http://www.kentucky.com/335/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com UofL Cardinals 60 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:13:54 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/134050.html http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/134050.html Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:47 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/485239.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/485239.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:31 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Last month in Rhode Island, the media mavens that cover the Big East Conference put their collective gray matter together and determined that Louisville would finish seventh in the eight-team league.

Which begged the immediate question: Could Louisville really be that bad?

.Last year people were picking us to win the national championship game, and we went 6-6,. said U of L quarterback Hunter Cantwell at the team's media day yesterday. .We don't pay much attention to predictions.'

Oh, really. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/483556.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/483556.html Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:48 EDT
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. . Former Louisville quarterback Chris Redman has edged rookie Matt Ryan and will start at quarterback in the Atlanta Falcons' pre-season opener Saturday night at Jacksonville.

Based on how often he has worked with the first-team offense in training camp, Ryan, the NFL's No. 3 overall draft pick, would likely be the first quarterback to replace Redman in the exhibition game.

D.J. Shockley and Joey Harrington are essentially battling for the third-string job, but Coach Mike Smith wants all four quarterbacks to play against the Jaguars.

.And as we go through the pre-season, we will start a different quarterback in a different game,. Smith said Thursday. .That's the plan right now. We're going to make sure that all of our guys have an opportunity to play with the first unit. It's an open competition for those guys, and this will be the first opportunity for them.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/478127.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/478127.html Sat, 02 Aug 2008 08:02 EDT
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. . Chris Redman already pulled off the improbable, going from insurance salesman to starting NFL quarterback.

The former Louisville Cardinal is not going to just step aside quietly and let some hotshot rookie take his job.

While Matt Ryan is unquestionably the Atlanta Falcons' future, Redman is living very much in the present. He has every intention of being out on the field for the first snap of the season Sept. 7.

.You're always competing, no matter where you're at,. he said. .I'll try to win some games and see what happens.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/476138.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/476138.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:03 EDT
If there is a noticeable lack of summer chatter about this year's Kentucky-Louisville football opener, perhaps it is because both the Big Blue Nation and Planet Red have absolutely no idea what to say.

Neither side can pound its chest and confidently proclaim itself the presumptive winner come the afternoon of August 31 in the River City.

Not when among the Kentucky players missing from campus next week will be quarterback Andre Woodson, running back Rafael Little, receiver Keenan Burton, receiver Steve Johnson, tight end Jacob Tamme and linebacker Wesley Woodyard.

Not when Louisville must make do without quarterback Brian Brohm, receiver Harry Douglas, receiver Mario Urrutia, tight end Gary Barnidge and kicker Art Carmody. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/474687.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/474687.html Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:12 EDT
Louisville will try to bounce back from last season's disappointing 6-6 record that ended without a bowl berth, one year after a trip to the 2007 Orange Bowl.

The Cardinals look to replace quarterback Brian Brohm, who threw for 10,775 yards in his career, and was drafted in the second round of this year's NFL Draft.

Second-year head coach Steve Kragthorpe will turn to highly regarded senior Hunter Cantwell to run the Louisville offense, which ranked sixth nationally in yards per game a year ago.

West Virginia received 22 out of a possible 24 first-place votes on Tuesday to finish with 189 points in the media poll. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/495580.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/495580.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:51 EDT
The Louisville Courier-Journal reported Tuesday that Cardinals head coach Steve Kragthorpe had suspended the backup QB for four games for the unspecified rules violation. A redshirt freshman, Simms is battling sophomore Tyler Wolfe for the No. 2 QB spot behind starter Hunter Cantwell.

According to the paper, Simms -- the brother of former Texas QB and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Chris Simms -- will miss Louisville's games against Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Kansas State, and Connecticut. He will be eligible to return on October 10, when the Cardinals visit Memphis.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/494847.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/494847.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:04 EDT
When Burke and Harrison Beck were the first two players eliminated from a five-man starting quarterback race last week, O'Brien offered to help both if they decided to transfer.

Burke, a sophomore, opted to leave. His participation at N.C. State was limited to eight snaps over three games last season.

“With the situation here, I felt I needed to do something that is important to me,” Burke said in a press release. “I had a great experience at N.C. State. It was a special place for me over the last two-and-a-half years. The entire coaching staff and the support staff have been great to me.

O'Brien said Beck, a junior, has decided to stay at N.C. State.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/494717.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/494717.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:32 EDT
Coach Steve Kragthorpe says Long will have surgery in the next couple of days, but there is no timetable for his return. Long was hurt during a non-contact drill.

Long, a junior, is one of the more experienced wide receivers on the roster. He caught 27 passes last season, averaging 13.3 yards per catch.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/487945.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/487945.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:39 EDT
"It was a little bit of a roller coaster ride to be honest," says Kragthorpe, who certainly heard the whispers.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: Everything on offense is new and untested for Louisville. There is a new offensive coordinator in place in the person of Jeff Brohm, brother of Brian Brohm, who quarterbacked the Louisville offense in recent years.

Jeff will now rely on a new signal caller, Hunter Cantwell, and the fact that he only attempted 14 passes last season is a bit concerning. After all, Louisville finished 18th nationally in scoring and sixth in total offense in 2007. Brian Brohm put up huge numbers, and Cantwell simply isn't on the same level as his predecessor.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/485608.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/485608.html Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:25 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Trent Guy can still hear the shots echoing through the parking garage moments after he left a local nightclub last month.

Pop. Pop. Pop.

Nineteen times a group of assailants fired at Guy and his fiancee in the early-morning hours of July 5. Somehow, only one of the bullets struck the Louisville wide receiver, lodging in his back.

A month later, the memories still haunt Guy. He's not sure what happened. He's not sure why it happened. But he does know he's thankful to have survived. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/504890.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/504890.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:12 EDT
The Kentucky-Louisville opener on Sunday represents only one game, but the consequences can stretch beyond the first weekend of the football season.

Last year's game, which came in Week 3, reminded Louisville of the lingering effect.

