LEXINGTON – Derrick Hord played in 124 games at Kentucky from 1979-83 and scored 1,220 points, including 490 in his junior year, when he averaged a career best 16.3 points per game. He also shot 47 percent from the field for his career.

The former Kentucky star offered his insights into this year’s UK team:

Question: Did you expect Kentucky to have a better season this year than it did and if so, what do you think went wrong?

Hord: “Yes, like most, I felt we would go forward and it appears we have regressed. I feel many things have contributed to our performance this season, not the least of which being the loss of (transfer Derrick) Jasper and the play at point guard.

“None of the other players have recognized nor grasped the opportunity for consistent play at the other three positions. Maybe some haven’t been given ample opportunity.

“Consistency, confidence, leadership and tradition all appear in short supply. Perhaps communication or lack there of on many fronts have prevented a better outcome. Something’s missing over there, and it’s not just Bill.”

Question:Are you optimistic about the future of the program, or are you worried about the upcoming years?

Hord: “Always optimistic but worried, if you watch programs like North Carolina, Duke, Louisville and others, we don’t look like that right now. We do not have the swagger of a top program.”

Question: When you watch Kentucky, do you see a team having fun and enjoying the season, or do you think the pressure overwhelmed this team?

Hord: “It’s never fun to lose. The 1978 team appeared not to be having fun. Of course, they won, and they had a different kind of pressure in being No. 1.

“So no, I’m certain it has not been fun with the home losses, and it’s never good to hear your own fans booing at you. Don’t think it’s been pressure that has overwhelmed the team, though.”

Copyright:The Advocate-Messenger 2009

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