Post by shainsizemore22 on Nov 30, 2005 4:31:59 GMT -5
1. Kentucky
Coach: Tubby Smith (219-58, 8 seasons; 343-120 overall) 2004-05 overall and conference records: 28-6, 14-2 Conference finish: 1st Postseason result: Lost to Michigan State, NCAA regional finals Home court: Rupp Arena (23,000) Notable non-conference game: vs. Louisville, Dec. 17
OUTLOOK: The Wildcats were prepared for the departure of last season's leading rebounder Chuck Hayes, but decisions by leading scorer Kelenna Azubuike and center Randolph Morris to test the draft waters could come back to haunt them. Morris did not sign with an agent and has applied for reinstatement. The back and forth between Kentucky and the NCAA regarding Morris' eligibility bears watching. What Kentucky does have is an explosive backcourt featuring Rajon Rondo, Patrick Sparks and Joe Crawford. Rondo was voted to the preseason All-SEC team and is one of if not the most talented penetrator in the conference. Sparks is a long range bomber who is not afraid to take the big shots and will start at the off guard spot. Crawford, a former McDonald's All-American, played sparingly as a freshman and left the team for a week last season before deciding to return. His scoring ability could be one of the keys to make up for the absences of Hayes, Azubuike and Morris if his situation is not cleared up. If not Crawford, Smith is confident that someone else will fill the void. "I don't think it will be much of a problem. Coaches are innovative and creative to overcome the loss of players. We've got quite a few guys that are eager to step in. Every time somebody leaves, we look at it as an opportunity to improve." The Wildcats will play non-conference foes North Carolina, Louisville and Indiana.
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