March 12, 2003
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith has been named SEC Coach of the Year as voted on by the league’s head coaches.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my peers,” Smith said. “But I share this award with my team and coaching staff. The seniors — Keith Bogans, Jules Camara and Marquis Estill — deserve much of the credit for the leadership they’ve shown. It’s a real testament to how hard the entire team has worked and the accomplishments they’ve achieved.”
Smith was named the league Coach of the Year by the Associated Press and the USBWA District IV Coach of the Year on Tuesday.
Wildcat senior Keith Bogans was named the SEC Player of the Year in the coaches poll as well.
“This is an extremely tremendous honor for me, one I wouldn’t have received without support from my coaches and teammates,” Bogans said. “It’s especially great coming from the coaches, who are some of the best in the country. We’re having a great year and I’m honored to be a part of such a great team effort.”
It’s the first such honor for Bogans, who leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.9 ppg. He’s already been named first-team All-SEC in the AP poll and the USBWA District IV Player of the Year.
“Keith is very deserving of this award,” Smith said. “The league’s coaches have recognized that he’s the best player on the best team in the SEC. He has stuck it out for four years and capped his career with a superb season. He’s being rewarded for his longevity, his maturity and his outstanding play. It’s very gratifying.”
