Normally, my column consists of fresh information about the personalities that make UK tick. Due to a tune-up that needs to happen quickly for Tubby and his troops, we are writing an open letter to the wonderful current caretaker of UK hoops.

All great coaches make their living making adjustments. After loosing to Alabama, it is obvious that some changes need to be made to get this team ready for March. The suggestions are not necessarily in order of importance, but all are things that need to be immediately discussed and digested.

The biggest problems are on offense. Holding Alabama to 62 points should be good enough to win 9 out of 10 times. Scoring 58 is ridiculous, and unfortunately we can't give all the credit to Alabama's defense.

1. Turnovers !
It was shocking to watch UK turn it over 20 times against Alabama ! On the surface, it looked like Heshimu "Moo" Evans had a good game....11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists. But, Moo's turnovers are killing UK. Not only did he have 5 against Alabama, but his 61 is only one behind Wayne Turner. This for a player who hardly dribbles the ball and needs to dribble it even less. Moo needs to be getting out on the wing and finishing the fast break.......never leading it ! Wayne Turner needs to be the man in the middle on the fast break every single time. Period ! I love Michael Bradley's inside play. But, he and Jamaal Magloire are making some horrible decisions with the ball. They combined for 5 turnovers against Alabama.

2. There is no Jeff Sheppard in 1999.
There is no player who can calm the team down if your are getting thumped by Duke like Jeff did in the NCAA tournament last year. That doesn't mean this years seniors aren't leaders, it means that no one is in the class of Jeff. It is time that the Commonwealth handles it and moves on. There is also no shooting guard on the team that is going to make as many jump shots leaping over people in crunch time like Jeff. That is life in the big city. The best option considering all the potential moves you have is one that I never would have suggested two months ago. As of this moment, Saul Smith is the best option at shooting guard. Yes, I realize that Saul isn't a shooting guard, but we are talking about what is best for the team, not what might be politically correct. Saul still has a long way to go, but has improved more in the past couple of months than most realize. No one plays harder ! With hustle at times being a problem this year, Saul's energy is needed a lot more than advertised. Saul's turnover to assist ratio is so much better than Wayne's, it's not even close. Due to the lack of scoring punch on this team, the turnovers must be cut down immediately. Saul helping Wayne out, can only help take care of the rock. The comments about your sons play from fans are past ridiculous. At times they are cruel, and it makes you question fans understanding of basketball. He is just a sophomore, and like a lot of underclassman on UK's team.....he is getting better. I sometimes wonder if you are too tough on Saul. I am often amazed how calm and cool Saul has handled being your son. That is also a credit to his parents. I was shocked to hear you use the word "suck" at a recent press conference when you were asked about fans that get your son and players in general. I wasn't shocked that most of the media left it alone.

But, I thought it was one of the strongest comments you have ever made ! Although coaching your son is a great joy, it has to be one of the toughest things you have ever done, and it shouldn't have to be that way.

3. Tell Wayne Turner that March came early this year.
From the middle of February last year, Jeff Sheppard was the best player in America. It is very possible that Wayne Turner was number two. Why does everyone forget all the MVP awards Wayne won after the regular schedule was over last season. Wayne gets more aggressive in March. Wayne looks to score more in March. As of today, Wayne is too concerned about taking care of his teammates. For the sake of his teammates, Wayne needs to be told that March starts today ! Wayne taking only 5 shots and scoring only 4 points against 'Bama is not in the best interests of the team. UK needs his scoring more today than in any point in his career. A father-son talk with Wayne for the sake of the team is needed !

4. Double-screens.
I saw a flash of it against Alabama. It got Scott Padgett a wide open three when the defense went the wrong way. The Indiana Pacers use it. We need it for Scott Padgett and Ryan Hogan. To many teams are fighting through the single picks that are set to get Padgett and Hogan open.

5. Scott Padgett.
He has what I call senior-itus. Tony Delk had it, admitted it to me, got over it and made some clutch shots when UK beat Syracuse for the NCAA title. John Pelphrey had it, received a quick seat next to Pitino and got over it. Heshimu Evans had it earlier this year, and is almost over it. Moo at times is trying to do too much and is turning the ball over, something we have already discussed. The NBA is always in the back of the minds of seniors like Scott more than they care to admit. Add that to the obvious, his UK career is almost over, it presents a whole different world. As smart as Scott is, one might think he wouldn't have dealt with this problem, but it has happened to many better than Scott. Another father-son talk with Scott could be needed for the sake of the team.

6. Diving drills.
As part of the 6am practices, I would have the players diving for loose balls. I am not suggesting they are soft, but I do believe that UK's tradition of outworking everyone can be seriously questioned. In reality, you are doing the players a favor. This will help them go as far as they can go in March. No one wants to see an opportunity wasted. Tubby, the truth is that Duke should win the final game of this season. But, after seeing you put all the pieces together last year, I can't count you out. But, when a terrific player like Jeremy Hays of Alabama suggests that UK is soft, something isn't right in the kitchen. It's time to get really tough with your team. They might someday thank you. But, without getting tougher, there is no way the thank you's will ever happen from the results from March of 1999.

Quote of the week: I'm talking with my buddy Mike Major, UK's outstanding defensive co-ordinator, about this years recruiting class when all of a sudden he starts laughing and changes the topic. "Hey Cutler, do you know what I told Hal (Mumme) when he signed his new contract ? He won't be hanging out with us anymore at Wal-Mart."

Alan Cutler is a motivational speaker, sports talk show host in Cincinnati and Lexington, and a Lexington TV sportscaster. He started covering UK in 1981. Comments can be e-mailed to, sportscut@mis.net . Choose to have a great day !