xt7b5m625m85 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7b5m625m85/data/mets.xml University of Kentucky 1990  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, 1990 text Basketball, 1990 1990 2012 true xt7b5m625m85 section xt7b5m625m85  Game Night at Rupp Arena
Sophomore John Pelphrey
Kentucky Cheerleaders
Since Rupp Arena opened in 1976. UK has finished in the top two nationally in attendance each year.
Sophomore Deron Feldhaus
Sophomore Richie Farmer CONTENTS
General Information........2-14
1989-90 KENTUCKY BASKETBALL
The 1989-90 University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball media guide was produced by the University of Kentucky Athletics Association, CM. Newton, Director.
CREDITS
Editor..................Chris Cameron
Managing Editor........Brooks Downing
Assistant Editors. .Don DeLuca, Dan Peters
Editorial Assistants.........Joyce Baxter,
Steve Hag well, Rena Vicini
Photography..............David Coyle,
Chuck Perry, Bill Straus, UK Photographic Services, Jim Jennings
Design..............Blodgett & Rullman
(Paul Blodgett), Chris Cameron, Jim Hoffmann
Typesetting, Printing...............Host
Communications Printing & Publishing (Stephanie Reinhardt)
Additional copies of this publication may be purchased for $7,00 each, which includes postage and handling. Write to:
University of Kentucky Sports Information Office Memorial Coliseum Lexington, KY 40506-0019
The Staff................................15-24
The Wildcats............................25-38
1988-89 Review
.39-66
Opponents..............................67-96
Tradition..............................97-136
Records......................137-172
This Is Kentucky . .173-188
The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution.
1 KENTUCKY 1989-90
COVERING KENTUCKY
The 1989-90 edition of the University of Kentucky basketball guide has been produced to assist you with your coverage of the Wildcats. Additional information, including press releases, photographs/slides, clips and film footage, is available upon request. Please take a moment to review the following pages to familiarize yourself with Kentucky's media policies.
The UK sports information staff includes (Front Row, L to R) Gail Dent, SID assistant; Tracy Neal, student assistant; Johanna Davis, student assistant, and Joyce Baxter, staff assistant. (Back Row, L to R) Rena Vicini, assistant SID; Steve Hagwell, intern; Chris Cameron, SID; John Mclsmore, intern; Brooks Downing, intern; Joey Howard, assistant SID, and Tim Dwyer, intern.
IMPORTANT DATES
Saturday, October 14
Midnight Madness
Sunday, October 15
First day of practice
Thursday, October 26
Blue'White GameSomerset
Wednesday, November 1-2
SEC Media DaysAtlanta
Thursday, November 2
Blue'White GameClay County
Wednesday, November 8
Early signing week begins (through November 15)
Thursday, November 9
Blue'White GameMaysville
Thursday, November 16
Blue/White GameFrankfort
Monday, November 27
First Rick Pitino press luncheon
Tuesday, November 28
Season openerUK vs. Ohio
SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTORY
Mailing   Memorial Coliseum Address: University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0019
Overnight Memorial Coliseum Address:   Avenue of Champions
Lexington, KY 40506-0019
SID Telephone: (606) 257-3838 (606) 257-6474 (After hours)
SID FAX Number:  (606) 257-8909
Chris Cameron
Sports Information Director
(Basketball Contact)
Office: (606) 257-3838
Home: (606) 276-4584
Joey Howard
Assistant Sports Information Director Office: (606) 257-4792 Home: (606) 263-2240
Rena Vicini
Assistant Sports Information Director Office: (606) 257-3838 Home: (606) 278-7773
Gail Dent
Sports Information Assistant Office: (606) 257-3838 Home: (606) 272-5703
Joyce Baxter
Staff Assistant Office: (606) 257-3838 Home: (606) 734-4736
Brooks Downing Intern
Office: (606) 257-3838 Home: (606) 266-5149
Tim Dwyer Intern
Office: (606) 257-3838 Home: (606) 266-3014
Steve Hagwell Intern
Office: (606) 257-3838 Home: (606) 266-3014
John McLemore Intern
Office: (606) 257-4452 Home: (606) 266-3014
2 KENTUCKY 1989-90
KENTUCKY QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Lexington, KY 40506-0019 FOUNDED: 1865
ENROLLMENT: 22,000 (on campus)
30,000 (at 14 community colleges) PRESIDENT: Dr. David P. Roselle FACULTY CHAIRMAN OF ATHLETICS: Dr. Robert
Lawson CONFERENCE: Southeastern ARENA (Capacity): Rupp Arena (23,000) NICKNAME: Wildcats COLORS: Blue and White FIGHT SONG: On, On, U of K BAND: Wildcat Pep Band DIRECTOR: Dale Warren CHEERLEADERS: Varsity ADVISOR: T, Lynn Williamson
UK ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS: CM. Newton
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: Gene DeFilippo (External Affairs)
