Kentucky looks to continue energetic play without Bradley

Posted 9:29PM on Tuesday 21st February 2006 ( 19 years ago )

LEXINGTON, Ky. - When Ramel Bradley enters a basketball game, he usually either lights up the net from 3-point range or clangs a series of ugly misses off the rim. Either way, he gets noticed particularly by his teammates. It appears Kentucky (17-9, 7-5) will have to finish a critical stretch of games in the Southeastern Conference without the sophomore guard perhaps not its most talented player, but unquestionably its most energetic. Bradley's hand was in a splint Tuesday after he broke it punching a basket support during practice. ``I've been struggling the last few games and then to be frustrated in practice, and then break my hand and now to have to sit out more games it's kind of tough,'' Bradley said. Coach Tubby Smith, who was standing near the basket at the time of the injury Monday, said he was surprised that there was any bone damage but estimated Bradley would miss about two weeks. It's unclear whether he will be able to return for the SEC Tournament next month. ``It's not like he's incapacitated,'' Smith said. ``He can still run, still stay in shape and condition. It's not his shooting hand, so he'll be out there shooting. He'll do that because that's what he loves doing.'' From a numbers standpoint, the loss of Bradley or any guard, for that matter isn't fatal for the Wildcats, who have numerous players at the position. But Bradley provides something more a legit 3-point threat when he's on, and a spark of energy for his teammates even when he's not. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native is fourth on the team with 207 points and had connected on 14 of 28 3-pointers in the last 11 regular-season games. ``He brings a lot of intensity to the game,'' said fellow sophomore guard Joe Crawford. ``Everybody's going to have to pick it up.'' The Wildcats already have lately particularly in a critical 79-66 victory at South Carolina. Now the NCAA Tournament bid that seemed to be slipping away is again in their sights, but an upset Wednesday night by Mississippi (14-11, 4-8) could doom it. After that game, Kentucky faces the SEC's three top programs Louisiana State, Tennessee and Florida. Bradley's injury means even more playing time for Ravi Moss and Brandon Stockton, who were inserted into the starting lineup prior to the Georgia game last week as a reward for their impressive practices. Smith said he likes the on-court results from his new grading system, which has relegated Crawford, star guard Rajon Rondo and center Randolph Morris to the bench. He wouldn't say whether the same lineup would face the Rebels. ``They understand our system extremely well,'' Smith said of his new starters. ``They're not doing anything spectacular, but they're doing the job.'' Stockton, a senior who had never started until the Georgia game, said he has come to understand what Smith is seeking from his players. ``After you've been here for four years, you sort of know what coach wants,'' Stockton said. ``That's pretty much what he's trying to get through to some of the players on the team just play within the system and the system will work.'' (Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/2/115437