Sunday, January 09, 2000
Magloire doubles pleasure
UK NOTEBOOK
BY NEIL SCHMIDT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Senior center Jamaal Magloire totaled 15 points and 10 rebounds Saturday, his fifth double-double of the season and the 10th of his career.
He has scored in double figures in nine consecutive games, lifting his season average from 9.0 ppg to 12.1.
“I think our players, especially Saul (Smith) and J.P. (Blevins), did a good job exposing Vanderbilt's weakness,” Magloire said. “They weren't solid on the inside and we took advantage of that by going inside more.”
That meant drawing fouls and hitting free throws, which he did — going 5-of-6 from the line Saturday. He has made 34 of his last 40 foul shots (.850) to lift his season percentage from .617 to .690.
“I credit repetition,” he said. “I haven't changed my routine. (It's) just the repetition.”
Prince out of Padgett
He's a rangy, 6-foot-9 power forward who likes bombing 3-pointers and blocking shots inside. And no, we're not talking about Scott Padgett.
Kentucky sophomore swingman Tayshaun Prince is starting to play like that former Wildcat, improving his outside shot and all-around arsenal.
“I guess I'm developing a pretty similar game,” Prince said. “If I get more rebounds, you can really make that comparison.”
Prince has been on a tear since moving from small forward to power forward six games ago. He has averaged 16.2 ppg in that span, raising his scoring average to a team-high 14.5, 10th-best in the Southeastern Conference. He has also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks since changing positions.
He scored a game-high 17 points Saturday, making a career-high five 3-pointers in seven such attempts. He had never before made more than three in a game.
“When he makes those threes, it's like a dagger through the heart,” UK coach Tubby Smith said. “He has great range, and at 6-9, it's hard to contest that shot.”
Prince entered Saturday's game shooting just .310 from 3-point range and shot .287 from that distance last year.
“I think that can be one of my strengths,” Prince said. “If I can keep hitting those, it will really open up my inside game — they'll have to come out and guard me.”
Derek sighting
There were no updates Saturday on Derek Smith's decision whether to join UK's basketball team. The freshman tight end from Highlands attended the game Saturday with his family and talked to Tubby Smith afterward.
That was to be his final meeting with UK officials; he is expected to make his decision as soon as today for a probable Monday announcement.
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