Nov. 2, 2001

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Kentucky Wildcats are predicted to repeat as Southeastern Conference Basketball Champions, according to a pre-season vote of media attending Tipoff 2002, the SEC Basketball Media Day, held at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel.

In the men’s voting, Kentucky took 20 of 23 votes while Florida received the remaining three tallies. Last season, Florida and Kentucky were SEC co-champions. The Wildcats were an overwhelming favorite as well to win the Eastern Division while Alabama took 15 votes and was predicted to win the Western Division.

UK senior forward Tayshaun Prince was the choice for the league’s Player of the Year, garnering 17 votes. Joining Prince on the All-SEC team were Kentucky junior guard Keith Bogans, junior guard Brett Nelson and senior center Udonis Haslem of Florida and Alabama junior guard/forward Rod Grizzard.

A rundown of the SEC Basketball Media Day voting is below:

Tipoff 2002 – SEC Basketball Media Day Media Voting

Men's Basketball Predictions (23 voters)CHAMPION - Kentucky (20), Florida (3).

EASTERN DIVISION

1. Kentucky (20) 262. Florida (3) 433. Tennessee 764. South Carolina 985. Georgia 1056. Vanderbilt 123

WESTERN DIVISION 1. Alabama (15) 332. Arkansas (5) 603. Ole Miss (2) 664. Auburn (1) 785. LSU 1216. Miss. State 125

PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Tayshaun Prince, Kentucky (17), Udonis Haslem, Florida(3), Keith Bogans, Kentucky (1), Brett Nelson, Florida (1) [1 person did notfill in POY].

FIRST-TEAM PRESEASON ALL-SEC G – Brett Nelson, Florida 17G – Keith Bogans, Kentucky 15C – Udonis Haslem, Florida 22F – Tayshaun Prince, Kentucky 22G/F – Rod Grizzard, Alabama 11