The Cards lost 40-34 when Kentucky threw a 57-yard touchdown pass in the final minute. At a news conference on Monday, Coach Steve Kragthorpe suggested the bitter disappointment his team experienced in Commonwealth Stadium contributed to a shocking upset loss to Syracuse the next weekend.

"It took a little wind out of us, there's no question," Kragthorpe said of the loss at Kentucky last season. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/504343.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/504343.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:42 EDT
Quarterback play has become the central theme of the Kentucky-Louisville football series, whether it's Tim Couch vs. Chris Redman, Andre Woodson vs. Brian Brohm or Mike Hartline vs. Hunter Cantwell.

In the end, though, the quarterbacks usually turn out to be a sidebar. Since 1996, the Governor's Cup has been decided by the team with the most rushing yards.

The ground game might be an even bigger point of emphasis this year, as both teams come in with question marks in the passing game. Kentucky is breaking in a new quarterback (Hartline) and has an inexperienced group of receivers. Louisville has a senior quarterback (Cantwell) but virtually no healthy, experienced receivers.

Conversely, both teams appear to have the personnel to run the ball. The offensive lines are fairly seasoned. UK has a four-deep stable of tailbacks, while the Cards will rely on a solid tandem of Brock Bolen and Bilal Powell. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/504126.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/504126.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:07 EDT
GAME NOTES: Rivals Kentucky and Louisville open their respective seasons by battling it out for the Governor's Cup in a non-conference matchup at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium this weekend. Kentucky's final record (8-5, 3-5 SEC) was not indicative of how well the Wildcats fared against some stiff competition. They knocked off the likes of Louisville, Arkansas, Florida State and eventual national champion LSU, with narrow losses to Florida and Tennessee. But after back-to-back eight-win seasons, Kentucky has an uphill battle to repeat last season's success, considering the departures of several key veteran leaders. Meanwhile, Louisville is coming off an uncharacteristic 6-6 season in which the Cardinals missed out on a bowl game for the first time since 1997. It will be important for the Cardinals to get off to a fast start by taking advantage of four straight home games to start the season. They won't hit the road until Oct. 18, and play six of their first seven games at home. Thanks to the schedule-makers, the Cardinals are hopeful of a big transition in the second year under coach Steve Kragthorpe. Kentucky leads the all-time series, 11-9, although Louisville has won seven of the last nine meetings. These teams met in Week 3 last year, with Kentucky notching a 40-34 win thanks to a 57-yard pass in the final seconds.

No team in school history racked up more points than Kentuckys 475 a year ago. But the task facing this years unit is replacing five All-SEC talents, including quarterback Andre Woodson. Thanks to the dismissal of junior quarterback Curtis Pulley from the team in the offseason, sophomore Mike Hartline is in line for the gig. Hartline was Woodsons backup last year and, although he saw very limited action, his reputation is of a very mobile quarterback (much like Woodson). So at least in that sense, head coach Rich Brooks shouldn't have to veer too much from what worked last year. Wideout Dicky Lyons, who tallied 56 catches for 655 yards and seven touchdowns, will be asked to step into a more featured role in the passing game. Beyond Lyons there isn't much proven talent, with the departure of wideouts Keenan Burton and Steve Johnson. Tight end Jacob Tamme has also moved on, although the coaching staff was pleased with the emergence of juniors T.C. Drake and Ross Bogue in camp. Rafael Little is no longer at tailback, yet there is a wealth of options available, from senior Tony Dixon (958 career rushing yards, nine TDs), to junior Alfonso Smith (399 career yards, four TDs), to sophomore Derrick Locke (521 yards, five TDs as a freshman). Three starters return from a solid offensive line, in addition to junior college All-American Jess Beets, who is expected to start at right guard.

The Kentucky defense was gashed for nearly 30 ppg last year and surrendered 190 ypg on the ground. The hope in Lexington is that with eight starters returning, this will be a more seasoned and cohesive unit. The first order of business will be replacing All-SEC linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who led the team in tackling each of the past three seasons, while leading the entire SEC in stops a year ago. Former middle linebacker Braxton Kelley (189 career tackles) moves over to fill Woodyard's weak side spot, while Micah Johnson (58 tackles last season) takes the reins in the middle, and Johnny Williams (three letters) returns to the strong side. The defensive line is anchored by junior defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, who piled up nine sacks and 13.5 TFL last year. Both starting tackles are back, while senior Ventrell Jenkins has moved from tackle to the other starting end spot. The secondary is a major strength with three starters returning, highlighted by shutdown corner Trevard Lindley (three INTs, 11 PBUs).

All eyes will be on Louisville senior quarterback Hunter Cantwell, who has the unenviable task of trying to fill the shoes of Brian Brohm. Cantwell will be mentored by new offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm, brother of Brian. Expecting the Cardinals to finish anywhere near last years sixth-ranked total offense would be asking a lot, as Cantwell's supporting cast is made up of two sophomore receivers (Troy Pascley and Doug Beaumont) and a sophomore tight end (Pete Nochta), who have combined for exactly zero collegiate receptions. Another sophomore, running back Bilal Powell (24 carries, 206 yards, two TDs) takes over at running back, while senior fullback Brock Bolen (88 carries, 465 yards, seven TDs) is the team's leading returning rusher. Center Eric Wood (37 straight starts) and left tackle George Bussey (25 straight starts) are the only holdovers from the offensive line.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/503131.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/503131.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:47 EDT
In describing the unknowns associated with an opening game, Louisville Coach Steve Kragthorpe used a golf analogy.

Even the guys he watches in practice every day remain difficult to label until kickoff on Sunday against Kentucky.

"There's a lot of guys that can hit it on the driving range," he said at a Monday news conference. "But you've got to go out and hit it on the first tee and hit it down the middle.

"So we've been on the driving range. Now we're going to get on the first tee and see how we play and see how the guys respond when we turn on the lights and put a lot of people in the stands and put this game on national television." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/503102.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/503102.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:36 EDT
Expectations bring a price.

Part is performance.

Part is pressure.

