xt7jm61bp793 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7jm61bp793/data/mets.xml The Kentucky Kernel Kentucky -- Lexington The Kentucky Kernel 2003-03-10 Earlier Titles: Idea of University of Kentucky, The State College Cadet newspapers  English   Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. The Kentucky Kernel  The Kentucky Kernel, March 10, 2003 text The Kentucky Kernel, March 10, 2003 2003 2003-03-10 2020 true xt7jm61bp793 section xt7jm61bp793 March 10, 2003 http://wwj ylm ne 1 .c o r'

COLUMN BE” MMK LEE ES EAFE COLE, MNESl ' PEEQUGRAPH BY BRAD WELDER ! KERNCL

 

Sometimes it takes a
while to get used to a
new leader. For some
Kentucky fans. it‘s taken
six seasons to admit that
Tubby Smith shouldn't
be run out of town.

Cat fans are a rare
breed. Until this year‘s
team solidified itself as a
national power. skeptics
questioned Smith‘s ahili-
ty to coach their beloved
Wildcats.

Before the season
started one fan on a
local radio shou said he
would be disappointed
even if the Cats “on the
national title this year
out of fear that he would
“get stuck with Tuhhx
for at least a few more
yearsf‘

Clearly there is a tine
line between a Cat tan
and a fanatic.

Since the 1999 season.
Cats fans have struggled
to accept Smith.

Tubby isn’t Rick
Pitino. his teams don't
run the full-court pre»
like l’itino's and they
rarely score 9(‘J-plus

See SPOTLIGHT on A2

 

      
 

CW 31195 d Mace
t l

   
 
  
   
     
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
   
 
  
   
   
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
 
  

\.

 

 

A2" I MONDAY, MARCH l0, 2003 I KENTUCKY KERNEL

 

 

MARK BOXLEY I KERNEL STAFF

Kelenna Azuhuike was a heralded freshman when he arrived at UK last fall. Despite lit-
tle playing time, Azubuike and other Cats have kept quiet unlike previous years when

disruptions derailed the Cats.

SPOTLIGHT

Continued from page Al

points.

Fans didn‘t like the way he
coached the players 011 or off the
court. They didn‘t like the new
defensive system he instituted
and they didnt like it when he
shook things up the last few
yea1s demanding discipline
from his players by any means
necessary v even dismissal.

Dick Vitale nailed it when he
addressed the crowd at halftime
of the Georgia game. saying
Lexington had some of the best
basketball fans in the country,
but “they can be a little overzeal-
ous at times.” He was referring
to all the criticism Smith has
received since winning the
national championship in his
first year.

Dicky V. calls the UK job a
pressure cooker and he is right
All Tubby has done since he has
been here is win one national
championship and at least 20
games per season. Cat fans act
like national titles should come
every other year, and Final
Fours should come every year.

But Tubby has remained
calm and classy.

Not to say their criticism was
completely off base. Let’s face it,
the 1999 and 2000 seasons weren’t
Smith’s best work. He had a
short bench and the Cats weren't
shooting well.

Even throughout the last few
mediocre years, Tubby 3 teams
played consistently good defense.
It wasn ’t the full court press but
they kept the final scores low
even when they lost.

It just took him a few years to
produce a team that played
noticeably good defense, the
kind that sparks 18-game win-
ning streaks.

Many Cat fans criticized
Tubby for allowing the mass exo-
dus of players in the off-season,
but it was actually fantastic per-
sonnel coaching. He’s got players
that aren’t as interested in scor-

ing 20 points per game as they are
in winning a national champi-
onship, which is what every Cat
fan wants.

Tubby doesn't recruit players
that rack 11p enough stats in their
first tWo seasons to leave. He
tecruits guys who will give him
the best chance of winning a
national title.

As for the superstar players
that ’I‘ubby doesnt have or
appear to be bringing 111 next year
« who needs them? I‘d take a
player like Chuck Hayes Erik
Daniels or Gelald Fitch ove1 a
Rashaad Ca11uth 01 Jason P211 ker
any day of the week. Tubby‘s
recruits are team players.

