May 12, 2000

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Matt Heissenbuttel, a 6-4, 187-pound guard from Lexington (Ky.) Catholic High School, has decided to walk-on at the University of Kentucky, Coach Tubby Smith announced today.

Heissenbuttel, who has been accepted for admission at the University, led the Knights to the KHSAA Sweet 16 title game, scoring 25 points for the state runners-up. As a senior, he led Catholic in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He also contributed 2.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game as the Knights finished with a 32-5 record.

“He’s going to be joining us as a walk-on,” Coach Smith said. “I have had the opportunity to watch him play a lot because he played with my son at Lexington Catholic. I know his family, and he is a fine young man. He has been around the program a lot and appreciates and understands Kentucky basketball.”

Heissenbuttel lettered all four seasons for Coach Danny Haney, starting as a junior and senior. Last season, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1999 Kruel Classic after scoring a career-high 33 points on 14-of-14 shooting in the championship game. The 1,000-point scorer also made the 11th Region and the Sweet 16 All-Tournament teams. He was named first-team All-State and first-team All-City.

As a junior, Catholic went 26-5 while averaging 14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. During his four seasons, the Knights had a 122-15 record, winning the All-A Classic in 1997 before a state semifinal finish and a No. 3 national ranking by USA Today in 1998.

Heissenbuttel joins a UK freshman class that includes Erik Daniels, Gerald Fitch, Cliff Hawkins and Michael Southall.