Oct. 11, 2000 SportsLine.com Reports

SEC report | NCAA Tournament Report

A glance at 2001

Kentucky coach Tubby Smith's name seems to surface whenever an NBA job becomes vacant, but he still hasn't left Lexington, much to the delight of Kentucky fans.

He comments occasionally about the enormity of his job, but he sneaks in a few jabs at the fans from time to time and has shown no real signs that he's not in it for the long haul at UK.

Who'll be back

Kentucky returns three starters in Saul Smith, Keith Bogans and Tayshaun Prince, plus top reserves J.P. Blevins and Marvin Stone.

• Prince (6-9, 215, Jr.): The most versatile Cat, Prince took turns sharing the role of go-to guy with Magloire, and becomes the primary scorer after averaging 13.3 points a game. His long arms are valuable on the glass and defense, but his skinny frame often is a detriment against physical teams. Prince needs to get bigger and stronger because, without Magloire, his inside presence becomes even more valuable.
• Smith (6-2, 175, Sr.): Has been inconsistent at times as a playmaker and shooter in his career, but considering the enormous pressure he's under as the coach's son for one of the most-analyzed programs in the country, Smith has been fine.
• Bogans (6-5, 215, So.): It's no coincidence that after a 4-4 start without Bogans in the starting lineup, UK went 18-4 the rest of the way with him as a starter. Although only a freshman, he's one of the strongest and most physical players on the team. He can shoot the 3 or power his way to the goal, and he's not afraid to shoot his way out of a slump.
• Blevins (6-2, 181, Jr.) has been an adequate backup point guard, at times playing the role of sparkplug with his hustle and 3-point shooting.
• Stone (6-10, 256, So.) was hindered by a broken thumb through much of the season, but he still must improve defensively if he hopes to replace Magloire.

Who's gone

Center Jamal Magloire will be difficult to replace because of what he gave the Wildcats on both ends of the court. Magloire's scoring and rebounding can be replaced. It's his intimidating presence on defense that figures to be missed the most.

Allison, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from Tampa, Fla., started all but two games. He was considered one of the top defensive players on the team.

Top reserve Jules Camara was dismissed from the team for at least a year following his DUI conviction on Oct. 10. Under Kentucky's zero-tolerance alcohol policy, the 6-foot-11 junior from Senegal stands to lose his scholarship, but could return to the team next season. His presence will be missed in the paint.

Key newcomers

Smith promises that he won't be caught again with only 10 available scholarship players, as he was caught last season.

He signed two players in the November period and might sign two more in April, including perhaps another junior-college forward.

One already in the fold who should step right in at center is 6-9 Marquis Estill, who failed to qualify academically but was allowed to practice with the team. After missing part of the season because of knee problems, Estill became a valuable practice player over the final two months, giving Magloire more competition and giving Smith high hopes for what the native of Richmond, Ky., can do next season.

One potential center was 6-10 November signee Michael Southall of from West Salem, Wis. However, Southall's scholarship was revoked by Smith after Southall pled guilty to drug charges on June 6.

Cliff Hawkins could push Saul Smith at the point next season. He also could allow Smith and Blevins both to play a little more on the wing, where they'll get more open 3-pointers. The muscular Hawkins is a great passer from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va.