Larry Ivy (Internal Affairs) ASSISTANT DIRECTORS: John Bostick (legislative Services)
Bob Bradley (Student Services)
Kathy DeBoer (Non-Revenue/Women's Sports) TICKET MANAGER: Barbara Donnelly STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICER: Rodney Stiles
BASKETBALL STAFF
HEAD COACH: Rick Pitino (Massachusetts/
Amherst, 1974) OVERALL COLLEGE COACHING RECORD: 133-74
(64.2%), seven years RECORD AT KENTUCKY: First year ASSISTANT COACHES: Herb Sendek (Carnegie
Mellon, 1974)
Orlando "Tubby" Smith (High Point College, 1973)
ASSOCIATE COACH: Ralph Willard (Holy Cross, 1967)
GRADUATE ASSISTANT COACH: Billy Donovan
(Providence, 1987) STRENGTH COACH: Ray "Rock" Oliver (Kansas,
1984)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Marta McMackin EQUIPMENT MANAGER: Bill Keightlev TRAINER: Walt McCombs TEAM PHYSICIAN: Dr. Michael Ray
TEAM INFORMATION
1988-89 OVERALL RECORD: 13-19
CONFERENCE RECORD, FINISH: 8-10, sixth place
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 6 (Johnathon Davis, Richie Farmer, Deron Feldhaus, Reggie Hanson, Derrick Miller, John Pelphrey)
LETTERMEN LOST: 5 (LeRon Ellis, Jeff Ginnan, Chris Mills, Mike Scott, Sean Sutton)
STARTERS RETURNING: 2 (Hanson, Miller)
STARTERS LOST: 3 (Ellis, Mills, Sutton)
NEWCOMERS: 2 (Jeff Brassow, Sean Woods)
UK ATHLETICS PHONE DIRECTORY
Area Code 606
Basketball Office............................................257-1916
Athletics Director's Office.....................................257-2881
Rupp Arena................................................233-4567
Rupp Arena Press Row.......................................252-3602
Athletics Dept. FAX..........................................257-8909
  
Joyce Baxter, Staff Assistant, Sports Information...................257-3838
Sandy Bell, Assistant, Legislative Services........................257-8604
David Boyd, Computer Consultant.............................257-2293
John Bostick, Assistant Athletics Director, Legislative Services........257-8604
Bob Bradley, Assistant Athletics Director, Student Services...........257-1897
Toni Byrne, Staff Assistant, Non-Revenue/Women's Sports............257-1419
Tamara Calton, Staff Assistant, Marketing/Promotions/Fundraising . . . .257-5611
Chris Cameron, Sports Information Director......................257-3838
Nancy Cunigan, Accounting Clerk.............................257-6047
Kathy DeBoer, Assistant Athletics Director, Non-Revenue/Women's.....257-1419
Gene DeFilippo, Associate Athletics Director, External Affairs........257-5611
Barbara Deniston, Academics Counselor........................257-6496
Gail Dent, Sports Information Assistant.........................257-3838
Barbara Donnelly, Ticket Manager.............................257-1818
Billy Donovan, Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach...............257-1916
Rita Griffith, Accounting Clerk.................................257-1453
J.R. Hisle, Accounting Manager................................257-3135
Joey Howard, Assistant Sports Information Director................257-4792
Barbara Isham, Executive Assistant to the Athletics Director.........257-2881
Larry Ivy, Assistant Athletics Director, Internal Affairs................257-4911
Mike Jenkins, Academics Counselor............................257-1897
Bill Keightley, Equipment Manager.............................257-1889
Barbara Kiser, Accounting Clerk...............................257-3135
Walt McCombs, Trainer.......................................257-2750
Marta McMackin, Administrative Assistant, Basketball..............257-1916
Debbie Mulligan, Assistant, Marketing/Promotions/Fundraising.......257-4215
Sandy Morgan, Administrative Assistant, Internal Affairs............257-4911
CM. Newton, Director of Athletics..............................257-2881
Rick Pitino, Head Basketball Coach.............................257-1916
Dr. Michael Ray, Team Physician...............................233-5533
Ann Sampson, Staff Assistant, Student Services...................257-1897
Herb Sendek, Assistant Basketball Coach........................257-1916
Orlando "Tubby" Smith, Assistant Basketball Coach................257-1916
Rodney Stiles, Student Affairs Officer............................257-1757
Rena Vicini, Assistant Sports Information Director..................257-3838
Ralph Willard, Associate Basketball Coach......................257-1916 KENTUCKY 1989-90
CREDENTIALS
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 of radio and television stations. Requests from weekly newspapers and radio stations will be accepted only from those who will be attending games in a working capacity and will be filled on a space-available basis.
