Sunday, March 19, 2000
Prince says NBA can wait another year
BY NEIL SCHMIDT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CLEVELAND — The last shot of Kentucky's season won't be the last of Tayshaun Prince's college career. The sophomore swingman insists he'll be back, bigger and better.
“I've got a long way to go and a lot to learn before I'm ready for the pros,” he said. “I especially need to get stronger. The (NBA) money will be there; it's not going anywhere. It's just a matter of coming back and being prepared, playing another season for Kentucky.”
These days, the question needs asking. UK has had a player enter the NBA draft early each of the past four seasons: Antoine Walker in 1996, Ron Mercer in '97, Nazr Mohammed in '98 and Jamaal Magloire last year, though Magloire later changed his mind and returned to school.
Prince ended this season as UK's leading scorer (13.4 ppg) and averaged six rebounds a game.
His play Saturday was a microcosm of his season, talent being shown only in teasing doses. He attempted only one first-half shot and was scoreless at intermission, then had 10 points in the last 10:21 and nearly saved the season — again — with a last-
second basket.
His 3-pointer with seven seconds left in regulation Thursday against St.Bonaventure forced overtime. Saturday, his stickback at the buzzer nearly dropped, bouncing left off the rim.
“That was a very difficult shot to make, especially not knowing how much time was on the clock,” Prince said. “It just didn't fall.”
Prince scored a career-high 28 points against St.Bonaventure and seemed to play better this week back in his original small forward spot.
“Taking that burden of having to guard the opposing team's power forward has freed him to utilize his size and all his skills on the perimeter,” UK coach Tubby Smith said. “At 6-9, being able to shoot the ball with range, put the ball on the floor, defend guys on the perimeter, that's been the biggest change.”
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said Saturday his defensive strategy had been to contain Prince. Expect to hear that a lot from coaches next year.
“We can be a great team next year,” Prince said. “It'll be a very fun year.”
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