Everyone thinks that Ryan Hogan is just like his uncle. Take a few steps across the mid-court line, and if there is room, let it rip ! When Kevin Grevey found out that his nephew actually passed up a shot this year, it made him think about his family tree, "you see I'm strictly Grevey bloodlines, he's got a little Hogan in him, he's looking to pass.

"The former UK All-American never passes up any shot.....that is on the court, or to stick a needle in anyone ! Grevey does a terrific job as a college basketball analyst for Mutual Radio. What is refreshing about Kevin is that he doesn't play politics like many broadcasters. His attitude always has been, I make my living with my restaurant, so if they don't want me to be myself behind the microphone, they can get someone else.

Grevey's open attitude doesn't stop him from giving himself a shot. At UK's blowout of Florida, Grevey was shocked to see Ryan draw a charge. That gives the sophomore three in the last two games. Not bad for a player who had a reputation of not being able to spell defense. Grevey was just as surprised at Ryan's "D". "He had one more today than I had my entire career. Tubby's starting to rub off on him a little bit. He's learning to play defense and I think that's why Tubby is playing him. He's playing Tubby Ball for sure. It took him a year to sink in, and it has."

Grevey received a warm welcome at Rupp Arena when he did the famous "Y" in the Kentucky cheer during a second half time out against Florida. Before walking off the court, the lefty walked over the UK's huddle and planted a hug and kiss on Mr. Wildcat, UK equipment man, Bill Keightley.

Watching Ryan is one of the toughest things he's done in sports. "I've been sweating all day, it's tough watching your family. But, I'm bubbling with joy for Ryan. With everything he's been through, to go out there and help the team win ball games, this is great !"

Hogan, who scored 11 points in 12 minutes against Florida, has gone from a question mark to a serious threat in a matter of weeks. The one thing that no fan, coach, or scout can ever judge is when the light bulb will go on for a player. More often than not, it goes in spurts that can be unpredictable. Not even Grevey can tell about the next level for his favorite UK player. "I don't know if Ryan has an NBA future. He just wants to be part of good things here. But, as he gets stronger and he can still shoot the three, I've seen smaller guys in the NBA, you never know."

Ryan reminds me a lot of Steve Kerr. Same size, same kind of great shot, but, Ryan has scored three buckets inside the paint in the last two games, which is more than Kerr might make in a season. That's an NBA season with the Chicago Bulls.

Grevey was amazed at the play of Scott Padgett. The move to small forward allowed he 6-foot-9 inch captain to see over the defense. Many of the best plays in UK's blowout against the Gators were started by Padgett's passes. "Scott Padgett in my book is one of the best passing forwards I've ever seen. Ever ! This guy can pass the ball, and when that happens, the other guys are looking to pass. It breeds that kind of unselfish play."

Grevey did stop ! "He's a sure fire NBA player because of his unselfish play. Any NBA scout, the first thing he's going to notice is that this kid can pass, and they need more of that in the NBA."

Speaking of the NBA, Grevey, who had a terrific pro career, can't believe how stupid the players and owners have been. Although it is possible that the labor dispute will be settled by the time you read this, it won't change Grevey's opinion. "Everybody is so selfish. The greed is just incredible. I'm an NBA fan. I love the game. I still think it's the best pure sport that there is in the business. But, I don't know. I'm going to have a hard time going back."

"I have four season tickets. I pay $12,000 for these tickets. I go to high school games, college games a lot. There are other things I can do with my entertainment dollar. I think you are going to see a real revolt by the fans."

Grevey the analyst summed up UK's season so far like a pro. "The games they lost, they were not looking at that extra pass. They shot great against Florida because of unselfish play."

When UK shoots the rock, they are tops ! But, then again so is Kevin Grevey!

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