All requests for creqentials should be made at least one week in advance to:
Chris Cameron Sports Information Director University of Kentucky Athletics Memorial Coliseum Lexington, KY 40506-0019
MEDIA ROOM
The media room is located in the Rupp Arena dressing room corridor, behind the visitors' bench. Working facilities, with necessary outlets and a limited number of telephones, are available. A pre-game snack will be served. Drinks will be available at half-time and after the game.
MEDIA SERVICES
The University of Kentucky uses the sophisticated "Final III" computer statistics system, which was used during the last five NCAA Final Fours. Working media will be provided the following:
'Game program and notes
'Shot charts
"Complete play-by-play *Halftime statistics 'Coach and player quotes 'Complete final statistics
MEDIA WILL CALL
Located on the Patterson Street entrance to Rupp Arena. Credentials are not available at the public Will Call window on the High Street concourse level. A limited number of parking passes is available and should be requested at the time of requesting credentials.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
The photo zones are appropriately marked on the Rupp Arena floor. Because of space demands, shooting on the press row sideline is permitted at Rupp Arena with the game officials determining the boundaries.
RADIO/TV RIGHTS
Broadcasting rights to UK games are assigned exclusively to Host Communications, Inc. in Lexington. One reciprocal rights fee waiver is guaranteed opponent schools visiting Lexington.
SEC SERVICES
Coach Pitino, along with the other nine conference coaches, will participate in the SEC's teleconference call. The calls are conducted once a week during the beginning of the season and twice a week during the conference portion of the schedule. For a conference call schedule and phone number, contact the sports information office,
The conference office also operates a 24-hour computer bulletin board with updated statistics and notes on all 10 teams. For further information on these services, contact Brad Davis at (205) 985-3690.
TELEPHONES
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
4 KENTUCKY 1989-90
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 sports information office,
'The Wildcat Lodge living quarters is a private team area. Absolutely no members of the media are allowed in this area at any time.
COVERING PRACTICE
'Practice sessions are closed, with the exception of one day prior to games. Player interviews may be conducted during a 30-minute period following those practices one day before games.
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 for 15 minutes.
WEEKLY MEDIA LUNCHEON
'Coach Rick Pitino will play host to a weekly news conference/luncheon at the Wildcat Lodge. The exact schedule will be available at the sports information office, When possible, at least one player will be available at the media luncheons for interviews, Media representatives wishing to join the conference by telephone may do so. For teleconference information, contact the sports information office.
RADIO CALL-IN SHOWS
'No players will be allowed to participate in radio call-in shows.
'Coach Pitino may not participate in any radio call-in shows other than those specified in his contract.
TELEPHONE PLAYER INTERVIEWS
'Request telephone interviews at least one day in advance through the sports information office. Telephone requests will be returned only during the 30-minute block of time following the practices the day before games,
Kentucky Opponents Basketball SID Contacts
School
Alabama
Auburn
Cincinnati
Florida
Furman
Georgia
Indiana
Kansas
LSU
Louisville Ole Miss Mississippi State North Carolina Notre Dame Ohio Portland
Southwestern Louisiana Tennessee Tennessee Tech Vanderbilt
Basketball SID
Larry White John Lewandowski Tom Hathaway Joel Glass Hunter Reld Norm Reilly Eric Ruden Jeff Bollig Kent Lowe Kenny Klein Scott McKinney David Rosinski Rick Brewer Jim Daves Glenn Coble Tom Kowitz Dan McDonald David Grim Robert Schabert Tony Neely
Phone No.
