Thursday, February 17, 2000
Smith brings back 6 a.m. practices
BY NEIL SCHMIDT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Rise and shine. It's Wildcat time.
Eight hours after its game ended Wednesday, Kentucky was expected back on the basketball court this morning. Coach Tubby Smith has restored the 6 a.m. practices which worked so well in the 1998 championship season.
“We actually were supposed to get (this) morning off, but Coach was mad at us, so we're going at 6,” junior Saul Smith said. “We were kind of looking forward to a morning off.”
Tubby Smith has instituted 6 a.m. practices all three of his seasons at UK.
“We need to recommit ourselves, because this time of year you get a little stale,” Smith said. “You need to make some changes to shake things up.”
The timing is interesting. Smith made this mandate Monday, which was Feb. 14. In 1998, he began morning practices on Feb. 15. UK responded that year by winning its next 13 games to claim the NCAA title.
Wednesday, though, the Wildcats weren't so sure they liked the idea.
“I thought it hurt us tonight,” sophomore Tayshaun Prince said. “We looked sluggish and tired. Waking up that early takes its toll.”
Pair healed
One of the few bright spots Wednesday was the play of Jules Camara and Marvin Stone, who both were returning from injuries. The “stress reaction” in Camara's foot and hairline fracture in Stone's thumb were both improved.
Camara totaled 10 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots. Stone totaled nine points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
“Me and Jules just want to provide energy, a spark, when we come in,” Stone said.
Said Camara: “I'm fine. I was ready to come out and play hard.”
Hawkins sightng
UK fans can see signee Cliff Hawkins play Saturday.
Hawkins is a 6-foot-1 point guard for national prep power Oak Hill Academy. Oak Hill will play Kentucky's top-ranked team, Louisville Ballard, at 9 p.m. Saturday at Louisville Gardens.
'Cats tales
Shaun Alexander, the Boone County grad who earned Southeastern Conference football Player of the Year honors, attended the game and sat on Alabama's bench.
• UK's 71 shot attempts were two shy of its season high.
• UK has won 17 consecutive home games.
• UK is 12-0 this season when holding its opponent under 60 points.
Up next
UK plays host to Georgia (10-14, 3-8 SEC) at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Sports Stories
Reds have own great expectations
Sanders still at half speed
Selig's comments not promising for Rose
Griffey merchandise a big hit
Bengals: Booker signing 'sends message'
Booker had long trip home
Search on for stadium solutions
Stadium just more bad news for football fans
Debacle could delay other projects
Commissioners learning costly lessons
Lessons will be put to use on Reds park
County signs up public relations support
Let's recruit Mike Brown for our team
UC: Polls, streaks no pressure
A-10 looking into fight at Xavier game