Ask Kentucky's offensive line. This summer, when prognosticators were proclaiming it the strength of the Wildcats offense, the line would have greeted your query with a grin. Last week, however, after an angry earful from its disappointed head coach, the line would have greeted the question with a growl. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/501916.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/501916.html Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Disappointing (sometimes almost non-existent) defense divided Louisville's football team in 2007. Conversely, the Cardinals hope delivering discombobulating hits in training camp this month can bring unity and success this season.

The first day in pads made an impression on defensive tackle Earl Heyman, he said at a news conference on Monday.

"Four concussions," he said. "On both sides of the ball. It was ridiculous. People coming downhill and, Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!"

Louisville is a bit hobbled going into Sunday's season-opening game against arch-rival Kentucky. Coach Steve Kragthorpe announced a new injury, a torn anterior cruciate ligament for backup linebacker Mozell Axson, ironically a non-contact incident. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/499954.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/499954.html Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:57 EDT
When North Carolina State Coach Tom O.Brien told Justin Burke last week that he wasn.t in the mix to be the Wolfpack.s starting quarterback this year, the redshirt sophomore felt as if he had been blind-sided by a blitzing linebacker.

.It was a shock, obviously, to the system,. Burke said. .It.s never good to hear something like that..

But just as he did when he was sacked during his career as Lexington Catholic.s record-setting quarterback, Burke got back on his feet quickly.

With the help of his parents, Greg and Jennifer, and former Lexington Catholic Coach Bob Sphire, Burke figured out his best options, and decided to transfer to Louisville. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/498832.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/498832.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:50 EDT
With four starts in his three seasons at Louisville, quarterback Hunter Cantwell finds himself in the early running for three post-season awards.

Heir apparent to Brian Brohm, Cantwell is on the watch list for the Maxwell, Johnny Unitas and Davey O.Brien awards. The Maxwell Award is for College Player of the Year; the other two honor the nation.s best quarterback.

.It.s a nice surprise to be on a watch list, but you take it with a grain of salt,. Cantwell said. .It.s based on potential (in his case). Unless you go out and do it, it.s not worth a hill of beans..

To be sure, Cantwell has credentials if not on-the-field credibility. At 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, he has the strong arm and drop-back style that has attracted attention from the NFL. He could become a factor in the 2009 draft with a banner season. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/495923.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/495923.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:53 EDT
Louisville freshman QB Simms suspended four games

Louisville quarterback Matt Simms was suspended for the team's first four games of the season by Coach Steve Kragthorpe on Tuesday for breaking team rules.

Simms, a redshirt freshman, was competing with Tyler Wolfe for the backup spot behind starter Hunter Cantwell .

Simms is the son of former New York Giants and Morehead State quarterback Phil Simms and the brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms . ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/495634.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/495634.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:50 EDT
Former Lexington Catholic quarterback Justin Burke is transferring from North Carolina State to Louisville, Wolfpack Coach Tom O'Brien said Monday evening.

When Burke and Harrison Beck were the first two players eliminated from a five-man starting quarterback race last week, O'Brien offered to help both if they decided to transfer.

Burke, a sophomore, opted to leave. His participation at N.C. State was limited to eight snaps over three games last season.

.With the situation here, I felt I needed to do something that is important to me,. Burke said in a press release. .I had a great experience at N.C. State. It was a special place for me over the last two-and-a-half years. The entire coaching staff and the support staff have been great to me. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/502768.html http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/502768.html Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:22 EDT
Let's head to the bookstore for some overpriced team paraphernalia as college football season is upon us. Here are 50 things to consider on the road to Miami for the BCS championship on Jan. 8:

1. Nobody is filling bigger paws this season than UGA VII, Georgia's newest bulldog mascot. His predecessor, UGA VI, was Georgia's winningest pup with an 87-27 record over nine seasons. He passed away in June of heart failure.

2. The gag around Kentucky's campus was that offensive coordinator Joker Phillips was involved when head coach Rich Brooks' fishing boat sank in June. Phillips already has been named to succeed Brooks and playfully maintains that he has an airtight alibi.

3. On a serious note, the job of replacing sixth-round pick Andre Woodson has fallen to Mike Hartline. Hartline's brother, Brian, is one of Ohio State's best wide receivers.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/504676.html http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/504676.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:13 EDT
After a couple of days of mixed signals, the NCAA told the former Bearcats' quarterback that it had turned him down for the fourth time. Now, Mauk will appeal directly to the NCAA's reinstatement committee for another season.

Mauk will talk to the reinstatement committee by phone on Thursday afternoon, a few hours before the Bearcats open their season at home against Eastern Kentucky. He expects a decision either later in the day or on Friday.

"We were hoping they would find in our favor, but I think it's the reinstatement committee that we really need to talk to," said Kevin Murphy, who is Mauk's lawyer. "The staff pretty much did what it has done in the past in this case, but the reinstatement committee has the authority to make its own decision. So that's where our hope lies."

Mauk led the Bearcats to 10 wins and a No. 17 final ranking last season, when he came back from serious shoulder and arm injuries. He appealed for another season on grounds that injuries had sidelined while he was at Wake Forest.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/497766.html http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/497766.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:35 EDT
At the request of both sides, a judge in Hardin County, Ohio, postponed a hearing scheduled Friday in Mauk's lawsuit against the NCAA. That puts the lawsuit on hold while Mauk submits new information to support his contention that a foot injury prevented him from playing his freshman year.

Mauk's attorney Kevin Murphy said the material will be reviewed by NCAA staff as early as this weekend. Messages for comment were left Thursday with the NCAA.

Mauk led the Bearcats to a No. 17 final ranking last season, after coming back from arm and shoulder injuries suffered in 2006 while playing for Wake Forest.

The NCAA has rejected three earlier appeals.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476592.html http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476592.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:48 EDT
White made his comments Tuesday at the Big East football media day in Newport, R.I. The comments were first reported by Adam Zagoria of SportsNet New York on his Web site, www.zagsblog.net.

White was asked about the possibility of playing baseball in college. He has been selected three times in baseball's amateur draft, including last month by the Cincinnati Reds.