(205) 348-6084 (205) 844-9750 (513) 556-5191 (904) 375-4683 (803) 294-2061 (404) 542-1145 (812) 855-2421 (913) 864-3417 (504) 388-8226
(502) 588-6581 (601) 232-7552 (601) 325-2703 (919) 962-2123 (219) 239-7516
(614) 593-1298
(503) 283-7117 (318) 231-6331
(615) 974-1212 (615) 372-3088 (615) 322-4121
Rupp Arena Diagram
VINE ST.
LOCKERROOM I
HIGH ST. KENTUCKY 1989-90
SQUAD BREAKDOWN
1989-90 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY BASKETBALL ROSTER
No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	CI.	Hometown (High School)
14	Jeff Brassow	G	6-5	185	Fr.	Houston, Texas (Alief Elsik)
33	Johnathon Davis	F	6-6	195	So.	Pensacola, Fla. (Pine Forest)
32	Richie Farmer	G	6-0	180	So.	Manchester, Ky. (Clay County)
12	Deron Feldhaus	F	6-7	210	So.	Maysville, Ky. (Mason County)
35	Reggie Hanson	F	6-7	200	Jr.	Somerset, Ky. (Pulaski County)
4	Derrick Miller	G	6-5	170	Sr.	Savannah, Ga. (Baptist Bible)
34	John Pelphrey	F	6-7	185	So.	Fdintsville, Ky. (Paintsville)
11	Sean Woods	G	6-2	175	So.	Indianapolis, Ind. (Cathedral)
LETTERMEN LOST
No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	CI.	PPG	RPG
25	LeRon Ellis	C	6-10	235	So.	16.0	5.5
44	Jeff Ginnan	F	6-8	200	Sr.	.3	.5
42	Chris Mills	G	6-7	200	Fr.	14.3	8.7
50	Mike Scott	C	6-11	230	Sr.	2.6	2.5
20	Sean Sutton	G	6-1	175	So.	5.9	1.6
		LETTERMEN		RETURNING			
No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	wt.	CI.	PPG	RPG
33	Johnathon Davis	F	6-6	195	So.	.5	1.4
32	Richie Farmer	G	6-0	180	So.	3.1	.7
12	Deron Feldhaus	F	6-7	210	So.	3.7	3.3
35	Reggie Hanson	F	6-7	200	Jr.	9.8	4.5
4	Derrick Miller	G	6-5	170	Sr.	13.9	3.3
34	John Pelphrey	G/F	6-7	185	So.	1.7	1.0
			NEWCOMERS				
No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	CI.	PPG	RPG
14	Jeff Brassow	G	6-5	185	Fr.	17.0	8.5
11	Sean Woods	G	6-2	175	So.	18.0	'4.5
'High school statistics
Strength Coach Ray Oliver Equipment Manager Bill Keightley, Manager Jeff Morrow. Manager ^ie^vh^J^S^Idh^uJ ^S^bS^JST- JeffBm M^er David Deafen, Manager Spencer IfSrSKS oladuate KENTUCKY 1989-90
UK RADIO/TV CHART
_ Scholarship Players
4
Guard
Derrick
MILLER
6-5, 170, Sr. Savannah, Ga.
11
Guard
Sean
WOODS
6-2, 175, So. Indianapolis, Ind.
12
Forward
Deron
FELDHAUS
6-7, 210, So. Maysville, Ky.
14
Guard
Jeff
BRAS SOW
6-5, 185, Fr. Houston, Texas
32
Guard
Richie
FARMER
6-0, 180, So. Manchester, Ky.
33
Forward/ Center
Johnathon
DAVIS
6-6, 195, So. Pensacola, Fla.
34
Guard
John
PELPHREY
6-7, 185, So. Paintsville, Ky.
35
Forward
Reggie
HANSON
6-7, 200, Jr. Somerset, Ky.
