SoCalHoops College News

Tayshaun Prince: The Cheering Is
Just Getting Started--(Nov. 18, 1998)

Last night really was the night of the freshmen, and we don't just mean here on the west coast. Tayshaun Prince (6'-8" Fr. G/F) from Compton Dominguez, who is now playing for the Kentucky Wildcats proved he belongs in Division I, and generally made Michael Miller look like the genius that we all knew he was (and UCLA look something less than stellar for letting him get away, assuming they ever really had a chance at him).  Tayshaun  scored 10 points in 19 minutes, on 4-5 shooting from the field, grabbed 4 rebounds, had 4 assists, and generally took control of things when he was in with talented newcomers Jules Camara and Desmond Allison.  It even looks like he's won the starting guard spot over Tubby Smith's own son, Saul.

All five Kentucky freshmen saw significant time in the over Eastern Kentucky, and Prince started the second half at shooting guard, replacing starter Saul Smith.  Smith's father, coach Tubby Smith, praised the play of Prince, a high school All-America from Southern California, and Camara, a 6-foot-11 native of Senegal.   "They both play so gracefully," Smith said. "I've been impressed with Tayshaun's ability to contain guards on the perimeter and contain people off the dribble."

Saul Smith's fast-break pass to a soaring Heshimu Evans gave Kentucky an 89-48 lead with 6:20 left and brought the Rupp Arena crowd to its feet.  That was one of the few highlights in an otherwise miserable night for Smith, who was a jittery 0-for-5 from the field and was visibly angry with himself in the second half.  "I think Saul will be better for us down the line coming off the bench," Tubby Smith said. His son seemed to agree, praising Prince's play.  "He's a great player, with a vast amount of potential," Saul Smith said. "If he's our starting guard, I'm happy with that."

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