White's comments came the same day the Mountaineers were chosen to win the Big East football championship.

When asked whether he had spoken with WVU baseball coach Greg Van Zant, White said Van Zant "wasn't interested" in having him on the team.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476593.html http://www.kentucky.com/842/story/476593.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:49 EDT
By paying the price to keep more of its hot-commodity coaches, the Big East is starting to shed its reputation as a conference filled with steppingstone programs.

Petrino left Louisville after leading the Cardinals to the Big East championship in 2006 and a BCS victory over Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl, making the jump to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons — where he lasted less than a year.

Rodriguez, who passed on a chance to coach Alabama in 2006, became the league's second offensive mastermind to move on when he took the Michigan job in December after guiding West Virginia to a league title and a BCS game for the second time in three years.

Those were big hits not just for the Louisville and West Virginia, but for the Big East. Petrino and Rodriguez had established themselves as two of the best coaches in the country. When they left, it seemed as if they had not only outgrown their old schools, but also the Big East.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/504687.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/504687.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:48 EDT
"Most of the time I was there," Krzyzewski said, "I was mic'ed."

That's not all that's different about the post-Olympic Krzyzewski, who's settling in back at Duke while transitioning to the familiar college game.

Speaking Wednesday on campus for the first time since leading the Americans to their first gold medal in the sport since 2000, he sounded eager to restore the Blue Devils among basketball's elite, with a newfound dedication to "live the moment" and greet his team's victories less with relief and more with sincere appreciation.

"Sometimes being here at Duke, because we've been very, very successful ... they expect you to be perfect. They don't look at process anymore," Krzyzewski said. "It's like, 'What, we haven't gone to the Final Four? What, we didn't win the national (title)? Very spoiled, and it ruins it a little bit - really, a lot.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/494974.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/494974.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:52 EDT
Crean left Marquette in April to join Indiana, and on Tuesday inked a deal that will pay him $600,000 per year in base salary with an additional $15.72 million in outside marketing and promotional income during the life of the deal. The agreement is retroactive to April 2, 2008 and expires on June 30, 2018.

"I left a very special situation at Marquette when Indiana offered me this opportunity," said Crean. "I wanted to make sure that if I left, I would be going to a place that would be a destination for my family and allow me to build a program for the long haul with the same security."

Crean compiled a record of 190-96 at Marquette, including a 25-10 record last season. The Golden Eagles reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling to Stanford in overtime.

Marquette earned five NCAA Tournament bids during Crean's tenure, highlighted by a Final Four appearance in 2003. It was the first Final Four run for the Golden Eagles since the 1977 team captured the national championship.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/493988.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/493988.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:12 EDT
Tyson, a second-team All-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference pick who averaged 20.2 points in 32 games for the Hawks last season, was sidelined due to academic reasons.

"Tyson has rendered himself academically ineligible and will no longer be part of the men's basketball program," Allen said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/484476.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/484476.html Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:00 EDT
A press release from the Arkansas athletic department stated: "junior guard Patrick Beverley will not compete for the Razorbacks in the 2008-09 basketball season," offering no further explanation.

The school also said its administrators and coaches will have no further comment due to student privacy laws.

The 6-foot-1 Beverley averaged 12.1 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds last season.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/484456.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/484456.html Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:50 EDT
The Nevada Board of Regents approved the extension during its meetings August 7-8 in Reno. Kruger is now under contract through the 2012-13 season.

"The extension is well-deserved and we're looking forward to continuing the success of Rebel basketball with Lon Kruger as our coach," said UNLV athletics director Mike Hamrick.

Kruger will enter his fifth season at UNLV in 2008-09. He has compiled a four- year mark of 91-42, including a record of 57-15 over the last two seasons and was named the Mountain West Conference's Coach of the Year this past season.

"(My wife) Barb and I love living in Las Vegas and appreciate the opportunity to work with the young men in our program," Kruger said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/482178.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/482178.html Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:35 EDT
Self guided the Jayhawks to the national championship this past spring and has a record of 142-32 in five seasons at the helm.

"I'm very thankful to Chancellor Hemenway and [athletic director] Lew [Perkins] for the confidence they have shown in me," said Self. "I have said many times that I cannot imagine a better place to play, or to coach, than the University of Kansas. My family and I look forward to being part of the Kansas and Lawrence communities for many years to come."

The Jayhawks have won at least a share of the last four Big 12 regular-season titles and the championship of each of the last three conference tournaments. Kansas also reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament twice under Self before this spring's national title run.

"We are thrilled that Bill will be our coach for years to come," said Perkins. "He has done a tremendous job leading the Kansas men's basketball program both on and off the court; there's no one I'd rather have at the helm of the Kansas program."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/477060.html http://www.kentucky.com/540/story/477060.html Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:11 EDT
"Jamar's decision to violate the terms of our personal agreement for his potential return to our basketball program has left me with no other recourse but to rescind that opportunity," said head coach Bruce Weber. "At this time, Jamar and his family need to focus their attention on the issues that have brought Jamar to this point.

"For the good of our program and players we need to move forward and prepare for the 2008-09 season. While Jamar will always be a part of the Illinois basketball family, I have made the decision that he can no longer be a part of our team. Our entire team and coaching staff are obviously very disappointed he will not be with us. We will continue to do everything we can to help him continue his academic career and achieve his goal of graduation."

Smith played in 53 games during his two years with the school, starting six times and averaging 8.0 points per game.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/419302.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/419302.html Fri, 30 May 2008 07:52 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Louisville center Clarence Holloway has ended his career after being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features and cardiovascular defects.

Holloway had hoped to return to the Cardinals in the fall after sitting out his freshman year following open-heart surgery to repair the wall of his aorta and the aortic valve.

The 7-foot-1 Holloway, who is from Chicago, will remain enrolled at Louisville.

