Hope that everyone has a great 4th of July, it is the most American of all holidays. I also urge everyone to use caution and restraint in whatever activities they choose to participate in this weekend, too many people are injured trying to have fun.
Ten years ago three former UK players were awaiting the NBA Draft, one of which is currently on the UK staff. Ten years ago he was the 28th pick by the Utah Jazz. "Mr. Wildcat" was preparing for his 39th season on the UK bench, he was also preparing for a charity game between the 1996 and 1998 championship squads. Another former UK player, Nazr Mohammed, was back in Lexington for the summer attending classes and working on his conditioning.
The following are the headlines and article summaries for the week of June 27, 1999 - July 4, 1999.
June 30, 1999 - PRIMED FOR PICKING
On the eve of the rest of his basketball life, former Kentucky star Scott Padgett described himself as : *Anxious. "I've been counting down the days for a while." *In the dark. "I probably won't know till somebody calls my name out loud where I'll be." *Content. "I did all I could as far as trying to earn a lool from the teams." The answers Padgett and many other players...
July 1, 1999 - PADGETT GOES 28TH TO UTAH
Perhaps the best fit. Nearly the worst wait. Former Kentucky star Scott Padgett got that payoff from last night's NBA draft. The Utah Jazz, the team Padgett saw as his "best fit," selected the versatile forward. But he had to wait almost three hours after the draft's 7:30 p.m. start to hear his name called. At 10:25 p.m., the Jazz took Padgett with the 28th pick - the next to last pick of the first round. That nearly mirrored the ...
July 2, 1999 - THOSE UNCHOSEN NOT LOSING SITE OF THEIR NBA DREAMS
Former Kentucky players Heshimu Evans and Wayne Turner and former Campbellsville star David Harrison were not chosen in Wednesday's draft, but hope of continuing their basketball careers remains for all three. Hishimu Evans, Kentucky swingman Heshimu Evans likened going undrafted Wednesday to being passed over by big-time college rectruiters five years ago. Evans successfully worked his way to the elite level of college competition by attending a prep school, then...
July 4, 1999 - ALL THE ANSWERS
Bill Keightley Kentucky basketball equipment manager next season will be his 39th in Kentucky basketball's equipment room. Bill Keightley is affectionately known as "Mr. Wilcat." He talked recently about next weekend's charity basketball game pitting UK's 1996 national champions against the 1998 national champions. Question: What stands out in your mind about the 1996 team? Answer: Any time you have a championship...
July 4, 1999 - EX-CAT MOHAMMED MAKING MOST OF OFF-SEASON
It's as if Nazr Mohammed never left the Kentucky program, let alone skipped his senior season to turn pro. Since returning from Philadelphia, he regularly lifts weights and goes through basketball drills at Memorial Coliseum. He's taking six hours of classes this summer in hopes of whittling down the 39 hours he needs for a business degree. Of course, Mohammed did leave. No regrets after a year of mostly sitting on the Philadelphia...