Head Coach:
RICK PITINO
Asst. Coaches: Herb Sendek Tubby Smith
Associate Coach: Ralph Willard
Graduate Assistant: Billy Donovan
7 KENTUCKY 1989-90
1989-90 UK
BASKETBALL
OUTLOOK
/ think the players will win in the eyes of the people. Not necessarily
wins and losses, because certainly there are no magic wands to building a basketball program. You have to have a certain amount of talent and size to win at any level. But I think these players will win by capturing the hearts of their people, their fans.
A funny thing happened to the University of Kentucky Pasketball team last season. It lost.
It lost more games than it won for the first time since 1927. It lost two players after graduation, and three more after probation. It lost an entire coaching staff. It lost any chance of being on TV next season, and it lost precious scholarships and postseason play for the next two seasons.
After losing so much, then, why are Kentucky basketball fans feeling like winners these days? Two words. Rick Pitino,
Pitino has faced these types of challenges before. When he went to Boston University in 1978, the school had won only 17 games the previous two years, Know what he did? He won.
When Pitino went to Providence College in 1985, he inherited a team that had gone 11-20 the year before. What did he do? He won.
And while Pitino was coaching Providence to the NCAA's Final Four, the New York Knickerbockers were stumbling to a 71-175 two-year mark. When Pitino took over as coach of the Knicks in 1987, guess what he did. You guessed it. He won,
Ironically, as Pitino takes over the program that has won more basketball games than any other, winning is
not just enough any more, Pitino's charge is still to win, but to win with class; with integrity; with dignity; with a model program; with putting the student-athlete first, Pitino's reputation in these key areas is what led Athletics Director CM, Newton to bring him to Lexington in the first place, Now as he attempts to put Kentucky's problems in the past, he must rebuild  using the
Sophomore Deron Feldhaus showed promise as a freshman and brings his hustling, scrappy style into his sophomore season.
8 KENTUCKY 1989-90
nucleus of a team hit hard by last year's controversy. Yet Pitino promises Kentucky fans a winnerright away.
think the players will win in the eyes of the people" Pitino says. "Not necessarily wins and losses, because certainly there are no magic wands to building a basketball program. You have to have a certain amount of talent and size to win at any level. But I think these players will win by capturing the hearts of their people, their fans."
Pitino's bench will be missing last year's leading scorer, LeRon Ellis (16.0 ppg,), who transferred to Syracuse this past summer. Chris Mills, UK's leading re-bounder (8.7 rpg.) and second leading scorer (14,3 ppg.) transferred to Arizona, Point guard Sean Sutton, UK's assists leader (4.7 apgj, also transferred. Combine those losses with the graduation of UK's two tallest players, Mike Scott and Jeff Gin-nan, and you have a small, nexperienced group.
Still, excitement is high in the Bluegrass. Pitino's hiring signaled the end of an unpleasant chapter in Kentucky basketball history, and the beginning of what Wildcat faithful envision as brighter days ahead. While the 1989-90 Kentucky roster
continued on poge 10
Above: Sophomore Johnathon Davis could vie for playing time.
Below Left: Sophomore Richie Farmer hopes to rebound from a sluggish freshman year.
Top Left: Derrick Miller is Kentucky's leading returning scorer, and the only senior on the squad.
9 KENTUCKY 1989-90
Top: Early signee Jeff Brassow stuck with the Cats through adversity and now prepares to begin his freshman season.
Below: Wildcats fans hope for something to cheer about during the 1989-90 season.
Right: Sophomore John Pelphrey, sidelined part of last year with a stress fracture, hopes to be a factor this season.
Outlook (continued) may seem lean by Kentucky standards, Pitino's record indicates he is up for the challenge.
Another reason for the excitement is the brand of running, pressing basketball Pitino promises to bring to the Bluegrass. "You're trying to score on the other team's
made basket before they turn around and match up defensively, and if you can't do that, to create enough movement that makes it difficult for the defense to help out," Pitino says. "You utilize the three-point shot in the low post game, working inside to out. On defense, it's what we call the 'Mother-in-Law' defense, total pressure and harassment. We are looking to defend people 94 feet from the moment we score until the final buzzer."
And just who will help Pitino accomplish this? Although it is not deep, the Wildcat roster does boast some talent, especially in the backcourt. There the Wildcats will be led by senior Derrick Miller, a 6-5 guard who averaged 13.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season. Miller, who showed promise as a freshman but suffered through a nightmarish sophomore season, came into his own as a junior to become a prolific offensive threat.
