xt7bvq2s5496 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7bvq2s5496/data/mets.xml University of Kentucky 1996  athletic publications English University of Kentucky Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. University of Kentucky Basketball Media Guides (Men) Basketball, 1996 text Basketball, 1996 1996 2012 true xt7bvq2s5496 section xt7bvq2s5496 5
^ 1995-96
3 BASKETBALL (Clockwise, from top) Walter McCarty & Anthony Epps with Ryan Pitino;
The Kentucky Wildcat; Jeff Sheppard; Tony Delk with Kentucky native Muhammad Alt; Rick Pitino with Walter McCarty: Anthony Epps. i 
The 1995-96 University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Media Guide was produced by the University of Kentucky Athletics Association, CM. Newton, Director.
University of Kentucky Athletics Memorial Coliseum Avenue of Champions Lexington, KY 40506-0019 (606) 257-8000
CREDITS_
Written &
Compiled......Brooks Downing
Editors...................Rena Vicini &
Brooks Downing
Editorial Assistants.............Andre
Foushee, Ryan Robinson, Brett Johnson, Shawn Robinson, Judd Hancock, Joyce Baxter
Contributing Writers...........Julie
Wiedmer, Russell Rice
Photography............David Coyle,
Dallas Mavericks, Washington Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers, Vatican Services, Bill Straus, Brooks Downing
Graphic Design............By Design
Cover Design...Cameron Creative
Printing...Post Printing Company
To purchase additional copies of this publication, send check/ money order for $15 each, which includes postage/handling to:
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ATHLETICS Media Relations Memorial Coliseum Lexington, KY 40506-0019
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1995-96 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY BASKETBALL GUIDE
GENERAL INFORMATION_
Covering the Cats................................................2-3
Basketball Quick Facts.............................................3
Athletics Phone Directory.......................................4
OUTLOOK_
1995-96 Preview.................................................6-12
Roster.....................................................................13
SEC/NCAA Brackets............................................14
1995-96 UK Schedule............................Back Cover
THE PLAYERS_
Radio/TV Chart.....................................................16
Derek Anderson.....................................................17
TonyDelk.........................................................18-19
Allen Edwards........................................................20
Anthony Epps...................................................21-22
Jason Lathrem........................................................23
Walter McCarty................................................24-25
Ron Mercer............................................................26
Cameron Mills.......................................................27
Nazr Mohammed...................................................28
Mark Pope........................................................29-30
Jared Prickett....................................................31-32
JeffSheppard....................................................33-34
Oliver Simmons.....................................................35
Wayne Turner........................................................36
Antoine Walker................................................37-38
Player Game-by-Game Stats............................39-46
THE STAEF_
Rick Pitino........................................................48-53
Jim O'Brien............................................................54
Delray Brooks.........................................................55
Winston Bennett...................................................56
Shaun Brown, Bill Keightley.................................57
Support Staff..........................................................58
1394-95 REVIEW_
Italy Tour '95 ....................................................60-61
Season Review.......................................................62
Final Season Stats..................................................63
Game-by-Game Stats.......................................64-65
Departed Lettermen...............................................66
1994-95 Team Awards...........................................67
Game Reviews..................................................68-78
Final SEC Team Stats............................................79
Final SEC Individual Stats....................................80
THE OPPONENTS_
Alabama / Arkansas................ .........................82-83
Auburn / Florida...............................................84-85
Georgia / Georgia Tech....................................86-87
Indiana / Iona...................................................88-89
LSU / Louisville................................................90-91
Marshall / Maryland.........................................92-93
Massachusetts / Mississippi...............................94-95
Mississippi State / Morehead State..................96-97
Rider/St. John's...............................................98-99
South Carolina / Tennessee..........................100-101
Texas Christian / Vanderbilt........................102-103
Wisconsin-Green Bay..........................................104
THE UNIVERSITY_
This is UK.....................................................106-107
CATS Academics.........................................108-109
UK Facilities.................................................110-111
Team Travel.........................................................112
