UK Notebook: Harris now eligible to play

[ukfaninva]

By LARRY VAUGHT
larry@amnews.com

LEXINGTON - Tubby Smith won't speculate on when Ramon Harris will play for Kentucky or even how much he will help the Wildcats this season. However, the Kentucky coach has no doubt that the 6-5 Harris will eventually be a solid contributor for the Wildcats.



Harris, a former Alaska Player of the Year, became eligible to join the Wildcats Friday after sitting out the first semester because he did not meet NCAA eligibility requirements. He practiced with the team Friday and was on the bench for Saturday's game at Louisville, though he did not play.



"I don't expect him to be very effective for us for a while," Smith said. "If it does not work out ... we will see how he is doing and we might not waste the whole year. We will see how he responds."



Smith said he expects to make a "quick decision" about whether to redshirt Harris or go ahead and play him even though he has missed over two months of practice.



While Harris seems to have the muscle to compete now, Smith said looks can be deceiving.

http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=27723&format=html

[Brian McCat]

Tubby mentioned this in his pregame show. Said that he'd dress for Louisville, but probably not play.

Can anybody confirm this?

[patpat4three]

im pretty sure i saw him during one of the time outs

[Will Lavender]

He was indeed dressed. Saw him on the bench right beside Tubby.

I'd like to see him get some minutes Tuesday, but Santa Clara isn't a bad team. I don't think we're going to win that one going away or anything like that, and I don't see a guy who's practiced for all of five days getting out there in a competitive game.

[Rockober]

I think Harris will need some practice before he gets some playing time. As we know, if he plays well in practice- he will see some playing time.

I heard Oscar say on pre-game that he may be red-shirted, so this week will be a telling sign.