Richie Farmer, a 6-0 sophomore, joins Miller in the backcourt. The former state of Kentucky Mr. Basketball battled injury and illness through a disappointing freshman campaign, averaging 3.1 points in 27 games.
Kentucky's two newcomers, sophomore Sean Woods and freshman Jeff Brassow,
10 KENTUCKY 1989-90
Junior Reggie Hanson will be a key for Kentucky's front line.
will vie for playing time in the backcourt, A third, freshman Henry Thomas, was lost for the season with a knee injury shortly before school began.
Up front, the Cats will be led by junior forward Reggie Hanson. The 6-7 Somerset native averaged 9.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season and is consistently recognized for his defensive skills. Hanson is joined by a trio of sophomores, including 6-7 Deron Feldhaus, 6-7 John Pelphrey and 6-6 Johnathon Davis. Feldhaus may have the early lead on a starting spot following several strong performances last season, in which he averaged 3.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
Still, Pitino says all his players will enter practice with a clean slate on October 15. "I haven't really seen any of them play, I've just evaluated them from a conditioning standpoint," he says. "I did not want to hold anything against the players, so I did not watch any film on them. I want to just go in with a clean slate, and see what they can do on October 15."
With just eight scholarship players on the roster, Pitino predicts playing time for several walk-ons. "In a program such as ours, you have to play 10 people per game," he says. "We need at least two or three walk-ons to play, and another two or
three to round out the squad. They'll be of great importance to us, and the significance of it all is that a young man just attending the University of Kentucky will have the chance to participate in the richest tradition in all of basketball."
Although doomsayers predict a second straight losing season for the Wildcats, Kentucky has not softened its schedule. "It's probably, if not the premier schedule in the country, one of the most
competitive ones I've seen in a long time," Pitino says.
Kentucky's scheule includes the likes of Indiana, Louisville, Kansas, North Carolina and Notre Dame, in addition to the 18-game SEC round-robin.
11 KENTUCKY 1989-90
CONVERSATION WITH
KENTUCKY COACH
RICK PITINO
Q, Now that you have been In Lexlng- ton for a brief period of time, what are your Impressions of the Kentucky basketball program and where It needs to go?
A, The number one priority is that there  Is a void of size and talent. We're going to have to bring In young players who not only have the ability to play at this level right away, but have the potential in two or three years to go on to the NBA, That's our goal concerning athletes. Academically, we hope to make them overachieve in the classroom the same way they do on the basketball court so that If they don't make it in the NBA, they can leave their college life with the beginning of a great career.
Q. Why did you want to become the  basketball coach at Kentucky?
A, I felt that I had the desire to get back  into college basketball, and it's rare that the job at a program of the University of Kentucky's stature opens up. So when I looked at a program of this stature, and the opportunity to get Kentucky back to where it belongs, as one of the top 10 programs in America, It was obviously a great challenge, one that I was very excited about. I'm going to spend every waking moment to try and do that In the next few years,
Q, What Is the Rick Pitino brand of  basketball, and how are you going to bring that to Kentucky?
A, You're trying to score on the other  team's made basket before they turn around and match up defensively, and if you can't do that, to create enough movement that makes it difficult for the defense to help out. You utilize the three-point shot In the low post game, working inside to out. On defense, it's what we call the "Mother-In-Law" defense, total pressure and harassment, We are looking to defend people 94 feet from the moment we score until the final buzzer.
Q. You have a reputation of turning t programs around. How are you going to do that at Kentucky, and how long Is it going to take?
A, I think any time you take a program i of this stature, if you have outstanding facilities, both academically and basketball-wise, the easiest part of the job is luring athletes to come to your school. That's the name of the game right now, re-
Certainly Kentucky has the total package for a
student-athlete. We should be able to attract the greatest players from all 50 states to come to this great University.
cruiting. We're in a conference that's one of the premier conferences in all of college basketball, so you not only have to have good organizational skills in this league, you're going to have to recruit with the best of them, Certainly Kentucky has the total package for a student-athlete. We should be able to attract the greatest players from all 50 states to come to this great University.
Q, What do you say to recruits when  others are saying "Kentucky Is on probation and you should not go there"?
