Day After Record, UK's Meeks Still Humble

Jodie Meeks had more than 150 text messages and 50 voice messages awaiting him after he had the highest-scoring game in the illustrious history of Kentucky basketball.

Kentucky's Jodie Meeks reacts to a 90-72 victory over Tennessee in an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 in Knoxville, Tenn. Meeks scored 54 points and set a school record in the win. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

(AP)

It was too late to return the many congratulatory notes and calls after Tuesday night's 54-point performance at Tennessee. Answering the message from former Kentucky star Dan Issel was Meeks' top priority Wednesday morning.

It was Issel's 39-year-old record of 53 points Meeks broke in the 90-72 victory against the No. 24 Volunteers.

Meeks humbly told Issel he didn't mean to break the record or even realize he was doing so. His only intention, he said, reiterating what he said after the game, was to finally knock off the rival Volunteers in Knoxville.

"It's an honor to me," Meeks said Wednesday. "I don't see myself as being legendary or anything like that."

Issel disagrees.

He watched the game from a Wyoming hotel room where he was on a business trip. At halftime, he told his wife this could be the night his record fell. While he says there is some sadness it no longer belongs to him, mostly he is happy for Meeks.

"I told him, 'The farther down the road you get and you realize what great players played at UK, 'to be on top of that list is a heck of an accomplishment,'" Issel said in a phone interview.

Among the others impressed with the feat was Minnesota coach Tubby Smith, who recruited Meeks when he was in charge of the Wildcats.

"When you think about all the great players that have gone through Kentucky, that's just a remarkable feat," Smith said. "And to do it at Tennessee — oh, wow! That's the best gift to the Bluegrass I think in years."

Playing for the winningest program in college basketball history makes most Kentucky players celebrities around campus. Meeks' popularity had skyrocketed Wednesday — the first day of classes since the holiday recess. Meeks acknowledged it has been an adjustment.

"It's a good problem to have," he said. "If I don't get into the spotlight, I'm fine with that. If I do, I'm fine with that."