May 3, 2002

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky basketball seniors J.P. Blevins and Tayshaun Prince will close out their careers as student-athletes on Sunday, May 5, when both receive their bachelor’s degrees at the University’s 135th Commencement in Memorial Coliseum.

Blevins, who will earn his degree in communications, will graduate magna cum laude, one of academia’s top honors. The Edmonton, Ky., native is a three-time Academic All-Southeastern Conference team member and has been named to the Dean’s list in every semester at UK. He closed the book on his basketball career in March after an injury-prone senior season. Blevins finished his career with 286 points, 98 rebounds and 80 assists in 99 games.

Prince, arguably one of the all-time great Kentucky players, will receive his degree in sociology. He cited graduation as one of his top reasons for pulling his name from the 2001 NBA Draft and returning to complete his eligibility. He led the Wildcats in scoring (17.5 ppg) and rebounding (6.3 rpg) this season and finished his career with 1,775 points, which ranks seventh on UK’s all-time scoring list.

Prince was named first-team All-SEC, second-team All-America by the NABC and third-team All-America by The Associated Press this season, all honors he earned last year. He was the 2001 SEC Player of the Year and was named UK’s most valuable player in both his junior and senior seasons.

The University Commencement begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday in Memorial Coliseum. The College of Communications ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m. at the Singletary Center while the College of Arts & Sciences holds its recognition ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in the Coliseum.