Larry: I think Tubby may feel, or know, that not all of those seven-footers will be back next year. He also knows how rare it is to find a talented big man. Plus, he may not want to make the same mistake he did last year when he ignored Mason County’s Chris Lofton.
Question: Of the four freshmen, how many do you think will play four years for the Cats? -- Gary Bugg, Danville
Larry: One -- Ramel Bradley. I think Rondo and Morris will both leave early for the NBA, but maybe not until after their junior years. If I was certain Crawford would be back next year, then I think he would be here four years, too. But I still worry that Crawford’s advisors are telling him Tubby is not using him right and he will bail out when the year ends.
Question: First of all, when I read your articles, I know how Moses felt when he came down from the mountain, as I know I have been in the presence of greatness. I have been a UK fan since the late 50’s and in your opinion what player was the biggest flop at UK. How about Richard Madison or Derrick Hord? -- Ron Bailey, Maysville
Larry: Even for Moses, that’s a hard question. I can’t go with Hord. He scored 1,220 points and averaged 9.8 points per game. To me, that’s not close to a flop. I could go along with Madison, a great athlete who just never produced consistently. But my all-time flop would be Rashaad Carruth.
Question: Any idea where EKU might go in the first round of the NCAA tournament? I am a proud alum and hope to make the game. -- Jonathan L. Smith
Larry: I really think it could be Indianapolis or Nashville and I would not be surprised to see the Colonels paired against either Kentucky or Louisville. Both matchups would make for good hype for CBS in the opening round.
Question: 1. Is Sparks worth the time he is playing? If he is on, he is on. How long can Tubby afford those 1-for-10 or maybe 2-for-10. If he isn't on, he is taking up space. 2. Morris has all the tools to make a good ball player. Will you agree that pure old being lazy is what's wrong with that boy. I can't see why Tubby can't see this. I've been around rooting for Kentucky since the 50’s and this being lazy is noticeable to millions of fans. -- Ray I Wilson, Cincinnati
Larry: Sparks is hard to figure. But remember this. In UK’s four losses, he’s struggled and when he’s struggled, the Cats have had trouble scoring. He’s the only consistent outside threat and he is not afraid to take a tough shot. But there are also times I have been disappointed with his shot selection and patience. Still, for UK to be great in tournament play, he has to play and produce. As for Morris, I don’t think lazy is the right word. I think he’s been too tentative and soft. Sometimes he’s almost been overwhelmed. Maybe that can be mistaken for laziness, but recently he’s been fairly productive and I still think he could be the key to March success.
Question: With Kentucky having only 1 real legitimate threat on the offensive and defensive glass (that big freshmen from Georgia), how quickly and if at all do you think it will hurt the Cats chances at making a legitimate run at the conference/NCAA championships? I mean, do the Cats have an answer for the frontcourts of North Carolina, Arizona, Wake, and even Gonzaga or Kansas? If Kentucky gets into foul trouble early in a game, how confident are you in their 6-8 "role players" coming off the bench to deflate possible significant runs that teams such as Florida and Alabama are capable of as well as NCAA stallworths Carolina, Duke and Louisville? Speaking of which, do you think the committee will put the Cats and Cards in the same Regional? -- Brian Brannock, Danville
