Friday, December 28, 2001
UK's Stone dismissed from team
Reserve center never returned from break
By Rusty Hampton
The Louisville Courier-Journal
LEXINGTON — Tubby Smith opened Thursday's news conference by saying the University of Kentucky basketball team doesn't need any distractions as it prepares for Saturday's much-anticipated Dream Game against the University of Louisville.
Then the Wildcats coach said his program just can't seem to avoid them.
“Unfortunately, we've had a few this week,” he said.
The latest: the dismissal of reserve center Marvin Stone and the broken right wrist suffered by backup point guard J.P. Blevins, who underwent surgery Thursday and is expected to miss four to six weeks.
Stone, who didn't return to practice after the Christmas break, is gone for good. Although Stone contemplated a midseason transfer a year ago, Smith's version of what happened this week is that Stone wasn't given another second chance.
“I just felt like him not returning (from Christmas break) was a signal to me that he didn't want to be here,” Smith said. “So be it.”
Stone, a 6-foot-10 junior, was a McDonald's All-American and highly touted prospect coming out of Huntsville (Ala.) Grissom High School. He primarily was a backup his first two seasons and then started the first two games this season before being replaced by Marquis Estill, who since has given way to Jules Camara.
For the season, Stone averaged 13.9 minutes, 5.3 points and 4.0 rebounds a game. But he played just a combined 13 minutes in the last two games.
Smith said he talked to Stone Thursday morning but did not reveal many details about their conversation or why Stone was dismissed.
“It's unfortunate that it had to happen at this time, but Marvin's been dealing with some other issues outside of basketball,” Smith said. “We want to wish him the best in whatever he decides to do. We're going to be releasing him and moving on.”
Attempts to reach Stone were unsuccessful. His former AAU coach, Mark Komara, said Stone was in Huntsville. He wouldn't comment further and said he didn't know what Stone plans to do next.
The dismissal of Stone, whom Smith called “probably our best post defender,” dealt No.6-ranked UK a second blow at the center position. In October the Cats lost returning starter Jason Parker to season-ending knee surgery.
Smith said forwards Chuck Hayes and Erik Daniels probably will get more opportunities to show what they can do in the post.
Sports Stories
Bearcats relaxed, ready to roll
Motor City could be showcase for Guidugli
Huggins turned Akron around
Soph Sato offers Xavier's best defense
Kitna provides calm for Johnson's storm
Bengals notebook
Steelers' Ward fined again for taunting
Browns' Couch says, 'Blame me for INTs'
Vaughn, Mets complete deal
Fans love Comets
No. 2 Mt. Notre Dame falls
Ohio boys basketball roundup
Ohio girls basketball roundup
Kentucky boys basketball roundup
Kentucky girls basketball roundup
Soccer: Area prep coaches honored
UK's Stone dismissed from team