But there's a reason why the
crowd was chanting “Tubby!
Tubby!" in the final minutes
against Tennessee Feb. 26.

Tubby is a great defensive
coach. He is on pace to earn
national coach of the year hon~
ors for the second time in six sea-
sons at UK. He has quietly taken
four UK teams to at least the
Sweet 16.

His career winning percent-
age is 72 percent compared to
Pitino‘s 73 pm cent and he has
won the same number of nation-
al championships. Tubby’s
teams also run a defense that is
as dominating, if not more dom-
inating than Pitino’s UK teams.

Tubby might just end up
being as good a coach as Pitino
too, but I doubt it will be at UK.
After all, he’s been courted by
the NBA every year since he has
been in Lexington, and there‘s
only so much pressure cooking a
person can take.

Which brings me to the 2004
presidential election. I’ll give
you a hint at whose ticket I’m
riding: he’s not on the ballot, and
his name is Orlando.

There, I said it. Now all you
Wildcat fanatics can run me out
of town, too.

Mark Lee is a journalism senior. His
views do not necessarily represent
those of the Kernel.

      
 
     

Bythenumliers

yr
.3.

’O‘m
The number of wins the Cats'
current winning strealt has ex-
tended to with Saturday's win
at Florida.

Conference losses this season
for UK, only the second time
since 1956 a SEC team has
gone undefeated in conference
play. The last time was when
Rick Pitino's l996 Cats went
l6-0 and won the national ti-
tle.

Smith‘s career winning per-
centage. He is 282-108 in l2
years at UK, Georgia and Tulsa.
His 158-46 record at UK is
good enough for 77 percent
also.

3 s
’3

Rick Pitino’s career winning
percentage. Pitino's winning
percentage while at UK was 81
percent (219-50) over eight
seasons.

r “$3.9
UK's scoring average this sea-

son, good enough for second
in'the SEC behind Georgia.

Number of seniors (Keith Bo-
gans, Jules Camara and Mar-
guis Estill) on Smith's squad

this year, equaling the number

from the last two seasons
combined (Saul Smith in 2001
and JP. Blevins and Tayshaun
Prince in 2002).

5:;

SEC Regular season titles
Smith has won in six years at
UK. lie has won three SEC
Tournament titles and will be
going for his fourth next week-
end at the Superdome in New
Orleans where the Cats should
be heavy favorites to win their
24th conference tournament
crown.

 

 

 

     
     
  
         

Before You Head South,
Make A Break For

Full Service Car Wash 0 Express Detail Service
' 24 Hour Rain Check Guarantee

550 South Broadway

Adjacent to Campus 2 Blocks From Bupp Arena
at the Corner of South Broadway and Bolivar

254-0483

  

 

0

UNIVERSITY OF KENTU

GOT IG BLUE FEVER?

Break Away In A New Wildcat Tee From

  

 

 

ngSlT‘l hp

{11111111

'1
l
;1
:1
\i

This spring Break, Get Blue On The Beadil
All Styles 8 Colors . BIG Selection

 

 

 

 

 

 

QF K ZNTUCKY

Bookstore o

{TY 106 Student Center Annex
257-6304

 
    

KENTUCKY

' rim 5

 

 

Bookstore www.ukbookstore.com
—.———l
t , ‘

  

KENTUCKY KERNEL I MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2003 l A3

NCAA TOURNAMENT BRACKETS

2003 NCAA Division I Men's

Basketball Championship

First lbmd‘ Second Round“

""h-.w_“- ‘El:r|_lgl.‘".l'3

Regional:

 

 

Ildoml
Championship

National
Se-ilinals

National
Semifinals

 

 

 

 

Midwest
Minneapolis
March 27 & 29

 

New orLeCiNf

 

San Antonio

 

 

March 28 8- 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Orleans

New Orleans
April 7

April 5 National Champion April 5

 

 

 

West
Anaheim

 

 

 

 

March 27 8: 29

Second hind"

Hair.“ 22 m :3

first Round"

I.‘ 51th 20 I.'.l 2'

 

 

 

 

South

 

 

New Orleans

 

 

 

 

 

 

“'9131' . a: An m~m w.” .. ‘1
:‘~.\....,} . . ,_ 3.5 Ania)“,“nun.“ ,. t u. i. ”I

' trio-vow xmuJ .unw rum .1 n.. .., it '1 .u. ".2 -. u.

