U of L came calling at RHS Wednesday.

University of Louisville Assistant Coach Vince Taylor and others from the staff were at the Russellville Panthers' practice.

They were there to see Panther star Maurice 'Squeaky' Hampton. They apparently liked what they saw.

Taylor spoke positively of the senior guard while dining at Roy's Barbecue afterwards.

Additionally Hampton has an open invitation to make an official visit to the Louisville campus and a game at Freedom Hall.

"He told me that he had tried to think of a player that he could compare Squeaky to when he talked to Coach (Rick) Pitino," said RHS Assistant Coach Kim Swift.

"He said that the name which comes to mind first is Derek Anderson. Anderson is quick, can go to the basket or shoot from outside, and strong in all facets of the game. That's Squeaky."

Anderson was a key player on Kentucky's 1996 national championship team under Pitino. The Cats might have won again in 1997 had Pitino been willing to use the injured Anderson for anything besides free throws. Anderson is now an NBA star.

Taylor had inquired earlier about Hampton but had not contacted him. Swift called the U of L coaching staff and inquired about their interest in him.

"They called Wednesday morning and said they wanted to come watch practice," Swift continued. "We had a good practice. We were installing a new defense, we worked hard and Squeaky practiced real well."

"Coach Taylor told me that they don't have any scholarships now, but Brandon Bender is gone and they've got an injured point guard whose future is uncertain," Head Coach Phil Todd said. "And Squeaky already has qualified academically."

Hampton ranks fifth in the state in scoring at 27 points a game along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

"I told Squeaky that this is like fishing," Swift said. "We've set the bait. Now we'll see if they nibble."