March 14, 1999

By STEPHEN HAWKINS

AP Sports Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Kentucky coach Tubby Smith and his players were stillhaving a difficult time Saturday expressing their thoughts about the death ofWildcats signee John Stewart.

The 7-foot Stewart, who was from Lawrence North High School inIndianapolis,signed with the Wildcats in November. He died Friday night after collapsingduring a state tournament game.

Kentucky players weren’t told about Stewart’s death until after their82-60victory over New Mexico State in the NCAA Midwest Regional game Friday night.Smith knew before the game.

“You have to move on, but certainly having to hear it is depressing,”Smith said Saturday.

At times, Smith said, he began visualizing himself “coaching John” duringFriday night’s game.

Of the three Kentucky players taking part in an interview sessionSaturday,only Scott Padgett answered when asked about the situation. Wayne Turnerdeclined comment and Heshimu Evans just sat there with a blank expression.

“Everybody is still kind of in disbelief,” Padgett said. “His parentssaid (Stewart) would want us to come out and play our best for him andourselves, which we will try to do.”

Kentucky plays Kansas on Sunday in the Superdome.