Sunday, December 19, 1999
Magloire sets UK block record
BY NEIL SCHMIDT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The irony of the record Jamaal Magloire set Saturday is it's for a facet of his game now almost an afterthought.
Kentucky's senior center blocked three shots Saturday in a 76-46 beating of Louisville, bringing his career blocks total to 229. That breaks the school record of 226 Melvin Turpin totaled from 1981-84.
Yet Magloire's best season for blocks was his freshman year, and it is his increased scoring and rebounding efforts that have kept UK in contention each game.
“I didn't even know about (the record chase) until right before the game,” Magloire said. “It doesn't really matter. I'm more happy with the win, and happy the team is becoming more cohesive.”
Magloire totaled 12 points and 10 rebounds Saturday, his second consecutive double-double and the fourth straight game he has scored in double figures. He now averages 10.4 points and a team-high 7.8 rebounds a game.
His best previous scoring average was 7.0 (last year), and he held steady between 4.2 and 4.4 rebounds a game each of his first three seasons.
Magloire blocked 79 shots as a freshman, then 66 each of the past two years. With 18 blocks thus far this winter, he probably won't surpass his freshman season. But he was then considered just a defensive stopper.
Those stories about Magloire often staying up past midnight, shooting alone in Memorial Coliseum, are true. Though he's still a wild child — he has been suspended three times and has six career technical fouls, believed a record for a UK player — Magloire has become more diligent in his training.
He also has grown close to radio analyst Sam Bowie, a for mer UK All-America center. Saturday, after being presented the game ball at midcourt, Magloire trotted over to Bowie and shook hands, thanking him.
“He's a big inspiration for me,” Magloire said. “He has given me lots of advice, trying to build me up.”
Though he has become an all-around threat, defense remains his hallmark.
“He's a physical specimen,” UK point guard Saul Smith said. “He's got those long arms. He's built to block shots. But every facet of his game is improving.”
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