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Radiated
10-22-2006, 09:16 AM
UK Notebook: Crawford welcomes pressure on junior class

By LARRY VAUGHT
larry@amnews.com (mailto:larry@amnews.com)

LEXINGTON - Kentucky junior guard Joe Crawford has no problem with bigger expectations being placed on him and classmates Randolph Morris and Ramel Bradley this season at Kentucky.

In fact, Crawford welcomes the attention he's getting, including that from coach Tubby Smith.

"He has put us (the juniors) in more of a leadership role. He has given us the ball. He's talking to us and showing us how to do certain things he wants us to do and telling us what to tell other people. You can tell he expects more and trusts us more," Crawford said.

That "trust" along with what Crawford perceives as better team chemistry has the junior convinced UK is going to be far better than most college basketball analysts think. He's even drawing on last year's national championship team at Florida for inspiration.

--more-- (http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=26066&format=html)
Rockober
10-22-2006, 09:56 AM
Last year we had trouble finding any leaders. I am convinced that we will have several leaders this seson. So far, they seem more united. Yes, I know this is pre-season and there is always a lot of hype, but I really thing we will see the REAL Smokin Joea and others step up.

If Kentucky Pride is back, we are going to have a fun season.:ggrin:
poodoo
10-22-2006, 02:55 PM
Rockober wrote: Last year we had trouble finding any leaders. I am convinced that we will have several leaders this seson. So far, they seem more united. Yes, I know this is pre-season and there is always a lot of hype, but I really thing we will see the REAL Smokin Joea and others step up.

If Kentucky Pride is back, we are going to have a fun season.:ggrin:


Good post, Rockober. Too, a KEY to Florida's success last season was their being a FAMILY, according to players' comments after their national championship.

As you say, so far, the players "seem more united." I like it, and may it stay that way. :)