Mike Pratt’s time of need leads to request for an assist from Kentucky fans
Mike Pratt, the longtime color commentator on radio broadcasts of Kentucky basketball games, is seeking help from the Big Blue Nation.
His partner on the broadcasts, play-by-play man Tom Leach, tweeted an alert earlier this week.
“BBN, we need your help to raise funds for Mike Pratt & his cancer battle, to defray some medical costs not covered by insurance plus travel for a treatment program,” Leach tweeted.
In a follow-up telephone conversation, Leach said that Pratt has been dealing with cancer for a few years. It began in the colon, then spread to the liver, Leach said. Chemotherapy led to neuropathy, a painful nerve condition.
Pratt is planning to go to California in mid-June to seek treatment, Leach said.
The fundraising effort is on the GiveSendGo website, which is a religious-based entity. Donations can be made at GiveSendGo.com/mikepratt.
UK Coach John Calipari tweeted his support.
“Ellen and I have been in prayer for Mike, who is one of the best people we’ve ever known,” Calipari tweeted. “We will match the first $50K in donations through this fundraising site.”
In an earlier tweet, Calipari referenced the Big Blue Nation’s solidarity and generosity.
“One thing that makes #BBN special is how we fiercely take care of and protect our own,” Calipari tweeted. “It’s time to do that again.
“If you know Mike Pratt, you know what a special man he is. He’s a dear friend to many and a gentleman to all. And Mike needs our help.”
Pratt and Leach have been the radio team on UK basketball broadcasts since the 2001-02 season.
Pratt, who turns 74 on Aug. 4, also does a sports radio talk show with former UK teammate Dan Issel. The show is on the Louisville station ESPN 680.
Pratt played for UK in the 1967-68 through 1969-70 seasons. He scored 1,359 points, which ranks 26th on the program’s list of 1,000-point scorers. He also led UK in assists in 1967-68 (3.0 per game) and 1969-70 (3.5 per game).
Pratt, Issel and Jack Givens share the Kentucky record of playing in 54 consecutive Southeastern Conference games.
