The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team recently announced their 2004-2005 team awards.

• Best Individual Workout – Ravi Moss and Ramel Bradley
• Most Deflections – Rajon Rondo
• Most Assists – Patrick Sparks
• Best Rebounder – Chuck Hayes
• Leading Scorer – Kelenna Azubuike
• Most Courageous – Sheray Thomas
• Mr. Hustle – Ravi Moss
• Best Defensive Player – Chuck Hayes
• Student-Athlete of the Year – Bobby Perry
• Most Improved Player – Ravi Moss and Lukasz Obrzut
• Leadership Award – Chuck Hayes and Josh Carrier
• Most Valuable Player – Chuck Hayes
• Bill Keightley Award – Al Robinson
• Chuck Hayes “Heart of a Champion” Award – Chuck Hayes

I’ll agree with most of them (obviously, some aren’t up for debate), but I wouldn’t say Lukasz Obrzut was one of the most improved. I’d even be tempted to pick Alleyne over Obrzut because of the great start to the season that Alleyne had. He cooled off down the stretch, though, so I’d probably leave it as just Moss for most improved.

I like the reasoning behind the new “Heart of a Champion” award, and I hope we have future players who can actually live up to it.

The evening concluded with the introduction of a new award. Coach Tubby Smith introduced the Chuck Hayes “Heart of a Champion” Award to honor the Modesto, Calif., native who has been an ambassador for the Kentucky Basketball program over the past four years. The award will serve to recognize players who use every ounce of God-given talent they were blessed with both on and off the court.

Read more about the spring banquet and award ceremony at ukathletics.com