you guys," said Patterson.

"My brothers. Brothers on 3. 1,2,3 Brothers."

 


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Cats Beat Gators 74-66
03/07/2010 05:03 PM
Cats Beat Gators 74-66

Kentucky Players
#1, Darius Miller, G

On having three really strong games in a row...
"I'm just trying to stay aggressive for the most part. Everyone is focusing on the other guys and it makes room for me to attack."

On did coach say anything to you to get you going ...
"No, he didn't really say much just to spend as much time as I can in the gym, get extra work and keep up my confidence. He was really positive about everything like he has been all season."

On if he is concerned about how the team struggles to hold onto leads...
"That's happened a few times this year and we really need to take care of that because it might not work against other teams we really have to come out and play the whole forty minutes against. Coach has stressed that for a while and hopefully we can go out and take care of that."


#11, John Wall, G
On what he thought when Mark Krebs shared a moment with his mom...
"We were happy for Mark more than anything. We were so happy that he got a scholarship offer. We are so happy for him and that he got to be on the team. To see his mom out there when he walked out meant a lot. He was pumped in warm-ups."

On the fact that some teams may feel like they have a chance in the tournament...
"That's what Coach Calipari said. Some teams get a run and they feel like they can win games. We haven't done our best to put pressure on them. We needed to do a better job at not letting them think they have a chance."

On how he feels going into the first SEC tournament ...
"I expect it to be crazy just like the regular season. We just have to be prepared. We had to use these games to keep getting better and at the same time use them to help us be prepared for post-season play."

#12, Mark Krebs, G

On if he thought he was going to get back in when the lead was 20 points ...
"I was hoping we would just keep the lead up and get them down 25 and it takes a lot out of the other team (to get back in the game). When we were up 18 I thought I had a shot of getting back in. I just wanted to make a shot and I thought I did but it didn't go. It was just really fun going out there and playing, especially with Ramon (Harris) and Perry (Stevenson) for the last time."

On if he can hear the crowd as he is getting ready to take a shot ...
"I'm getting used to it at the beginning of the year it was really bad because when I shot I thought I was doing something wrong. Now I'm just kind of used to it and every time I shoot I think it's going in and that's a good thought."

On where does the moment before the game with his mom rank ...
"It will be up there with my all time greatest moments. I can't think of anything more. It's an honor to put on the uniform and do this and be here for four years. It will rank way up on my list because my whole family experienced it. My family has been through a lot and most families have, but to be able to experience something this special it's awesome."


#54,Patrick Patterson, F
On his emotions for senior day...
"I looked over at my mom and saw her crying, my grandma was crying and I thought I saw my grandpa crying. I was trying to hold back the tears. I looked at them and then the fans screaming and just tried to soak it all in. It was a fun day. We got the win, I was just hoping that we could continue playing like we did in the first half in order for the seniors to play more and those who do not already play enough. "

On what does he think of his team right now?
"I think we are great. We still need to improve on defense and communication. The pick and roll got us a few times today. We know we are strong on offence and we know we can push the ball down the court. We still have areas to improve "

On how he felt about changing his role as a player after his first two years...
"There was not much concern. I knew what Coach Calipari wanted to do and that he would help me. Day in and day out at practice I was on the perimeter working on my shot, right off the bat he had me as a ball handler. It was tough at first but as I progressed I caught myself realizing that I liked being on the perimeter better."

 

 

 


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Kentucky Withstands A Florida Comeback To Win On Senior Day
03/07/2010 03:03 PM
Kentucky Withstands A Florida Comeback To Win On Senior Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Darius Miller and Eric Bledsoe had 14 points apiece and No. 3 Kentucky withstood a Florida comeback with a 74-66 victory Sunday, completing an 18-0 home season and likely cementing its hold on a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

The Wildcats (29-2, 14-2) had already clinched their 44th Southeastern Conference title outright with Vanderbilt's loss to South Carolina on Saturday night. Florida (20-11, 9-7) may need to win a few games in this week's SEC tournament in Nashville, Tenn., to reach the NCAAs.