 

ll ... xii . w-‘I‘iw

March 23 81 30

 

‘ ...i-'\.' ,';'\:\i....' .1

 

 

 

 

 

East
Albany

 

 

 

 

l‘VIrv"l

Wu 1", \ .u' -. r". n .. -r.: . . .‘u ‘.'.'.'. "in -. m...‘ -, . I“'.'u"'

 

 

 

 

(859) 266-3999

3 its . .

I - Tropical Indoor pool

' - Relaxing jacuzzi with picturesque

° Outdoor pool & sundeck '31
V * - State 0/ the art fitness center

. Private patios & balconies

Efz-j ° Washer & dryer units available
. Fireplaces in select apartment homes

 

The Real Enchilada."
1"

SEC/ NCAA TOURNAMENT SPECIALS
SEE AD PAGE A8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fax (859) 268-1098
175 North Locust Hill Drive
Lexington Kentucky 40509

stone water/all
- Spacious clubhouse with large screen television
- On-site clothes care center

- Free aerobic classes

- 24 hour emergency maintenance

- Resident activities/ barbeque area

- Convenient to many area shopping centers
- Washer & dryer connections available

 

 

 

Cbilbren
are a G 1ft

Right to Life of Central Kentucky
169 East Reynolds Rd. Suite 201A
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 272-3920 CKRTL@juno.com
UK Students for Life

 

 

Stoney Brooke

APARTMENTS

Enjoy Amenities Like:

. Indoor/ outdoor Pool
- limos: center
. Washer I Ilmr Ilool-dn
. coworod Portion
- lit tennis Courts

Bring in this coupon in for
specials on our one or two
bedroom apartments.
Get a one bedroom for
$499 or a two bedroom for
$545/$599*

L-—-—--——-—-J

STONEY BROOKE
175 N. MT. TABOR RD.
LEXINGTON, KY 40509

(859) 268-0962

' Special Restrictions Apply

Stoney
Falls

APARTMENTS

S pacious flpartments
C ourteous Staff
0 utrageous flmenitles
R eadu to "love In!
E xcellent Prices!
Enjoy amenities like:
Fireplaces 0 Washer/dryer hookups

Ceiling fans - Vaulted Ceilings 0 Pool
Exercise Facilities 0 Tanning Beds

2020 flrmstrong llilll Rd.

273- 7500 fa

‘ Q 9
Kitty 0 Shea 3
Come watch all the games on
our big screen TV’S!

Drink specials throughout
NCAA Toumamcnt!

Live Music every Tuesday - Saturday!

si:\\"' outsirmiiiigxs‘
Made li'csh. (irillcil last

zine».
{um

.ertills be it‘s.
millw: Steal am!
'i Iiil‘l ll“.ll1'l'ifl
At l i cu ' “ w auscamoe.

the 'iu‘v "3n." snisas.

"' ‘ll vfl isn't" 'léiL ‘
Xena l.li‘.::l:.~. irs .m:
1"If""- .u {lean l .I. i e l "ii-i
x-t‘U .iI‘J Sensor: hit
3'7 " Tlf‘i‘“ E'll"

.-. ,< ,\ n.’

Nat us" in: Hunts. in: tl "mm

9...;

l “and ‘. i W H
I’li‘l” lfli’HI- ' “' i“ ‘ . "L-
.' A I

Try a Quesadilla and
soft drink for 55.

‘,r.

 

 

 A4 3 Mo’lDAY, MARCH i0 2003 l

KENTUCKY KEIIIEI.

KENTUCKY KERNEL I MONDAY, MARCHIO, 2003 l A5

SEC'S balance could produce upsets in tourney

The

KENTUCKY

Cats dominated the conference this season finishing undefeated and Winning their 42nd SEC Championship.
Tubby Smith steam picked itself up after a disappointing loss to Loursville and began playing wrth a stronger

defense. allowing its offense to fall into place. It will come as no surprise if the Cats led by senior Keith Bogans,

make a sweep of the tournament.

