The lowdown
2000-01 record: 24-10; 12-4 in SEC (t1st in East)
Final Ranking: No. 8 ESPN/USA Today; No. 9 AP
Postseason: Lost to USC 80-76 in third round of NCAA Tournament.
Three Questions for 2001-02
1. Will Gerald Fitch, Cliff Hawkins and J.P. Blevins be a better answer than Saul Smith at the point? Which one will be the most consistent?
2. Can Jason Parker return in time to make a difference inside? Is he needed?
3. Will Jules Camara be a more experienced player when he returns to the court? Will he be a better scorer?
Best case scenario
Andy Katz's Scenarios
Best case: Kentucky has everything in place to make a run for the national title. The key could come down to how Keith Bogans, Tayshaun Prince, Marvin Stone, Marquis Estill, Jules Camara, Cliff Hawkins and Rashaad Carruth all mesh. If they do then this team will be lethal.
Worst case: The Wildcats get knocked out of the Elite Eight or Sweet 16. This team is destined for a good season.
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Key Players Returning
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Player
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Yr.
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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Keith Bogans
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Jr.
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G
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6-5/205
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PTS: 17.0 | REB: 4.6 | AST: 2.4
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Tayshaun Prince
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Sr.
|
F
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6-9/215
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PTS: 16.9 | REB: 6.5 | AST: 2.9
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Jason Parker
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So.
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C/F
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6-8/253
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PTS: 8.6 | REB: 4.7 | AST: 0.6
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Marquis Estill
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Jr.
|
F
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6-9/240
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PTS: 7.2 | REB: 3.8 | AST: 0.6
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Gerald Fitch
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So.
|
G
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6-3/188
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PTS: 6.8 | REB: 4.4 | AST: 1.9
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Marvin Stone
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Jr.
|
C/F
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6-10/253
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PTS: 6.0 | REB: 4.6 | AST: 0.6
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Key Losses
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|
Player
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
|
Comment
|
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Saul Smith
|
G
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6-2/175
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PTS: 6.8 | REB: 2.1 | AST: 3.8
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Kentucky Signings
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|
Player
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Pos.
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Ht.
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High School/College
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Adam Chiles
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G
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6-1
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Louisville, Ky./Ballard H.S.
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Josh Carrier
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G
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6-3
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Bowling Green, Ky./Bowling Green H.S.
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Rashaad Carruth
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G
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6-3
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College Park, Ga./Oak Hill Academy
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Chuck Hayes
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F
|
6-7
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Modesto, Calif./Modesto Christian
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