Blue and White Fund..........................................113
President, Athletics Director.......................114-115
Administrative Staff.....................................116-117
Other UK Head Coaches....................................118
Committee of 101 / Alumni Assoc......................119
Lexington, Kentucky...........................................120
TRAUITION E HISTORY_
Kentucky Basketball Timeline.....................122-129
UK Basketball Museum.......................................130
Coaches Through The Years........................131-132
National Championship Teams...................133-141
UK Lettermen..............................................142-144
Success  Academic & Athletic................145-151
All-Americans..............................................152-153
Retired Jerseys..................'.............................154-155
Awards & Honors.........................................156-158
Who Were?..........................................................159
UK in the NCAA Tournament...................160-163
UK in the SEC ............................................164-165
UK in Invitational Tournaments.........................166
Top 10 Rankings..................................................166
All-Time Wire Rankings..............................167-170
Biggest Games..............................................171-174
Cats on TV...................................................175-176
Alumni Gym........................................................177
Memorial Coliseum.............. ........................178-179
Rupp Arena..................................................180-181
Freedom Hall / Louisville.............................182-183
Cats in the Pros....................................................184
The Southeastern Conference.............................185
1995-96 SEC Schedule........................................186
UK Pageantry...............................................187-188
RECORDS_
General Records...........................................190-192
Rupp Arena Records............................................193
Scoring, Year-By-Year Points........................194-195
Rebounding, Field Goals..............................196-197
Three-Point Goals, Free Throws..................198-199
Assists, Attendance......................................200-201
Streaks / Overtime Games...................................202
Year-by-Year Team Stats...............................203-204
1,000-Point Scorers......................................205-211
All-Time Results...........................................212-225
Scores vs. All Opponents.......... ...................226-234
MEDIA DIRECTORY_
UK Basketball Media Outlets.......................236-237
UK Basketball Broadcast Networks.............238-239
City of Lexington.................................................240
Front Cover
(Clockwise (mm top) Cheerleader Stacy VanCleave; Tony Delk; Rick Pitino; Mark Pope; Anthony Epps; Jared Prickett; Walter McCarty; Jeff Sheppard
BBSS m^.J Covering the Cats
Covering Kentucl
The 1995-96 edition of the Univetsity of Kentucky basketball media guide has been produced to assist you with your coverage of the Wildcats. Additional information, including pressreleases, photographs/slides, clips and film footage is available upon request. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with Kentucky's media policies, as stated on the following pages.
CUE I) I N MAI S  (Credentials for UK home games are issued for working media only and should be requested as early as possible. Requests must be made in writing on company letterhead and are honored only from sports editors of daily newspapers and sports directors oi radio and television stations.
The University of Kentucky follows the guidelines set forth by the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference in governing the issuance of credentials. Season credentials will be granted only to daily newspapers and television/radio stations that cover UK basketball on a regular basis. Otherwise, television/radio stations and weekly newspapers will be granted credentials on a single-game, space-available basis.
Requests for season credentials should arrive by November 1. Requests lor single-game credentials should arrive no later than one week in advance of the game. All requests for credentials should he made to:
III VA VICIIMI
Assistant AO/Media Relations University of Kentucky Athletics Memorial Coliseum, Lexington, KY 40506-0019

Media Services
Ml IIIA PARKING  Available al Rupp Arena on a limited basis. The city of Lexington assesses a small charge tor parking privileges. Requests should be made when submitting press and/or photo credential requests. The media parking area can be accessed from Main Street. Lot opens three hours helore tipoff.
ivil MIA IIIIMM  The media room is located beneath section 28 and can be accessed through the floor exit beneath section 26. Working facilities, with necessary outlets and a limited number of telephones, are available.
Ml MIA SI MVICES  The University of Kentucky uses the "Final III" computerized statistics system, which has been used during the last 10 NCAA Final Fonts. Working media will receive the following:
H tame program and notes *Complete play-by-play
*Halftime statistics *Shot charts
*Coach and player quotes 'Final statistics
MEDIA WIEE CALL Located through the security door of Rupp Arena which is adjacent to Door 5 of the receiving area. The media parking lot can be accessed from Main Street. Credentials are not available at the public Will Call window on the High Street concourse level.