Marfan syndrome is a disease of the connective tissue. Patients typically are tall and lean, with disproportionately long arms, legs, fingers and toes, plus a variety of skeletal, eye, lung and heart problems. Diagnosed patients who show signs of aorta trouble often are told to not exercise vigorously. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/384790.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/384790.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:39 EDT
Caracter announced his intention to enter the draft following Louisville's loss to North Carolina in the NCAA tournament last month, but has since approached Pitino about staying in school.

Pitino told Caracter, who averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds this season, his game wasn't NBA ready.

"I think he's been looking in the mirror and conning himself for a long, long time," Pitino said. "Now he's got to go and find out what the real world is like."

Caracter is enrolled at Louisville and has yet to hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of his return in the fall. Pitino however, doesn't think Caracter will be back in the fall.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/380091.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/380091.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:42 EDT
The sophomore originally said he would bypass his final two years with the Cardinals following Louisville's loss to North Carolina in the South Region finals of the NCAA tournament. Clark, however, did not sign with an agent or complete the necessary paperwork to declare for the draft, allowing him to return.

Clark averaged 11.1 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds for the Cardinals.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/379147.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/379147.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:09 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/368189.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/368189.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:28 EDT
Clark averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots for the Cardinals (27-9), who fell to North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament's East Regional finals last weekend.

Clark averaged 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in Louisville's four tournament games.

He is the second Louisville player to decide to leave early. Forward Derrick Caracter announced he would skip his final two years.

Clark had said earlier in the season that he would return for his junior year, but changed his mind after the team's tournament run.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/361110.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/361110.html Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:57 EDT
What the Cards couldn't overcome was Tyler Hansbrough.

Hansbrough finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds and took over the game at several key points in the second half as the Tar Heels posted an 83-73 win in front of a partisan crowd of 19,092.

It was billed as a matchup of the two hottest teams in the country, and it played like a national championship game instead of a regional final. The Tar Heels established control early and then held off several second-half charges by Louisville to earn the 17th Final Four trip in the program's history.

The Cardinals had trouble in the first half keeping up with the frenetic pace the Tar Heels set. North Carolina had little trouble with Louisville's full-court pressure and consistently beat the Cards down the floor for easy transition baskets, and when UNC didn't convert, it was usually right there for the rebound and putback.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/359252.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/359252.html Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:11 EDT
But the Cards dominated the Vols on both ends of the floor and posted a 79-60 win last night at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
The win put the Cards (27-8) one step away from the Final Four. They now face overall No. 1 seed North Carolina (35-2) on Saturday for a trip to the national semifinals next weekend in San Antonio. The Tar Heels advanced in the opener with an easy 68-47 win over Washington State.

After struggling with turnovers in the first half, Louisville settled down in the second and finished 52 percent from the field. The Cardinals also controlled the boards against the smaller Vols, winning the rebounding battle 43-28.

Louisville's stifling defense held Tennessee to 33.9 percent shooting from the field.

“The last three games our offense and defense have been all clicking,” U of L Coach Rick Pitino said. “Our defense has stayed constant most of the year. Guys prepared hard for a week, and we told our team this game was going to be won on the backboards.”]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/355236.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/355236.html Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:46 EDT
U of L took control in the first half thanks to a 23-2 run, and the Cards cruised the rest of the way in an easy 78-48 win over Oklahoma yesterday at Jefferson Civic Center Arena.

It's U of L's second trip to the Sweet Sixteen since Rick Pitino took over in 2001 and its first since a Final Four run in 2005. Louisville (26-8) will face second-seeded Tennessee (31-4) on Thursday at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Louisville's stifling defense created easy baskets against the overmatched Sooners, who came in as the No. 6 seed.

Oklahoma trailed 14-12 at the 12:41 mark before Louisville went on its game-changing run. By the time Jerry Smith scored on a layup at 4:22, the Cards were up 37-16.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350364.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350364.html Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:02 EDT
This year he succeeded, and his reward is a first-round game against perennial contender Louisville and its larger-than-the-game coach, Rick Pitino.

"He would not be my first choice of a guy to challenge in the tournament," Graham said.

The Broncos (25-8), champions of the Western Athletic Conference, received the 14th seed in the East Regional and play Louisville (24-8), the third seed, on Friday in Birmingham, Ala.

Seven of Pitino's 22 years as a coach have been with Louisville. He won the 1996 NCAA Championship with Kentucky and made it to the Final Four with Louisville in 2005.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350357.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/350357.html Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:48 EDT
Don't tell that to coach Rick Pitino, who sees nothing but roadblocks between his team and a Final Four appearance in four seasons.

"Somebody said to me, 'You'd have to play (North) Carolina (in the Elite Eight),'" Pitino said. "We should only be so lucky."

The Cardinals (24-8) open the tournament on Friday against No. 14-seed Boise State (25-8) in Birmingham, Ala. Though the Broncos are making their first tournament appearance in 14 years, they start four seniors and play the kind of up-tempo basketball that has caused Louisville problems.

Pitino likened the Broncos to BYU, which beat the Cardinals 78-76 back in November. Louisville played that game without injured seniors David Padgett and Juan Palacios. They're both healthy now, leaving Pitino optimistic despite two tough losses — one to Georgetown in the regular-season finale, the other to Pittsburgh in the Big East tournament quarterfinals — that blunted the momentum they built up during an undefeated February.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/346515.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/346515.html Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:40 EDT
For the third straight year, the Panthers knocked the Cardinals out of the tournament, and this defeat was especially painful, considering that UofL (24-8) was the higher seed at No. 2 to Pitt's No. 7 and that the Cards had serious designs on their first conference championship.

UofL rallied from an eight-point deficit in the second half to force overtime in Madison Square Garden, but then Pitt (24-9) dominated the extra session to claim a 76-69 victory and advance to the semifinals for the seventh time in the last eight years.

UofL, ranked No. 13th nationally in both polls and hopeful of playing well enough to perhaps earn a No. 2 seed in next week's NCAA Tournament, got outstanding performances from its front court players but was let down by its back court for the second game in a row.