 

FLORIDA A

Florida was a contender for the eastern dryison title throughout the se rson but late season losses to Georgia and

Kentucky put them out of the hunt for good The tournament should give Billy Dononvan and his Gators a
chance to redeem themselves With revenge on their mind the Gators are a true threat to the SEC 5 elite.

GEORGIA

The Bulldogs came into the season strong Wlih leadership from senior Ezra Williams and tumor Jarvrs
Hayes. Despite recent allegations accusmg Jim Harrick Sr. and Jim Harrick Jr. of Violating NCAA
rules. the Dawgs have been able to keep their composure and pulled off an end-0f-the-season

upset will over No. 3 Florida. Don t count Georgia out yet.

1'"

 

TENNESSEE

With eight confernce losses under
their belt, the Vols need a
strong SEC Tournament to

solidify an NCAA berth. Big
man, Ron Slay. could lead the
team to the top.

S. CAROLINA

The Gamecocks’ road through the

SEC was a turbulent one. Under the
leadership of Chuck Eidson. the Game-

cocks have a veteran team that could hurt an
impatient younger team.

 

 

VAN DERBILT

Vanderbilt finished last in the eastern division with 12 losses. its appearance may be short lived in the
tournamnet unless coach Kevin Stallings can rally the Commodores to a surprising first-round upset.

 

AUBURN

The Tigers could be a deadly team to face in the tournamnet. With tough inSide talent like senior Marquis
Daniels and Junior Kyle Daws Auburn could beat any team on any given night. Expect to see the Tigers step
it up on the court and give their competition a tough game.

 

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Missrssrpi State proved to be a contender in the western divsion this
season. The Bulldogs showcased such talents as Mario Austin and
Derrick Zimmerman. who ranks as one of the league's top paint
Guards. Don t count the Bulldogs out yet.

ALABAMA

The Tide proved to be somewhat of a disappomtment this sea-
son. reaching No. l nationally and dropping out of the rankings
later in the season. With Erwin Dudley and Maurice Wiliams.
Alabama cou'd come on strong in the tournament and surprise
the favorites of the SEC.

 

OLE MISS

The Rebels have been one of the most disappointing teams in the
conference. finishing at the bottom of the western division. But
Rod Barnes club oiavs harrassmg defense which could carry it

thmugl‘i a surprising tournament run. If any team can make a
run to the title game ‘rom a low seed it might be the Rebels.

 

ARKANSAS

Stan Heaths first vear as Arkansas head coach was not as
succestui as some would have hoped. But the Razorbacks
pressure defense and good bal‘ handling could make them a
surprise threat in the conference tournament

 

LOUISIANA STATE

(unwind c” o' a Madame w nninq streak the Tigers are hot
and :eu'd dose a threat as they make a run for the title

Se .‘Tfi Rona d Du: Tcr'xs Bright and Coins Temp‘e Ill have
what ttakes tc i‘ead the Tigers to the SEC titre.

ThU'Sdav March 13 Friday, March 14 Saturday. March 15

[W1] MISSISSIPPI STATE

[W5] OLE MISS Games Noon [JP]

Game 1 Neon iJP}

{E4} TEN N ESSEE
Noon {JP}

[E2] FLORIDA

[E6] VANDERBILT Games 2 i5 pm [JP]

Game? Elfipm LJP]

[W3] LSU
CHAMPIONSHIP

Game 11
Noon {CBS}

[E1] KENTUCKY

[E5] SOUTH CAROLINA Game 7 6 30 pm [JP]

Game's 630pm {JP}

[W4] ALABAMA r
Game 10 215 pm. {JP}

[W2] AUBURN

[W6] ARKANSAS Game 8 8.45 pm. [JP]

Game4 8.45pm [JP]

[E3] GEORGIA

on (‘2‘ tr 1224* rr r* no: i"? irrrrwirirrr irriririrtrmrir

in .1
it; Limestone Square Igflafifii‘tfié‘lspmgfi‘iaimfi35:1???an ::
g. Apartments

Free Fax and dopier- Washer7dryer in selected units
it s

- Small pets welcome . *3}
f; ”Just steps from campus” CALL TODAY 254- 0101 {a

email: limestoneapts@aol. com

IIII‘T‘“! I? I? I? I?(”IWIIH’ITIAIWTI?”It"! (tiff:

 

THE HOTTEST BEDS IN TOWN...