PHOTOGRAPHERS  The photo zones are appropriately marked on the Rupp Arena floor. Some photo spots have been assigned. Because of space demands, limited shooting is allowed on the press row sideline.
RARIO/TV RIGHTS  Broadcasting rights to UK games are assigned exclusively to Sports Communications, Inc., of Lexington. One reciprocal rights fee waiver is guaranteed opponent schools visiting Lexington.
SEC SERVICES  Coach Pitino, along with the other 11 conference coaches, will participate in the Southeastern Conference's teleconference call. The calls are conducted on Mondays and Thursdays during the conference portion of the schedule. For a conference call schedule and phone number, contact the SEC Media Relations office at (205) 458-3000. The SEC also operates a 24-hour computer bulletin board with updated statistics and notes on all 12 teams. For further information on these services, contact the SEC Media Relations office.
FAX-ON-DEMAND  University of Kentucky releases and statistics are available to members of the media via Fax-on-Demand. This automated service, which instantly sends information to your fax machine, is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For instructions, please contact the UK Media Relations office at (606) 257-3838. This service is available to media members only.
TELEPDONES  A limited number of telephones is available in the Rupp Arena media room. Newspapers and radio stations desiring their own private lines, to be installed either on press row or in the media room, should contact GTE at (606) 223-9422.
INTERVIEW POLICIES  GENERAL  All interviews with University of Kentucky basketball players or coaches must be arranged through the Media Relations office.
The Wildcat Lodge living quarters is a private team area. Absolutely no media members are permitted in this area at any time.
COVERING PRACTICE  In general, UK basketball practices are closed. Some exceptions are made one day prior to games. Player interviews may be conducted 30 minutes prior to practices the day before games. Coach Pitino meets with members of the media 15 minutes prior to those practices.
POSTGAME INTERVIEWS  Following each game, there will be a 25-minute cooling-off period, during which time the players will shower and dress. Approximately 10 minutes after the game ends, Coach Pitino will conduct his postgame press conference. A player will also be taken to the UK Radio Network. Following Coach Pitino's press conference and the cooling-off period, the UK lockerroom will be open to all members of the media for 15 minutes. GAI NIPS
KENTUCKY TRADITION_
The University of Kentucky is known internationally as one of the elite college basketball programs in the United States. The highlights of the school's tradition include:
 1,616-518 AMime Record
 Five NCAA Tides (1948, '49, '51, '58, '78)
 Two NCAA Runner-Up Finishes (1966, '75)
 10 Final Four Appearances (1942, '48, '49, '51, '58, '66, '75, '78, '84, '93)
 36 NCAA Tournament Appearances
 37 SEC Championships
 19 SEC Tournament Tides
NATIONAL LEADERS_
The 1994-95 Kentucky Wildcats led the nation in scoring margin, the average number of points by which they defeated each opponent. In finishing with a 28-5 record, Kentucky outscored its opponents by 18.4 points per game to lead Division I college basketball.
PITINO S NUMBERS_
 Coach Rick Pitino has won at least 20 games in five of his six seasons at UK. (His first team finished 14-14.)
 He needs 17 wins this season to hit the 300-win plateau in his 14 years as a college head coach.
 The Cats' win in the Southeast Regional over Arizona State last season was Pitino's 150th victory as UK's head coach.
 Pitino is 12-0 in SEC Tournament play with four-consecutive tournament titles.
 Pitino is also 23-4 in postseason play (SEC/NCAA) the past four years.
FEWER THREES_
Covering the Cats
PRESS CONFERENCES-Coach Pitino will conduct several press conferences throughout the season at Memorial Coliseum. Contact the Media Relations office for scheduling details.
RADID CALL IN SHOWS  As specified by the Southeastern Conference, no players will be allowed to participate in radio call-in shows. Coach Pitino may not participate in any radio show other than those specified in his contract.
TELEPHONE PLAYER INTERVIEWS 
Request telephone interviews at least 24 hours in advance through the Media Relations office. Telephone requests will be returned during the 30-minute block of time befote practices one day prior to games.
