April 24, 2003
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team held its annual post-season awards banquet on April 18 at the Keene Barn at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. UK coach Tubby Smith reformatted the typical awards ceremony to honor what is being called, “Team Supreme.”
Smith and his staff decided not to present the traditional individual awards, but honor the players for their extraordinary effort as a unit. Each player was presented with a plaque commemorating all of the 2003 squad’s achievements – including a 32-4 Elite Eight finish, an undefeated conference season (19-0), a final No. 1 Associated Press ranking and a Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament sweep.
Each player was presented with a wooden plaque featuring the 2003 team photo, 100-year logo and the achievements of the year.
One special award was handed out to Keith Bogans as the Outstanding Senior. Bogans, who closed his career as the No. 4 all-time leading scorer in school history, was recognized for his dedication, drive and leadership throughout his career and especially during the team’s tremendous 26-game win streak.
The program also bestowed the second annual Bill Keightley Award, honoring an individual for their dedication and loyalty to Kentucky basketball. This year’s recipient, Van Florence, is invaluable to the team and the Kentucky program. Florence, the head of UK’s Committee of 101, which ushers all home events, currently runs the UK Basketball Museum and single-handedly kept the museum doors open when he took over the center deep in debt.
Smith and Keightley presented the award, which is named for UK’s longtime equipment manager, to an emotional Florence.
The evening wouldn’t have been complete without honoring the man who made the remarkable season so possible. After inviting UK President Lee Todd to speak to the team to close the evening, Smith was surprised with a plaque commemorating his sweep of the National Coach of the Year awards this year.
Blevins Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll
Former University of Kentucky basketball player J.P. Blevins was named to the 2003 Southeastern Conference Men’s Basketball Academic Honor Roll.
The award is based on 2001-02 grades and includes 26 student-athletes from the leagues 12 schools. Blevins graduated from UK in May, 2002 with a degree in communications. He’s currently living and working in the Lexington area.