Kentucky, college basketball's all-time winningest program, last had 14 wins in the league in 2005.       On the day a freshman-dominated team was honoring its seniors, it was a sophomore - Miller - who had the hottest shooting hand for the Wildcats.

Miller was 5 for 7 from the field, including three 3-pointers.  Miller's third 3 early in the second half stopped a 9-1 run by Florida that had helped cut an 18-point deficit to two.  Kentucky led by as many as 18 late in the first half, but Florida got a slew of uncontested baskets and cut it to 57-54
midway through the second after a 3-pointer by Alex Tyus, who led Florida with 12 points.

The Gators pulled within two when a layup by Vernon Macklin made  it 60-58 with seven minutes left. Patrick Patterson answered with a dunk and John Wall followed with a 3 to give the Wildcats some breathing room.

Kentucky never trailed and began to pad the lead midway through the first half when Miller passed up a wide-open 3-pointer but dished it around to Bledsoe, who nailed the long jumper instead.
Then, on the next trip down, Miller added his own 3, putting the Wildcats up 16-9.

Kenny Boynton answered for Florida by hitting a 3-pointer in transition.  After Tyus hit a fade-away jumper to cut the Kentucky lead to 20-16 midway through the first half, the Gators didn't get a field
goal for more than five minutes while the Wildcats pulled away early with a 14-0 run.

Miller had five points in that stretch and Darnell Dodson added one of his two 3-pointers.  However, Bledsoe punctuated the run with the showstopping play of the afternoon - a reverse layup that he finished with his back to the basket while plummeting out of bounds. That gave the Wildcats their largest early lead at 34-18.

Florida cut the deficit to 41-31 at halftime.  Kentucky coach John Calipari typically starts three freshmen and one sophomore, but the team's lone seniors, Mark Krebs, Perry Stevenson and Ramon Harris, started and played the first five minutes. Also honored on Senior Day was usual starter Patrick Patterson, a junior who is expected to graduate in three years and will likely enter the NBA draft.

Wall, a freshman and near-lock for the draft as perhaps the No. 1 overall pick, joined those four in the starting lineup. Wall finished with 11 points, including back-to-back driving layups in the second half that helped withstand the Florida comeback.
     
      (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)


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UK Hoops Reaches SEC Title Game For Second Time Ever
03/06/2010 09:03 PM
UK Hoops Reaches SEC Title Game For Second Time Ever

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) - Kentucky rallied after trailing by 14 points in the second half to beat Mississippi State 76-65 on Saturday night, advancing to only its second Southeastern Conference tournament title game.

A'dia Mathies scored 25 points, including 18 in the second half, and Victoria Dunlap added 22 for No. 19 Kentucky (25-6). The Wildcats will play No. 4 Tennessee on Sunday night.

Kentucky won the 1982 title in its only other appearance in the championship game, while regular-season champion Tennessee will play for its 14th tournament title.

Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell led an impromptu pep rally on the court in front of Kentucky fans after the win.

Mississippi State (19-12) led 35-24 at halftime and stretched the lead to 14 early in the second half.

Kentucky, which made only 8 of 28 shots (28.6 percent) from the field in the first half, rallied behind Mathies, Dunlap and Amber Smith, who had 14 points. Dunlap had nine rebounds, five blocks and five steals.

Tysheka Grimes led Mississippi State with 19 points. Armelie Lumanu had 18 and Chanel Mokango added 13.

Lumanu scored at the end of the first half to give Mississippi State a 35-24 lead. The Lady Bulldogs stretched the lead to 40-26 early in the second half before Kentucky launched its comeback.

Dunlap scored after a steal by Amani Franklin to cut the Lady Bulldogs' lead to 40-36, and a basket by Smith cut the lead to 45-44.

Grimes hit back-to-back 3-pointers to push Mississippi State's lead to 53-46. Kentucky scored the next eight points. Following the final tie at 57-all, Kentucky took control with a 12-2 run capped by a 3-pointer by Mathies.


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Patterson Still Undecided On Future
03/06/2010 06:03 PM
Patterson Still Undecided On Future

(AP) - Patrick Patterson isn't quite ready to say he's ready to move on.

Yet listen to the Kentucky junior superstar talk, and it's clear he's running out of reasons to stay.