Kentucky Quick Facts
Location: Lexington, KY 40506-0019 Founded: 1865
Enrollment: 24,000 (campus) 30,000 (at 14
community colleges) President: Dr. Charles T. Wethington Jr. Faculty Representative: Dr. Virginia Atwood Conference: Southeastern (Eastern Division) Nickname: Wildcats Colors: Blue and White Arena: Rupp Arena Capacity: 23,000
UK Athletics Association
Athletics Director: C. M. Newton
Senior Associate Director: Latry W. Ivy
Associate Director: Kathy DeBoer
Assistant
Directors:    Bob BradleyAcademics
Jack FliggFootball Operations John CroppSpecial Projects Rena ViciniMedia Relations
Assistants to the A.D.:   Frank Ham, Micki King
Director of Compliance: Sandra Bell
Ticket Manager: Barbara Donnelly
_Head Coach_
Rick Pitino (Massachusetts, 1974) College Coaching Record: 283-1 17
(13 years, 70.8%) NBA Coaching Record: 90-74
(2 years, 54.9%) Kentucky Coaching Record: 150-43
(6 years, 77.7%)
Coaching Staff
Associate Coach: Jim O'Brien (St Joseph's, 1974)
Assistant Coaches:
Delray Brooks (Providence, 1988) Winston Bennett (Kentucky, 1987)
Strength/Conditioning Coach: Shaun Brown
Assistant Strength Coach: Layne Kaufman
Equipment Manager: Bill Keightley
Trainer: Eddie Jamiel
Administrative Assistant: Marta McMackin
Staff Assistant: Erin Smith
Basketball Phone Number: (606) 257-1916
_Team Information_
1994-95 Record: 28-5
SEC Record: 14-2 (1st SEC East/Overall)
Final AP Poll: 2nd
Final CNN-USA Today Poll: 5th
Postseason Play:
SEC  3-0, Tournament Champions;
NCAA  3-1, lost Southeast Region
Championship, 74-61, to North Carolina. Lettermen Returning: 9Tony Delk, Allen
Edwards, Anthony Epps, Waltet McCarty,
Cameron Mills, Matk Pope, Jared Prickett, Jeff
Sheppard, Antoine Walket Lettermen Lost: 4Chris Harrison, Scott
Padgett, Andte Riddick, Rodrick Rhodes Starters Returning: 3Tony Delk, Walter
McCarty, Jeff Sheppard Starters Lost: 2Andte Riddick, Rodrick Rhodes Newcomers: 6Derek Anderson, Jason Lathtem,
Ron Mercer, Nazr Mohammed, Oliver Simmons,
Wayne Turner
 UK Athletics Phone Directory
MAILING/OVERNIGHT ADDRESS:
Memorial Coliseum Avenue of Champions Lexington, KY 40506-0019
ADMINISTRATION ..........257-8000
C. M. Newton, Athletics Director Larry W. Ivy, Senior Associate AD Kathy DeBoer, Associate Director Barbara Isham, Executive Assistant
ACADEMICS |CATS]........257-1837
Bob Bradley, Assistant AD
Barbara Deniston, Director of Student
Development Sheila Breeding, Academic Skills
Coordinator Ann Sampson, Staff Assistant
RASKETHAEE BFFICE.......257-1316
Rick Pitino, Head Coach
Jim O'Brien, Associate Coach
Delray Brooks, Assistant Coach
Winston Bennett, Assistant Coach
Shaun Brown, Strength/Conditioning Coach
Marta McMackin, Administrative Assistant
Erin Smith, Staff Assistant
BUSINESS OFFICE..........257-8880
Sandy Morgan, Administrative Assistant J. R. Hisle, Accounting Manager David Boyd, Computer Consultant Rita Griffith, Accounting Clerk Barbara Kiser, Accounting Clerk Carol Gibson, Accounting Clerk J.J. Jones, Accounting Clerk Carol Ann Maupin, Accounting Clerk
COMPLIANCE................257-8884
Sandy Bell, Director of Compliance John Butler, Compliance Coordinator
EQUIPMENT..................257-1889
Bill Keiuhlley, Equipment Manager
MARKETING, PR8MBTIBNS 8 FBNBBAISING...............257 0000
Kyle Moats, Marketing Director Alyssa Middleton, Promotions Coordinator Tamara Calton, Administrative Assistant Pat McBeath, Staff Assistant
NUTTER FIELD HUUSE......257 7122
Russ Pear, Facilities Coordinator Jason Bauman, Field House Manager Mary Anderson, Staff Assistant
STUDENT ADMISSIONS....257-1757
Rodney Stiles, Director, Administrative Services Suzanne Wooten, Staff Assistant
TICKET OFFICE..............257-1018
Barbara Donnelly, Ticket Manager Sheila Chapman, Assistant Manager Lydia Wehrle, Staff Assistant Sue Childers, Staff Assistant