A, We tell them that it's a momentary t setback, that they are fleeting moments that won't be part of your future. We're not interested in the past, we're interested in the present and the future, and certainly, you're part of the future.
Q, What areas of the country will you  recruit?
A, First of all, we're going to start with  the state. But I have a little different philosophy. I don't believe In taking in-state players if they're going to round out your squad as the 10th, 11th or 12th man. I believe in taking an in-state player if he's going to compete on the basketball court and be a factor in whether you win or lose a contest. I think it's important that in-state
12 KENTUCKY 1989-90
players are not embarrassed, because they're not only playing in front of their fans, but their own personal communities, and I think it's essential that they get the opportunity to play if you go out there and recruit them. That's what we intend to do, which means they're going to have to be the two or three best players in the state,
Q. What are your priorities in recruit- ing? What do you tell the parents of a prospect when you make a home visit?
A, I tell all the members of the family  that I'm going to build and discipline their son into somebody who can stand on his own two feet when his college education is over with, and make him a successful person with any job that he encounters, I'm also going to make him the finest person he can be, So we're just going to build the base that is going to make a young man successful not only in four years here but in life as well.
Q, What message do you have to the  fans, who want so much to help you win?
A, I tell them that we appreciate their  help at games, We need their support, We need them to be vocal and enthusiastic about their job, which is rooting on the team. But that's all the help I need. I don't need any other help in areas outside of giving to the University. There are channels for their giving, financially and in spirit. They have to just stay within those channels. Any help that they can lend to the University of Kentucky helps UK basketball.
The SEC is not only an outstanding conference as far as athletic talent is concerned, you have some of the more colorful and bright coaches in the game. I'm looking forward to the challenge of competing against these outstanding people.
A young man here is not a Kentucky basketball
player for his four years. He's a Kentucky player for life.
Q, How important are Dr. Roselle and  CM. Newton to the athletics program at Kentucky?
A, In order to make anything go, it takes  a team effort. You need that coming from the top all the way down to the equipment manager. You need excellence at the top, people with the same beliefs that you have. Dr. Roselle wants Kentucky to be what it's always been, one of the premier programs in the country. He wants it done with a tremendous amount of integrity. We all agree, Dr. Roselle, CM. Newton, and myself, that that's the way it has to be done, or it's not worth doing.
Q, Have you had a chance to evalu- ate the talent you have returning?
A, Not really. I haven't really seen any of  them play, I've just evaluated them from a conditioning standpoint. I did not want to hold anything against the players, so 1 did not watch any film on them. I want to just go in with a clean slate, and see what they can do on October 15.
Q. How big a role with walk-ons play  this year?
A, Well, we're only going to have eight  scholarship basketball players. In a program such as ours, you have to play 10 people per game. We need at least two or three walk-ons to play, and another two or three to round out the squad. They'll be of great importance to us, and the significance of it all is that a young man just attending the University of Kentucky will have the chance to participate in the richest tradition in all of basketball.
Q. Why did you decide not to give the  third scholarship (allowed by the NCAA) this year?
A, I would rather save that scholarship  than give it to a freshman or sophomore who is going to be with you for a few years who may not be at your level, and who really will help you in the next year or two but down the road will not. I want to make that scholarship available to a player who is capable of not only competing at Kentucky, but who is also capable of being an all-star player.
Q. You had the opportunity at Provi- dence to compete against the Southeastern Conference. What are your impressions of the conference?
A, The SEC is not only an outstanding  conference as far as athletic talent is concerned, you have some of the more colorful and bright coaches in the game. With the addition of three or four other coaches in this conference, it's a great challenge for me to compete with these people. I think it's exciting basketball, it's athleticism at its best, it's run and gun basketball at its best, with very colorful people heading up the programs. I'm looking forward to the challenge of competing against these outstanding people.
Q, Compare coaching at Kentucky to  your years in the Big East.
A, Well, the Big East, like the SEC has tre- mendous basketball. The only difference fs that I've never seen such passion, such enthusiasm for the game as the state of Kentucky has to offer. It's just phenomenal the way an entire state backs a team. I've never seen anything the likes of it from coast to coast. It's great. A young man here is not a Kentucky basketball player for his four years. He's a Kentucky player for life. I think they're special not only during their four years at UK, but they're special until they decide to retire from their permanent careers. I think that's the way people look at Kentucky basketb