Forward Earl Clark led all scorers with 19 points and also collected nine rebounds, while Derrick Caracter, David Padgett and Juan Palacios each scored 11 points and combined for 14 boards.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/343825.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/343825.html Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:28 EDT
"If anything," guard Edgar Sosa said following Saturday's 55-52 defeat at Georgetown, "this will make us tougher and more hungry to play well in the Big East Tournament."

Terrence Williams and David Padgett spoke of moving on, getting refocused and making a strong push for the 13th-ranked Cardinals' first Big East tourney trophy. UofL (24-7, 14-4) has shown good resilience all season after regaining its full complement of players, not losing back-to-back games since being short-handed in consecutive losses to Dayton and Purdue in December.

UofL finished the regular season in a tie with Notre Dame for second place, but got the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in Wednesday's game by virtue of its 90-85 win over the Irish. The Cards will play Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Madison Square Garden against the winner of No. 7 Pittsburgh (22-9, 10-8) vs. No. 10 Cincinnati (13-17, 8-10).

Since the loss to Georgetown, Pitino has talked to his players about getting a second chance at a championship in the conference tourney and improving their team legacy.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/341032.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/341032.html Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:00 EST
And now the Hoyas can add another one, along with their second straight Big East regular season championship.

DaJuan Summers hit a 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, then Georgetown survived three 3-point attempts by Louisville to escape with a grinding 55-52 win in front of 19,116 fans and a CBS television audience.

The Cards, who saw their nine-game winning streak snapped in losing for the first time since a 69-67 defeat at Connecticut on Jan. 28, will now be the No. 2 seed in next week's Big East Tournament. Their opponent in a Thursday night quarter-final in Madison Square Garden is yet to be determined.

"It was a great (regular) season for the University of Louisville," UofL coach Rick Pitino said. "Their's was just a little greater. It was a bitter pill to swallow because we had a chance to win a Big East championship and we didn't do it."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339398.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339398.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:31 EST
Big East co-leaders and top-15 clubs Louisville and Georgetown will be playing for the outright conference championship. A crowd of 20,000-plus will be on hand. It's Senior Day for the Hoyas, which means standout center Roy Hibbert's final home game. CBS TV cameras will be watching.

To which UofL coach Rick Pitino says: Bring it on.

"It's a lot of fun to be in this situation," Pitino said Thursday. "There's so much at stake that it's a lot of fun and I wouldn't want it any other way. The pressure in this game is great because there's so much at stake. If you gave me a choice to play it at home or on the road I would choose the road because I think that type of pressure is great for a basketball team.

"They're even going to present the (championship) trophy in a closet in the locker room because you're on the road."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339809.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/339809.html Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:20 EST http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/336872.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/336872.html Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:31 EST
Through Games of March 2

1. Tennessee, SEC

2. Memphis, C-USA

3. North Carolina, ACC]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/277101.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/277101.html Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:37 EST
Season Score

‘12-13 Kentucky 34, Louisville 10
‘13-14 Kentucky 22, Louisville 17
‘13-14 Kentucky 26, Louisville 13
‘14-15 Kentucky 18, Louisville 14
‘14-15 Louisville 26, Kentucky 15
'15-16 Louisville 28, Kentucky 22
'15-16 Kentucky 32, Louisville 24
'21-22 Kentucky 38, Louisville 14
'21-22 Kentucky 29, Louisville 22
'47-48 x-Kentucky 91, Louisville 57
'50-51 y-Kentucky 79, Louisville 68
'58-59 y-Louisville 76, Kentucky 61
'82-82 y-Louisville 80, UK 68 (OT)
'83-84 Kentucky 65, Louisville 44
'83-84 y-Kentucky 72, Louisville 67
'84-85 Louisville 71, Kentucky 64
'85-86 Kentucky 69, Louisville 64
‘86-87 Kentucky 85, Louisville 51
‘87-88 Kentucky 76, Louisville 75
‘88-89 Louisville 97, Kentucky 75
‘89-90 Louisville 86, Kentucky 79
‘90-91 Kentucky 93, Louisville 85
‘91-92 Kentucky 103, Louisville 89
‘92-93 Kentucky 88, Louisville 68
‘93-94 Kentucky 78, Louisville 70
‘94-95 Louisville 88, Kentucky 86
‘95-96 Kentucky 89, Louisville 66
‘96-97 Kentucky 74, Louisville 54
‘97-98 Louisville 79, Kentucky 76
‘98-99 Louisville 83, Kentucky 74
‘99-00 Kentucky 76, Louisville 46
‘00-01 Kentucky 64, Louisville 62
‘01-02 Kentucky 82, Louisville 62
‘02-03 Louisville 81, Kentucky 63
‘03-04 Louisville 65, Kentucky 56
‘04-05 Kentucky 60, Louisville 58
‘05-06 Kentucky 73, Louisville 61
‘06-07 Kentucky 61, Louisville 49
‘07-08 Louisville 89, Kentucky 75

x-Olympic trials; y-NCAA Tournament
]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/221032.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/221032.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:15 EDT
"He's always in my room," Sosa said. "He tries to eat my food. He watches my TV. Once he's in there, I'm just going to turn the music up and hope he can listen to it and like it."

Sosa says he's been trying to get his backcourt sidekick and fellow sophomore to listen to reggae music for a year.

"He won't buy in," lamented Sosa, who was born in the Dominican Republic. "All he wants to do is listen to rap and (rhythm and blues). In the next couple of months, I should get him to listen."

Along with urging his roommate to expand his musical horizons, Sosa is counting on Smith to have a banner year for Louisville.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/111251.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/111251.html Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:47 EDT
He replaces Marvin Menzies, who was named as the new head coach at New Mexico State.

McCarty, a native of Evansville, Ind., started at forward for the 1996 national champion Kentucky Wildcats during his senior year, when he averaged a career-high 11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds. He also ranked second on that team with 206 rebounds and 28 3-pointers.

Pitino also coach McCarty on the Boston Celtics, where he played for more than seven seasons. He averaged 9.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in his first season there, and later would play for the Phoenix Suns and Los Angels Clippers.