TRAINING RBBM............257-2758
Eddie Jamiel, Trainer
VIBEB.........................257 5137
David Combs, Video Director Darin Carr, Assistant
Frequently Called Numbers
Basketball Office...................(606) 257-1916
Athletics Director.................(606) 257-8000
Rupp Arena Administrative...(606) 233-4567
Rupp Arena Press Row.........(606) 252-3602
Media Relations.....................(606) 257-3838
Media Relations Fax.............(606) 323-4310
Media Relations Interns
Susan Hazzard
Brett John
Shawn Robinson
  1395   96 Outlook
here have long been two main attractions for following sports in the Bluegrass State  horse racing and University of Kentucky basketball
The two are quite similar. To he successful in either, great material, superh conditioning and a top-notch manager are essential. And a little luck, whether it's in the scheduling or the draw, is a must.
When fans measure success in horse racing, many are quick to reel off Kentucky Derhy winners with "Rig Red," Secretariat, the odds-on favorite.
But when University of Kentucky basketball fans measure success, they review the excellent history and tradition of the program. And they also recall the last four seasons under Coach Rick Pitino  four Southeastern Conference Tournament titles, one SEC
Championship, a Final
Four appearance and two Final Eight finishes.
Rut the hopes of the upcoming season are always
prevalent. For the 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, hopes for unmatched success on the hardwood are running rampant.
Pitino enters his seventh season at Kentucky with a stable of top-quality athletes. On paper, it's the most talent he's ever coached at the collegiate level. His latest edition returns nine lettermen from a year ago, including three starters, as well as four other Wildcats who have at least two starts on their stats sheets. And even more importantly, there are four experienced seniors to provide leadership.
Is this the makeup of a championship team, a team that could bring home the roses? "You don't know that until you see them on the basketball court," Pitino said. "If it's a track ^ race or a jumping contest or a combination
i.
Tony Oelk
of ath-
letic events, then certainly it is. But is it the best basketball team? You don't know."
This year's talent combines great athletic ability with superb basketball talent. Add a coach with a track record spanning 13 years and whose stats sheet shows that he's won more than 70 percent of his games, and Kentucky is capable of winning its sixth national title. But molding the talents of this Kentucky squad may be one of the biggest challenges Pitino has faced.
"Are we going to be one ball and 10 people uniting and coming together to be a great team," asked the 43-year-old coach, "or are we going to need three or four basketballs? That's the biggest question mark right now. Can this team blend into a cohesive unit without egos standing in the way of this team improving and reaching its potential?"
The Strengths_
While talent and experience are the obvious strengths, Pitino says that great teams are made defensively.
"I think we'll develop into a good defensive team," Pitino said. "I think we'll be a big time steal team. We should be very active in our point production too. We'll score a lot of points."
The Cats have averaged 87.0 points per game since the New York
 - i s
1995 - 9B Outlook
native took over as head coach in 1989. In his first year, UK scored 88.8 per outing, and last year, the numbers were an impressive 87.4 points per game. But UK's defense was the key, holding opponents to 69.0 points per game. The difference allowed the Cats to own a 28-5 record in '95 while leading the nation in scoring margin at 18.4 points per game.
