Former L.A. Dodger Manager Tommy LaSorda loved to say that the great players perform for the name on the front of their uniform, not the one on the back. It is the nicest way I can think of to say thanks to Padgett, Evans and Turner. Three former UK stars that performed better together than they ever could have individually.

Not having a chance to "Repeat in St. Pete" hurts the players, the fans and the people who are often forgotten but at times have sacrificed as much as anyone.....the parents. Eleanor Evans was having the time of her life following her son. Like many of you, Heshimu's mom had plans for Florida. Obviously, we talked before UK played Michigan St. "I'm having a lot of fun. I'm going a lot of places I wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for following the team." Believe me, when you grow up in New York City, the thought of ever visiting Kentucky never pops in your mind. Heshimu and Elanor leave with a lifetime of memories. "He loves it here. He loves it here. I like it here. Everyone is very nice to us here. It's very calm here." The best memory for Elanor will always center around San Antonio and beating Utah to take the NCAA Championship in 1998. "First we cried. We cried for a long time and I really couldn't believe it. I still can't believe it. I'm still very excited about that win. It was very very thrilling. I will cherish it forever."

Why bring up 1998 ? UK fans need to take a deep breath and appreciate what they have. A basketball program that is led by one of the classiest men in sport, Tubby Smith. If you are sizing up the best combination of recruiters and coaches, two stand above the crowd, Coach K at Duke and Tubby. With that thought, let's look into the future.

It was just a few weeks ago that Tayshaun Prince was telling me that he was disappointed in his play as a freshman. Against Michigan St., Prince never missed a shot ! Shooting was his number one frustration. In a matter of weeks, Prince showed why he will be one of the best sophomores in the SEC next year. Prince is calm and cool. He expects to be great !

Jules Camera is one of the most exciting athletes I have ever seen. To top it all off, rarely have I ever seen an athlete with so much desire. With big time coaches having unlimited funds for recruiting, I have never understood why more programs don't spend more time in Africa looking for talent. Jules success might change that. For the 6-foot-10 inch jumping jack, this was a season of listening to his mentor, Scott Padgett. Jules goal is to someday "become a teacher to a freshman the way Scott helped me." There is no reason why Jules can't become one of the best-------if not the best sophomores in the SEC next year.

No True Blue fan thought that Desmond Allison would end up starting this year. In a single season, Allison went from having no outside shot----to a fine long range bomber. When you add his already big time toughness, there is no reason why Allison can't be one of the best sophomores in the SEC next year. Wayne Turner took Desmond under his wing this season. Without the captain's help, it would have been tough to the former all-state football player to log as many minutes.

A quiet key to this program is what I call the trickle down effect. The older players look after the young pups. It helps team chemistry at least 100% ! This was also in effect when Pitino was in town. But, back in those days, the veterans would tell the rookies to tune out Pitino's tone of voice, but listen to what he is trying to teach you.

To Michael Bradley. He might have taken a nose dive after becoming number one in America in field goal percentage. But, like Allison, no True Blue Fan thought he'd start. Look for Bradley to remember how to shoot a free throw this summer. Plus, another summer of lifting, running and throwing up will only help his athleticism. Bradley could be one of the better juniors in the SEC next year.

To Jamaal Magloire. I am really proud of him. Name me another UK player who has grown more. Only Saul has taken more heat from fans. At times, his experience in America has been tough. But, Magloire has the heart of a lion. No big man in America hustles more. His dive against Kansas just to deflect a ball off a Jayhawk was my second favorite play of the season. For what UK needs, he could be the best center in America next season.

To Saul Smith. No player wearing a UK uniform should have to take the garbage that is dished to him by True Blue Fans. If you are part of the large group that likes to say that the only reason Saul is at UK because of his daddy, try and remember that Arkansas' Nolan Richardson thinks he's terrific. With a heart that rivals Magloire, UK fans don't seem to realize how much he improved as a point guard this season. Although he still has plenty of room for growth, following Wayne Turner is not an easy act. He will handle it much better than most anticipate. What concerns me is who will back up Saul.

Ryan Hogan will be better. How much ? That is tough to guess. The biggest problem Hogan has is between his ears. He is still too uptight when he hits the court. If Hogan can be as cool as Prince, he could be one of the most dangerous scorers off the bench in the SEC next year.

The incoming recruiting class is great ! Immediate help is on the way. The bottom line is that Tubby knows how to develop people. It just so happens that the people he works with are basketball players. When you put it all together, the possibility of going to the Final Four will be there every year ! As a fan, what more can you ask for ? When it comes to UK's basketball program, the glass is half full-----not half empty !

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