Nov. 3, 2008

Complete Pregame Notes







– a preview follows:

Prior to the opening the 2008-09 season, Kentucky hosts a pair of exhibition games, the first of which pits the Wildcats against the Missouri-St. Louis Tritons.

The preseason marks the “sophomore season” for UK head coach Billy Gillispie who coached the Cats to an 18-13 record and a 12-4 mark in league play in his inaugural season last year.

Fans got a first look at the 2009 team on Saturday in the Blue/White scrimmage. Jodie Meeks led all scorers with 32 points, helping the Blue squad to an 86-81 victory. Josh Harrellson posted a doubledouble for the White squad, totaling 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Kentucky is 39-4 all-time in exhibition games to start the season or in season.

Cat Scratches

• Kentucky is in its 106th season of basketball.
• Kentucky is the all-time NCAA leader in wins with 1,966.
• The Wildcats were picked to finish third in the SEC East by select media. Kentucky was picked by two voters to win the SEC Championship.
• Once again, every Wildcat basketball game will be televised live, including both of UK’s exhibition games.
• Kentucky opens the 2009 season on Friday, Nov. 14 by hosting the Virginia Military Institute.
• Patrick Patterson was named preseason First Team All-SEC while Jodie Meeks was named Second Team Preseason All-SEC by league coaches.
• Billy Gillispie begins his second season, after being named SEC co-Coach of the Year last year as voted on by the league coaches.
• Sophomore Patrick Patterson was named SEC co-Freshman of the Year by league coaches last season.