When Patterson opted to return to Kentucky for his junior year last spring rather than enter the NBA Draft, he said he was doing it because he wanted to get his degree, play in an NCAA tournament game and help the Wildcats win the Southeastern Conference title.

Check, check and check.

Patterson will graduate in May and the third-ranked Wildcats (28-2, 13-2 SEC) are a virtual lock to be a No. 1 seed when the NCAAs begin in two weeks. And a win over rival Florida (20-10, 9-6) on Senior Day at Rupp Arena on Sunday and the Wildcats will have their 44th SEC title all to themselves.

Though he hasn't ruled anything out, Patterson opted to join in on the Senior Day festivities along with teammates Mark Krebs, Ramon Harris and Perry Stevenson "just in case" he wasn't around to soak it all in next year.

"I have received my degree, and my whole family is coming in to see me graduate," Patterson said. "As far as taking the next step to the NBA, I'm not sure about that yet."

Patterson probably won't be the only non-senior possibly making his final bows in front of the Big Blue faithful on Sunday. Freshman stars John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins are considered by most experts to be among the top players in the country and even coach John Calipari isn't holding out much hope that they'll come back for their sophomore years rather than head to the NBA.

Calipari joked Wall and Cousins won't participate in Senior Day because "it's kind of hard to graduate in one year," but admitted after Kentucky's 80-68 win at Georgia on Wednesday that it would be difficult for them to pass up the NBA considering both are likely Top 5 picks.

Patterson's tenure has been a test of his patience and a tribute to his perseverance. He chose Kentucky over Florida because of the chance to play close to his hometown of Huntington, WV, and the opportunity to lead the Wildcats back to national prominence.

It took a little longer than he planned.

Patterson was a breakout star his freshman year only to suffer a leg injury a couple of weeks before the NCAA tournament and miss the rest of the season. His sophomore year he stoically kept his head while the program imploded around Billy Gillispie, who was fired after Kentucky failed to make the NCAAs for the first time in nearly two decades.

Patterson admits it's hard not to think about what might have been.

"I would've liked it to work out a lot better, from coming in my freshman year with my ankle injury and all the hardships we had last season," he said. "I'd like to take away some of those things, but I'm satisfied with the choice that I made."

Especially this year. Patterson has made it a point to delegate to some of his freshman teammates in an effort to fit in. While his scoring average (15.0) and rebounding average (7.6) are both the lowest of his career, he's never been happier. The Wildcats are winning and restoring some of the luster it once had.

One more win and the Wildcats will have their first outright SEC title since 2005.

"We believe that we deserve the SEC title and we don't want to share it," he said.

If they can beat the Gators, they won't have to. Kentucky pulled away for an 89-77 win in Gainesville on Jan. 12, though Calipari says Florida is much improved.

"It'll be a hard game," he said. "I mean the game down there was hard. It was a tie game with a few minutes to go. Eric Bledsoe went absolutely crazy. Daniel Orton played out of his mind, if you remember he blocked three balls in one possession. So, we had one of our best efforts, and barely beat them."

It will be an emotionally charged atmosphere. Patterson expects the waterworks to flow from Harris and isn't sure if he'll be able to keep his emotions under control. Not that it matters. He's come a long way.

"All in all Kentucky was the best choice for me, and I've loved every moment of being here," he said.


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Wall Makes Final Cut For National Award
03/05/2010 05:03 PM
Wall Makes Final Cut For National Award

John Wall makes the final cut for the 2010 Bob Cousy award.

Wall, called by Magic Johnson a 'superstar' during an LEX18 interview, is one of six .

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame says it's John Wall, Kansas senior Sherron Collins, Scottie Reynolds of Villanova, Jon Scheyer of Duke, Evan Turner of Ohio State, and Greivis Vasquez of Maryland.

This annual award is given to college basketball's top point guard and is named after Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtics guard Bob Cousy.

The winner of the 2010 Bob Cousy Award will be announced on April 1 with the award presentation coming at the Final Four on Monday April 5 as part of the Bob Cousy Award Breakfast and Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announcement.

Wall is averaging 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds a game.

 

 


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