"It's been nearly 10 years since Tayshaun Prince left Kentucky, but he was brimming with pride a day after the Wildcats reached the NCAA Tournament's Final Four for the first time since 1998.

"You hear I said we, right?" Prince said. "We're a short-handed team, playing only seven or eight guys, but chemistry has really picked up. I thought it would catch up to you."

Kentucky took care of North Carolina, Pistons coach John Kuester's alma mater, in the East Regional final.

Needless to say, Kuester didn't enter the practice facility in the greatest mood Monday.

"I congratulated him," Kuester said. "He roots for his Kentucky blue very hard. I'm really proud of Carolina; I thought they came on strong as the season progressed."

Kuester was born in Richmond, Va., so there was a vested interest on more than one front.

"I'm proud of (Virginia Commonwealth), to see where that program has gone from," he said. "Now, that's impressive."

Prince was asked if he was worried about any paybackfrom Kuester, and replied with a sly, "No."

Prince played for Tubby Smith from 1998-2002, coming in just after Kentucky's last national championship. The furthest Prince advanced in the Tournament was the Elite Eight his freshman year. Kentucky reached the Sweet 16 his junior and senior years.

Prince said coach John Calipari reached out to him and other former Wildcats since taking over before last season."