Wednesday, July 04, 2001
UK touted as Final Four team
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Kentucky is being touted as a Final Four contender in a series of early projections. FoxSports.com and CBSsportsline.com both project UK as No.2. Dick Vitale ranks it fifth and CNNSI.com picks it sixth.
Duke is No.1 in all those predictions.
The key question about UK's Final Four potential is Jason Parker's status. After surgery Monday to repair his torn ACL, doctors said the sophomore forward might be able to return in midseason — though no earlier than January.
“It's possible he could play (following the rehabilitation period), but it's really difficult to say, because there are so many variables,” team physician David Caborn said. “Ultimately, what will be done will be in Jason's best interest.”
Vitale had rated UK second but dropped the Wildcats after Parker's injury.
UK lost only point guard Saul Smith from a 24-10 team. The Cats will add redshirt Jules Camara and incoming freshmen Rashaad Carruth, Josh Carrier, Adam Chiles and Chuck Hayes.
It's one of the deepest teams in school history — so deep it was three players over its scholarship limit. Marquis Estill, Cory Sears and Todd Tackett all have agreed to relinquish their scholarships but remain with the team this winter.
UC, XU rank in early Top 25s for basketball
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UK touted as Final Four team