At NMSU, Menzies replaces another former assistant, Reggie Theus, who was recently named head coach of the Sacramento Kings.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/110340.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/110340.html Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:53 EDT
U of L will face Hartford on Nov. 17 in Freedom Hall in its season opener and the first game of the event. The Cardinals will play Jackson State, a 2007 NCAA Tournament participant with a 21-14 record a year ago, in the second game on Nov. 18 in Freedom Hall.

U of L will face BYU, which posted a 25-9 record and reached the NCAA Tournament last season, in the third round of the Las Vegas Invitational on Nov. 23 in Las Vegas at 9 p.m., followed by North Carolina (31-7) vs. Old Dominion (22-11) -- both 2007 NCAA Tournament participants -- at midnight.

The losers of those two games will play on Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the final round and the winners will square off at 7:30 p.m. in an ESPN2 televised game. Iona and South Carolina State complete the eight-team field.

North Carolina has been tabbed as the nation's No. 2 team in ESPN.com's pre-season ranking and No. 4 by CBSSportsline.com. UofL is ranked No. 6 and No. 5, respectively, in those same rankings by Andy Katz and Gary Parrish.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/98675.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/98675.html Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:50 EDT
Caracter, who averaged 8.1 points per game as a freshman, will have the tear repaired on Monday and will be out four to six weeks, school spokesman Kenny Klein said Thursday in a statement.

The 6-foot-8, 265-pound Caracter shot 55.8 percent from the field and 52.7 percent from the free throw line last season with the Cardinals (24-10) losing in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

. Derrick Caracter's stats last year ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/90964.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/90964.html Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:18 EDT
Donovan and Pitino are close friends. Donovan played for Pitino at Providence College, then served as his assistant at Kentucky before leaving for Marshall and then to Florida. Pitino, commenting on the Donovan situation for the first time prior to appearing at a Cardinal Caravan stop at Huber Orchard and Winery in Southern Indiana Wednesday night, called the sequence of events "mind-boggling."

"Everybody makes mistakes and I think he probably . I don't know this . made a decision with his head and then followed his heart," Pitino said. "It's a totally unfortunate situation. I know Billy and I know he feels bad about it. He made a mistake and he's got to move on now. Florida and their players gained everything and that's the most important thing."

Pitino said he talked to Donovan before the Florida coach . who has guided the Gators to back-to-back national championships . accepted the Magic job last weekend, but had been in the Bahamas for a wedding and hadn't spoke to Donovan since his change of heart.

"All I did was listen, told him what the NBA was all about, the good and the bad, just like there is in college basketball," Pitino said. "And it was up to him to make a decision. My advice to Billy going in was don't go there (to Orlando for an interview) unless you're capable of taking the job. Whether it's a mistake or a blessing, when he went back and had a press conference in Gainesville, that's probably when it hit home. It's very difficult, unfortunate, something he regrets, I know that. But something he's going to have to live with."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/59800.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/59800.html Fri, 04 May 2007 08:57 EDT
UofL Thursday morning extended Pitino's contract for three years . through the 2012-13 season . and also awarded him a substantial raise. A contract approved unanimously by the UofL Athletic Association board of directors boosted Pitino's base salary from $1.65 million to $2.25 million, then to $2.5 million in 2010 and raised his current retention bonus from $1 million to $1.75 million, payable this year for prior service.

If Pitino stays through the 2010 season, he will get a lump sum bonus of $3.6 million, and he would receive another $3.6 million if he stays through the 2013 season.

Pitino, 54, had three years remaining on his original nine-year contract that would have taken him through the 2009-10 season. His total compensation package of approximately $4 million per year makes him one of the top three or four highest-paid college basketball coaches in the country, with possibly only North Carolina's Roy Williams and Florida's Billy Donovan exceeding that total.

"I had heard he had been talking about retirement, and he's such a young man he would be foolish to retire," UofL athletics director Tom Jurich said. "Coach Pitino has done a remarkable job, not only on the court but off the court with the type of ambassador he has been for this university. As long as he's healthy and happy, he will be our coach here, and I think he has a lot of years left."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/52733.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/52733.html Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:17 EDT
As had been rumored for several days, Pitino announced Tuesday that Reginald Delk, a 6-4 shooting guard from Mississippi State, is transferring to UofL. Reginald is the nephew of former University of Kentucky standout Tony Delk, who was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 1996 Final Four after helping Pitino's Wildcats win the national championship.

Reginald Delk averaged 9.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and shot 35.5 percent from three-point range as a sophomore starter last season. He started 59 of 65 games during his two seasons with the Bulldogs and ranked seventh in the SEC in three-point percentage last year, hitting 38.2 percent (34-of-89) in league games. He will sit out next season, then have two years of eligibility remaining.

"(Reginald) possesses many of the qualities of another Delk I coached awhile back," Pitino said. "I hope he can be somewhat in the same ballpark as Tony. We didn't go into why he is transferring, but he is going to fit in very well with what our needs are and we're excited to have him. If he's anything close to his uncle, he'll have a very exciting career at Louisville.

"When you take a transfer you want to take them for reasons other than lack or playing time. And that is the case here. He played a lot of minutes for them. He gives us something we desperately need, and that is outside shooting. He defends and he shoots. He's long and athletic."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/37997.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/37997.html Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:28 EDT
“Louisville came on strong at the end of the season,” Clark County Coach Scott Humphrey said. “They saw Preston play four or five times and saw him in the state tournament. When he went down there for a visit, he liked what he saw and heard. It was kind of overwhelming, and he decided that's where he wanted to go.”

Humphrey said Kentucky called him Sunday night hoping to set up a meeting with Knowles this week. Humphrey told UK he had to check with Knowles on Monday, and that's when Knowles told him he was committing to U of L.

Knowles, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 21.4 points and 7 rebounds in leading Clark County to the Sweet Sixteen this season.

Humphrey said Virginia Commonwealth University was “rock solid” as the front-runner in the recruitment of Knowles throughout the season. LSU and Miami of Ohio also were in the mix in recent weeks.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/36347.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/36347.html Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:57 EDT
Pitino added that he had no role in Florida coach Billy Donovan, a close friend and former player and assistant under Pitino, turning down the UK job.