Yet, no team enters a season without its weaknesses. This year's main weakness is the same that led to last season's end, just one win shy of the Final Four  shooting. In the 1995 regional final against North Carolina, the Tar Heels dared Pitino's bunch to fire away outside. The Wildcats never got untracked, and in turn, sunk to a season-low 28.0 percent from the field, 19.4 percent from the three-point line, in losing 74-61.
"Consistent outside shooting and free throw shooting, along with passing, will be our weaknesses," Pitino said. "Those are the major obstacles we have to overcome."
The Cats got a jump on turning their weaknesses into strengths with a trip to Italy in August. The returning players visited Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome, seeing sights
\\ J re w going to be one hi and 10 people Hinting and coming together to be a great team," asked the 43-year-old cod, "or are w going to need three or jour baietballs? That's the biggest action marl right now. Can this team blend into a cokm unit without egos standing in the way of this team improving and reaching its potential,'"
such as the Grand Canals of Venice, the Colisseum of ancient Rome and Vatican City. But more importantly, Pitino used the 10 days of practice prior to leaving, as well as the five games overseas, as a chance to improve his returning players while also tinkering with positional changes. The Stable
Leading the list of changes is thlilliHIT a 6-1 shooting guard who will make the transition to point guard. He led the team in scoring last season, averaging 16.7 points per game. In Italy, Delk moved to the point and still led the team in scoring through five games, averaging 24.8 per contest while the team finished with a 4-1 record, playing four professional Italian teams and one pro team from Russia.
"Our reasons for moving Tony to point guard are
twofold," Pitino said. "One, it allows iniHIHTTP to
move back to his natural two-guard position and two, if Tony wants to play in the NBA, he'll have to play the point. And he can do it." Delk finished the 1994-95 season as a first-team AP All-SEC selection and third-team All-America by Basketball Weekly. He has scored 1,251 points in his UK career, good enough for 26th on the Wildcats' all-time scoring list. He should become the school's all-time record holder in three-pointers made and attempted early in the upcoming season.
 1395   96 Outlook
Backing up Delk at the point will he veteran MmI'TTITIHTH. The
Marion County, Ky., native started the first six games at point guard last winter, and hecame a valuahle sixth man after Sheppard was moved into the starting lineup. Epps was a solid contributor, averaging 6.7 points in nearly 20 minutes of action per game. He was also the team's top free throw shooter, hitting 85.0 percent from the foul line.
"Anthony has hecome very consistent," Pitino said. "And in the final two minutes, he's one of the hest players on the team."
In the SEC Championship game last year, Epps came up with a crucial steal and two free throws in overtime to give the Cats a come-from-hehind victory over Arkansas, 95-93.
Sheppard, a 6-3 guard, started the last 27 games a year ago, all at point. He was third on the team in assists with 89 and fourth on the squad in scoring, averaging 8.3 points per game. The high-flying guard Irom Georgia is now a douhle threat.
"Jeff can play either position at guard lor us," Pitino said. "And he's one ot the most athletic players I've ever coached."
But the junior from Peachtree City, Ga., will have to battle to retain a starting position this season. A host of other Cats are capable of playing the "swingman" role, including freshman ihhiiuihmhJB. Mercer was a highly sought-after recruit from Nashville, Tenn., who chose to play his senior season of basketball at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia,
one of the top high school programs in the nation.
The 6-7 guard-forward averaged 26.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game to earn the Ban/Naismith Male Prep Player of the Year Award, an annual honor given to the nation's top high school basketball player. He earned first-team Parade and McDonald's All-America recognition.
But with a difficult offensive and defensive system to learn, can a freshman play right away for Kentucky?
"He was blessed with maturity beyond his years," said Pitino, who battled Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina and others in recruiting Mercer. "Plus, he was one of the premier high school players in the nation last year."
lillltliHiU'rilJiM. who saw limited action last year as a freshman, also returns to compete at shooting guard and small forward. But due to the number of players at those positions, Edwards, who was Pitino's MVP of the Italy trip, may be red-shirted this season.
