Kentucky has been picked the preseason favorite to win the 2005 Southeastern Conference men?s basketball title in a poll taken at the SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday. The Wildcats were dubbed the favorite to win the title on nine of the 18 ballots cast.

Kentucky forward Chuck Hayes was named preseason first-team All-SEC in the media vote, while teammate Kelenna Azubuike was a second team selection. Five players were named to each team in the media poll.

Kentucky also was picked to win the East, while Mississippi State was the favorite in the West. MSU?s Lawrence Roberts earned 13 votes for Player of the Year.

Kentucky tips off the 2004-05 season on Wednesday, Nov. 3 with an exhibition game against Northern Kentucky. The UKTV game is set for 7 p.m. at Rupp Arena.