Former UK standout Scott Padgett spoke to reporters on Wednesday before participating in a celebrity shooting contest at the Tayshaun Prince Basketball Camp in Lexington.
Padgett, who joined John Calipari’s Kentucky staff as a coach in training, noted how happy he was to have a foot in the coaching door. Technically, he will be UK’s assistant strength coach. After telling reporters his title, Padgett playfully flexed a bicep.
While acknowledging that he needs to brush up on his cardio fitness, Padgett spoke of the potential UK has for this coming season. He noted the wealth of talent. Not quite up to the level of 1995-96, which is no insult given UK’s overwhelming superiority that national championship season. But there’s plenty of talent, which the coaches will have to fashion into an effective unit.
Padgett said he’d been thinking of coaching as a career since his junior or senior year of high school. That plan got postponed when he developed into a college star and then enjoyed a productive NBA career.
Padgett cited two coaches as role models for his coaching career. One was Jeff Van Gundy, who coached Padgett with the Houston Rockets. Padgett noted how Van Gundy paid close attention to detail and consistently fashioned effective defenses.
As for offensive minds, Padgett said that he admired Calipari’s dribble-drive approach.
As for the celebrity shooting contest, Padgett and his team of three campers did not win. Prince’s team won. Another participating celebrity was Lexington TV/radio personality Dave Baker.
2 comments ↓
Boy it’ll be good to see his face back on UK’s basketball court again.
Dave Baker…a celebrity? Give me a break.
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