"You don't redshirt someone who can't help your team," Pitino said. "Al has the chance to sit out a season, work on his game, work on his grades, and improve his chances of earning a starting position and a shot at the NBA by the time he graduates."
The 6-5 native of Miami, Fla., averaged 12.0 points per game overseas last summer, earning a starting position at small forward in the Cats final game, a 115-86 win over Siena. Edwards scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in that outing.
 1995 - 96 Outlook
But while Edwards may not see game action this season, freshman ivnt'iiuiiiyiTH may join Mercer in gaining significant minutes early for the Wildcats. Turner, a 6-2 guard from Massachusetts, is the prototypical lead guard, according to Pitino. He averaged 36.1 points and 10.1 assists per game in earning first-team Parade and McDonald's All-America honors. His style of play has drawn comparisons to former Detroit Pistons' all-star Isiah Thomas.
"He may be the quickest player I've ever coached," Pitino said. "There aren't too many players that can stop him when he has the ball."
Another newcomer that will see action at either two-guard or small forward will be Ohio State transfer iilTJ;HirTTir;iy,Hiiii. who sat out last season as a redshirt on the UK sidelines. The 6-4 guard is explosive on offense. Against Kentucky in the 1993 Maui Classic, Anderson scored 23 points and grabbed five boards for the Buckeyes.
"He's very talented," Pitino said. "He has skills to play both guard positions or small forward, but we'll use him primarily at the two or three spot."
Rounding out Pitino's pickings at the guard position is sophomore l^liilrlJilili'iTTTT?!. Mills saw limited action last year, but as one of the top shooters on the team, he could be a
e'll develop into a good defensive team," Pitino said.1 think we'll be a big time steal team. We skdd be vm active our point prodtdon too. We'll score a lot of points."
zone buster for the Cats, a la Chris Harrison, who graduated in '95.
Looking at the roster, it appears the talent at guard is tremendous. But Pitino is not sold on his depth just yet.
"There are a lot of question marks," Pitino said. "Wayne Turner  how much will he play? Will Derek Anderson play some two guard?
"The backcourt is questionable right now. I wouldn't say we're loaded. I'd say we're loaded at the three-spot more than anywhere else."
Antoine Walker
Pitino pencils in Anderson, Mercer, Edwards and as small forward possibilities. Walker had a fantastic summer, finishing as the leading scorer and rebounder at the U.S. Olympic Festival in Denver, averaging 20.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game to earn All-Tournament team recognition. He also played well in Italy, finishing as the team's second-leading scorer averaging 20.8 points and 7.8 rebounds. In the team's opening win over Cagiva Varese, the Chicago native scored a game-high 31 points.
And, last season as a freshman, he scored 21 points against Florida in the SEC Tournament semifinals and followed that effort with 23 points against Arkansas in the championship game. For the tournament, he was awarded the MVP trophy.
"Antoine will really be a special player when his plusses outweigh his minuses," Pitino said. "He gives up as many points as he scores with his defensive liabilities, and I'm sure that will be corrected. When we rid him of his defensive liabilities, I think he'll absolutely be a great prospect."
 1995   96 Outlook
ou don't redshirt someone u/lio can't help w team," ?iiw mi "AI has the cknce to sit out a season, work on (lis game, wlc on (lis grades, and improve fit's chances ojtamni a starting position and a shot at the NBA h the time he graduates."
Walker will share front-line duty |   with another great prospect, iv/nimauraipfCT. The 6-10 sen ior
from Evansville, Ind., returns as one of the most skilled players in college basketball. McCarty can handle the ball on the break, shoot the three and dominate the glass. And his gazelle-like features allow him to be a major threat on the press.
"He could be a potential lottery pick," Pitino said. "He does it all from the inside."
In the paint, the Cats' fortunes could rest on the broad shoulders of senior l.'.f'TJTXHI who begins his second season in the lineup after transferring from Washington. The 6-10 Pope stepped in last year as a backup and a part-time starter and led the team in rebounding, averaging 6. ? boards per game. Rut the classic in-the-paint b