The Associated Press

LEXINGTON - Keith Bogans' best memory as a Kentucky Wildcat isn't finished yet.

"It's in the works right now. This is the best year I've had since I've been here," said the 6-foot-5 senior, who will play his final home game tonight when second-ranked Kentucky (24-3, 14-0 Southeastern Conference) plays Vanderbilt (10-15, 3-11).

VANDERBILT at UK

• Tipoff: 8 p.m. today, Rupp Arena (23,000), Lexington. • Records: UK 24-3 (14-0 SEC), Vandy 10-15 (3-11). • Radio: WSAI-AM (1530). • TV: Ch. 64. • Series: UK leads 124-36. • Line: UK by 19.

Bogans has enjoyed his senior season. This time last year, when he was a junior, he was plotting the start of his NBA career.

But he tried and failed to impress scouts last summer and returned to Lexington, where he rededicated himself to his shooting and embraced his leadership role with the Wildcats, who clinched the outright SEC title Tuesday when Florida lost to Georgia 82-81.

"I think this worked out perfect for me," said Bogans, the SEC's sixth-leading scorer. "All young guys come in like I did and think they can leave early, but it's such a different game. It's not easy. You have to stay and work hard. That's what I did, and I think it will pay off. I'm glad I stayed."

Centers Jules Camara and Marquis Estill also are closing their senior years, although the 6-foot-9 Estill might return next season. Estill was a partial qualifier his freshman year but can earn another year of eligibility if he graduates this year.

Coach Tubby Smith encouraged Estill to explore the possibility of leaving for the NBA but said he would gladly welcome him back.

Estill wasn't sure what he was going to do after the season.

Camara's mother will see him play live for the first time. The 6-11 Camara, like Bogans, hasn't always had a smooth ride through his college career.

He was arrested in September 2000 and charged with driving under the influence. He was suspended for the 2000-01 season. Camara broke his hand just before this season started but recovered in time to play in all 27 games. He's second on the team with 34 blocks and Smith has called him one of Kentucky's best defenders.

The native of Senegal is on schedule to graduate with an economics major after less than a decade of living in America.

Today's lineups:

KENTUCKY	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Chuck Hayes	So.	6-6	9.1
Erik Daniels	Jr.	6-8	9.5
Marquis Estill	Sr.	6-9	10.9
Keith Bogans	Sr.	6-5	16.2
Gerald Fitch	Jr.	6-3	12.3

Coach: Tubby Smith (156-46, sixth season; 280-108 overall).

VANDERBILT	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Corey Smith	So.	6-5	8.2
Brian Thornton	So.	6-8	12.8
Matt Freije	Jr.	6-9	18.0
Scott Hundley	Jr.	5.2	5.2
Russell Lakey	Jr.	6-0	6.1

Coach: Kevin Stallings (61-56, fourth season; 184-119 overall).