"First, let me say that contrary to certain opinions, I had no stake in this and I did not talk Billy into or out of having any interest in the University of Kentucky," Pitino said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/36357.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/36357.html Fri, 06 Apr 2007 20:12 EDT
Richard Pitino, 24, was named Friday as an assistant coach at UofL to replace Willard, who left his post as the Cardinals' associate head coach to take the head coaching job at Iona. Richard Pitino was an assistant coach the past season at Duquesne and had also spent time at College of Charlestown, Northeastern and Providence.

"I thought about it, and it had to be somebody very close to me, somebody who knew our system, and since I changed his diapers, I thought it would be a good idea to hire him. You don't get any closer to me than that," Rick Pitino said. "Anytime you lose someone who's been with you for 10 years and is like a son, you've got to make sure you continue with the quality you have in your program, and that's what I think we've done."

Pitino also announced that Eric Scott, who was an assistant coach at Bellarmine University last season, would rejoin UofL's staff as director of basketball operations. Scott, the brother of sophomore walk-on guard Will Scott, was an administrative assistant at UofL from 2003-05.

Matt Morris was promoted from administrative assistant to video operations director to replace Dan McHale, who went with Willard to Iona.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420219.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420219.html Sat, 31 May 2008 01:48 EDT
Jason Haniger and Charlie Blackmon each had three hits and two RBI, leading Georgia Tech past Louisville 8-5 Friday at the NCAA Athens regional.

The Big East champion Cardinals (41-20) came into the NCAAs on quite a roll, having won 25 of 31 games. But their season is one loss from being done despite Justin McClanahan's two homers.

Georgia Tech manufactured a run in the first. Blackmon led off with a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, stole third and came home on Luke Murton's sacrifice fly.

Blackmon was in the middle of things again in the second as the Yellow Jackets pushed across another run after two outs. Haniger and Patrick Long hit back-to-back singles, and Chris House walked to load the bases. Blackmon singled sharply to right, driving in a run, but Stewart Ijames easily threw out Long at the plate to end the inning. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/417500.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/417500.html Wed, 28 May 2008 09:41 EDT
Double Elimination

At USA Baseball National Training Complex, Cary, N.C.

Friday, May 30

Game 1 — North Carolina Wilmington (42-15-1) vs. Elon (43-16), 2 p.m.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/413662.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/413662.html Fri, 23 May 2008 14:19 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/506165.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/506165.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:24 EDT
The question was simple and straightforward: What's the most important thing you'll want from starting quarterback Hunter Cantwell?

Louisville Coach Steve Kragthorpe named one thing, then another, then another. The cascade of responses reflected the demands placed on any quarterback and, perhaps, the coach's faith that Cantwell can meet the challenge.

"The biggest thing is managing the game," Kragthorpe said before adding, "being consistent, being accurate with the football, making good decisions.

"That's a lot of things," he acknowledged before adding, "But all those things encompass playing quarterback." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/506110.html http://www.kentucky.com/294/story/506110.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:00 EDT
Page 188 of the University of Kentucky football media guide carries testament to the depth of John Nochta's Big Blue pedigree.

There you will see that 1973, '74 and '76 were the years Nochta earned varsity football letters at UK.

His last game was Kentucky's 21-0 whitewashing of North Carolina in the 1976 Peach Bowl.

In conversation, he quickly tells you that Fran Curci made him a student coach for 1977. Which means Nochta was up close and personal with the best Kentucky team of the post-Bear Bryant era, the 10-1 mashers of Art Still and Derrick Ramsey. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/450230.html http://www.kentucky.com/277/story/450230.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:55 EDT
The Cardinals will face an 18-game conference schedule in which teams will face all Big East teams, plus repeat games against three opponents.

Louisville's home conference opponents will include Connecticut, DePaul, Marquette, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Providence, Seton Hall, USF and West Virginia. The Cardinals' nine league road games will be at Cincinnati, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Rutgers, St. John's, USF, Syracuse, Villanova and West Virginia.

"As tough as our schedule was last season, this year our Big East and non-conference schedule could be the toughest we have ever faced," said U of L Coach Rick Pitino, whose team played the nation's sixth-toughest schedule by the ratings percentage index (RPI) last season. "With as many as nine Big East teams ranked in the early top 25 rankings, this could be the strongest season for the league since its inception. We look forward to the challenge and I know it will be fun for our fans and players alike."

Seven Big East Conference teams were in the among the nation's top 25 in a recent ranking by ESPN.com's Andy Katz, including three of the first five picks . No. 2 Pittsburgh, No. 4 Notre Dame, and No. 5 Louisville. U of L is second nationally in a CBSSports.com pre-season ranking by Gary Parrish, one of seven Big East teams among the top 16. The Cardinals are No. 6 in a similar ranking by Jeff Goodman of Foxsports.com with eight Big East teams are in the listing.

U of L will return four starters . seniors Terrence Williams and Andre McGee, and juniors Earl Clark and Jerry Smith . from a team which posted a 27-9 record, was runner-up in the Big East Conference, and reached the NCAA Elite Eight for the third time in 11 years. The Cardinals will welcome seven newcomers, including 2008 USA Today high school player of the year Samardo Samuels, a 6-8 forward/center.

U of L's complete schedule, including dates and times for the Big East games, is expected in early September.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420693.html http://www.kentucky.com/794/story/420693.html Sat, 31 May 2008 19:04 EDT
Georgia, upset by Lipscomb on Friday night, trailed 5-2 through six innings but rallied to avoid the two-game ouster from its regional. The Bulldogs (36-22-1) took the lead with seven runs on eight hits in the seventh.

Beckham set a school record with his 24th homer of the season off Louisville closer B.J. Rosenberg to tie the game.

Stewart Ijames hit a two-run homer and Jeff Arnold added another homer in the ninth off Georgia closer Joshua Fields.

Georgia improved to 12-0 in NCAA tournament elimination games at Foley Field.]]>