Former Cats Prepare to Face Off in NBA Finals

LEXINGTON, Ky. –Former Kentucky basketball players Tayshaun Prince and Nazr Mohammed will both begin their quest for the 2005 NBA title when Prince’s Detroit Pistons and Mohammed’s San Antonio Spurs open play in the NBA Finals Thursday.

“I’m excited for Tayshaun and Nazr,” UK Coach Tubby Smith said. “They’ve both worked very hard throughout their careers and are a credit to the University of Kentucky. We’re very proud of them and the way they represent our program. It should be a fun series to watch, especially for Wildcat fans.”

Prince, who played at Kentucky from 1999-2002, is looking for his second consecutive NBA title after playing a key role in the Piston’s run to the 2004 NBA World Championship. The UK graduate has started all 82 games for Detroit this season, averaging 14.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg.

Mohammed, who won two NCAA titles in three seasons at Kentucky (1996-98), was traded to San Antonio mid-season from the Knicks. He’s started five of his 23 games with the Spurs and ranks 13th in the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes (14.6). He averages 6.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg for the Spurs and is playing for his first NBA title after a career full of trades.

The first game of the NBA Finals takes place in San Antonio on Thursday. ABC airs the series opener at 9 p.m. ET.