272-TANN

STU -' ENT DISCOUNTS I!
BUY 3iVISIT$ - GET 2 FREEH

1;1 VISITS - $25.00
Bfingthiscwponbackinlanuatyandyotfll 1 MONTH 535'00

save$100fiany purchase oszoormore- N 1M M HIP FE I!
Thank you for shopping at Plato?» Close-P! PA K , AN ED ANYTIME 1!

mm “was? mm
WOMCE BYMR

M. m A. m .97512317

Ask about

2 bedrooms .

from $711

washer & dryer 4!
included

° Close to campus and shopping

° 0n the lcxtran Blue routc

° lixccutivc business center with computer. fax
and intcrnct access

' ”Si. available

0 Sparkling pool and stintlcck

° 'Ilinning lTCtl. massage therapy and indoor sauna

* TODAY
859-243-0600

? ’n‘iilll \it‘hiilauillt Kil
. a,“ wvs'\\.inlpllt.tom

2003 SEC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

March 13-16 ~ Louisiana Superdome ~ New Orleans. La.

Sunday. March 16

ALL TIMES CENTRAL

Xcingular“

WIRELESS

Authorized Agent

)1: ”If! ”[0”!

)1: FREE on ”HIGH

2;: FREE ‘M‘HM
FEM lflTHfl ”SE
FREE WES mum
(BEE ms "STING!

£38? ”MINE

,i; ACTIVATE ANY curious HOME PLAN 818.99 (It GREATER
2 ya- coup-act
valid w/ com only um! 3/24/03

WfiE-—-?-¥!F—-———J

4
, I-‘A sum .. .

3

.-'.W.‘

"WE'LL MATCH ANV (‘lNGULAR OFFER GUARANTEED"

TWO LOCAL LOCATIONSII

1038 NEW CIRCLE ROAD 503 EUCLID AVENUE

859-233-0754 859-253-999 1

ACROSS FROM SAM'S CLUB CORNER OF EUCLID G WOODLAND

-------
. .. _ .

Monday 0 Frlday 10»? - Saturday 11-6 0 www muslcshOppe com I

I

 

     
  
   
   
    
   
     

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
  
       
   

A6 I MONDAY, MARCH l0, 2003 I KENTUCKY KERNEL

 

z .. em. ~,

A u? 2 Aggie-
.a-m-s n.4,.-

UK center Marquis Estill scores two of his 17 Senior Night points Wednesday against Vanderbilt. UK fans want Estill to return for
one more season, but he hopes to play in the NBA so he can provide for his 1-year-old daughter, Jaylani (below), and graduate
over the summer. He can gain an extra year of eligibility it he graduates by August.

UK center keeps focus on academics, family, basketball season ., (it
despite his NBA dreams and the intense pressures of all four ' a *

Bv trails "inlaid

SPORTSDAlLY EDlTOR

Marquis Estill's strong. broad shoulders
are perfect for posting up Southeastern Confer-
ence post defenders and carrying his team—
mates and family on his back.

But as physically imposing and strong-
willed as the 6-foot~9 University of Kentucky
center is. the pressures to return to school next
year get tiresome.

Estill grew up as the man of his mother's
house in Richmond. less than 30 minutes from
l‘K's campus. But he praises his childhood. Es-
till said his mother. Tanya. was always there for
him even if his father wasn‘t. and he and his
two siblings had everything they always needed.

Playing basketball in the spotlight that is
the University of Kentucky has not made con-
eentrating on his work , both academically
and athletically easy. but it has allowed Estill
to stay close to his family. Three years into his
l'K career. Estill's family grew with the birth of
his daughter. Jaylani. With new responsibili-
ties. the pressure also grew.

