Oct. 17, 2001

LEXINGTON, Ky – On Wednesday morning, Kentucky head basketball coach Tubby Smith participated in an ESPN.com moderated chat. Below is the transcript from the chat:

Welcome to ESPN.com’s moderated chat room. .

Tubby Smith:
(11:38 AM ET ) I’m here, let’s get started. Sorry for the delay.

Ray Combs Dayton OH: Hi Coah Smith,I know expectations are high for this year’s team, cohesiveness will be the key. In your opinion what is the key to blending so many egos into a team that is totally focused on winning for the “team”? Good luck Tubby!!

Tubby Smith:
(11:40 AM ET ) I believe we have to become a real team-goal oriented. Teams win championships. We will talk about improving each players’ skill level and get them to understand their role and that will be the key to the chemistry and becoming a team.

But we will play with the type of depth and talent we have it will allow a lot of players to play. It will be up tempo, pressing style of play.

Lebanon, Ky: WHO IS THE FRONT RUNNER TO BE THE STARTING PT. GAURD AND WHY

Tubby Smith:
(11:41 AM ET ) This point in time we have three point guards in our program — JP Blevins, Hawkins and Adam Childs who is an incoming freshman.

So the frontrunner would be JP but as I mentioned recently, it is a day to day battle as is every position on this team.

Troy (Cincinnati): How do you feel about playing Louisville this year now that Rick Patino will be coaching them? Does it raise the stakes for the Kentucky Klash?

Tubby Smith:
(11:42 AM ET ) It has always been a big rivalry especially for both fans. Having Pitino back in college basketball does enhance the stakes and brings out the competitive juices in people that have a stake in winning or losing this game,

Deaton – Lexington: Are you going to be running and gunning this year? or the slow half-court game? Please have a fast pace game this year please !!!!

Tubby Smith:
(11:45 AM ET ) I think most people realize we play an up tempo game. We finish in the top of the league playing that style. We haven’t played a schedule where we can put big numbers on people. We have been pretty consistent in our scoring (around 79 points per game).

So we play up tempo so I don’t know where people get where we don’t. We have had great success on both ends of the floor. We have put a little more emphasis on defense and that tends to take away a little of our scoring.

Tubby Smith:
(11:45 AM ET ) We did lead the league in scoring last season. So that shows I don’t know where that comes from people saying we don’t score.

Lexington, Ky: Coach Smith, With almost everyone back from last years team, do you forsee anyone from this years recruiting class making an immediate impact?

Tubby Smith:
(11:47 AM ET ) I think everyone will have an impact. They are having it now in practice. They have all improved a lot. Hayes and Carruth are both players who have shown they can play right away and so has Carrier. Adam Childs is still learning the game but those three will play a lot.

Talking immediate impact, I don’t see any of the freshman starting.

Sharon: How good do you feel about this team compared to the 1998 team?

Tubby Smith:
(11:49 AM ET ) This team is quite a bit younger than the ’98 and ’99 teams. This group of men have done it over the last two years because they are pretty talented. We still lack experience that the ’98 team had. We had two fifth year players on that team and a lot of experience. That means a lot. That gives you more time to mature.

I think this group is as talented as the ’98 team but it will be a matter of going out and proving themselves and winning.

Richmond Va: Who do you belive will be the dark horse team of the year? and who will win the newly tightend ACC

Tubby Smith:
(11:50 AM ET ) I think you have to look at South Carolina in our league. They have a good group of returning players, size and a great backcourt. I think they could really rise to the occasion in this league. They were not very far from being a very good team last season.

Jay: Who is your favorite team to face?

Tubby Smith:
(11:53 AM ET ) That is tough. Not really. Every game is a favorite game when you enjoy competition and like to test yourselves against the best. We play a lot of great team and great coaches and it is fun to measure your team and yourself against the best. We play a very tough schedule so they are all fun.

Robbie : I know you have only had a few days of practice, but how tough is the competition among the players during practice?

Tubby Smith:
(11:54 AM ET ) The competition is very intense as you can imagine when you recruit talented players and the returning players. It only heightens the competition and makes everyone better. I have witnessed the improvement of each player which will only help the team improve.

Brandon Perkins- Salyersville-KY: Do feel Tayshaun improved his NBA status by returning to Kentucky for this year?

Tubby Smith:
(11:56 AM ET ) Oh yes. He has gotten stronger and he is still growing. He should be a candidate for Player of the Year in the country. I don’t think people appreciate what he can do. I don’t think there is any other player that can do what he does at 6-foot9. He can do everything and player anywhere from the point to the center. Now that he is stronger I think he could very easily be the No. 1 pick. It also allows him to achieve some of his personal goals as well.

Bryan – Lexington: Who do you think is the top team in the nation?

Tubby Smith:
(11:57 AM ET ) Duke — with Williams, Boozer, Dunleavy, etc. They have a great coach and have a great team. Their team has proven that they have the experience and the talent to be the best team in the country.

BCD, Denver: How has Jules Camara developed in his year off? Has he maintained his athletic ability and worked to improve his game?

Tubby Smith:
(11:58 AM ET ) Jules has improved a lot. He has always been athletic. He biggest weakness was his strength. He has gained some valuable experience this summer and he will bring that defensive shootblocking we haven’t had. He could be the newcomer of the year after sitting out last year.

Robbie Delph-Whitesburg-Ky: Who do you feel will surprise people the most on this team?

Tubby Smith:
(12:00 PM ET ) I think Eric Daniels surprised us last year and maintained that all year. I don’t think there will be too many surprises. But Chuck Hayes may open some eyes. His game is very mature for a freshman. So I think he will be the most pleasant surprise.

Chuck-Louisville: In your opinion, are the UK fan’s best in college basketball?

Tubby Smith:
(12:02 PM ET ) No question. I don’t think it is even close. Their loyal support is unmatched. it is a year round following. They have a lot to be proud off – we are the winningest program in the country. There is a lot to hang your hat on and it is a privledge to lead this team.

Tubby Smith:
(12:03 PM ET ) That is all the time I have for now. I want to thank each and every fan for joining in the chat today. The fans are what make Kentucky special. Thank again and take care.