“it's been kind of tough going through
s«‘hool. having a daughter and taking care of
ill‘l' and being on the road and missing classes."
he said "lint I had a pretty good life growing up
and l Wouldn‘t change it for the world. Now. I’m
looking to give my daughter things that I never
had so she can grow up even better than I did."

Trying to graduate on time as an NCAA
partial qualifier and preparing for the NBA.
while still leading the No. 2 Cats into the NCAA
Tournament makes his daily life even more
hectic

Few college athletes have as much to keep
them busy as Estill.

 

 

Homegrown hero

Marquis [still went almost
unnoticed as a college basket-
ball recruit. If not for UK coach
tubby Smith catching one of the
center's high school games on
television. [still might have
played somewhere else.

Instead, the 6-foot-9 center
from Richmond stayed near
home to play for the Cats. After
leading Madison Central High
School to the state title game,
Estill arrived at UK as an acade-
mic partial qualifier. Because he
did not meet NCAA academic
requirements for incoming
freshmen he had to sit out his
freshman season.

Estill's career at UK has nev-
er been easy. He became a fa-
ther more than a year ago and
is burdened with the stereo-
types of being a partial qualifi-
er.

But Estill is intent on accom-
plishing more than just playing
in the NBA: He wants to lead UK
to the Final Four and graduate
also.

Athletes
are
publicized
enough,
and to
. WY, W315 label him

negatively
because
he’s had
some
short-
comings
academic-

 

Degree will not guarantee return

When fans aren‘t talking up the Cats
and their 20-game winning streak on the ra-
dio call-in shows. they are begging for Estill‘s
answer.

Will he be back next year?

It depends. but it doesn‘t depend on
him graduating. says UK coach
Tubby Smith.

Smith said Estill will earn
his degree regardless of t ..
whether or not he gains an ex- ‘
tra year of eligibility. but the
center’s NBA Draft status "
might delay the date.

Estill signed to play at
UK in the spring of 1999, but
without the adequate NCAA
entrance requirements the
Madison Central High School
star had to sit out his freshman
season as a partial qualifier. .
Now a senior, Estill could regain . ,
the lost year of eligibility and \ ‘-
play next year if he graduates by
August.

Smith expects Estill to gradu-
ate even if he chooses not to take
advantage of a fourth year of el-
igibility and enter the NBA
Draft. Every four-year player in
Smith's previous five years at
UK has graduated. Smith's son
Saul graduated in 2001 with a
degree in finance and econom—
ics. JP. Blevins earned his com-
munications degree and
Tayshaua Prince earned his so—

See [STILL on A8

something,
as the
NCAA,
that we
need to
address.”

- Tubby Smith,

UK basketball coach on the
unfair stereotype that comes
with being a partial
academic qualifier like
Marquis Estill.

 

University Village
NOW AVAILABLE

-22h Waller '\\l‘lilll‘
M’iK ll’ii'il \\d\hl‘l riner l.l(i|il\
$ll)t’)() liltilliil

College Night

l
l
l
l

Tuesdays 9:30pm

630 in! litl '\\l‘lilli‘
'il’iK zlilll
$800 month

'3 'll Mleslord Au‘iiue
Si’iK Zlilil washer (lnei lli( luded i V

SIBSO month . . . .
Univemty Cosmic Bowling

~38” Olrlhani "\H‘lillt‘

Jl’iii' washer i(1l\il'l lat ilily Every Tuesday at 9:30pm.
$ti‘ili month
' ' ' " ‘ ’i‘ . '. . .
l lll\t isily \Illaiii l [((irntilil ipls Musucprovrdedbyitock300

l’iraiiil lit is int lurles Washer Dryer
\iiiii .i I f month lease and ([l‘i llii- liisl nionlli lrei-Il
tpaitiiienls start .il $316 .i month

GlOW~In-[h€-Dari( Lighting

Disco Balls. Razz‘ma-uzz.

~WiNHiimi