The University of Kentucky spent more on basketball recruiting last year than any public university in the six biggest conferences in college sports.
Kentucky spent $434,095 in fiscal 2010. The University of Kansas was second with $419,228; and Florida third with $326,306, according to expense reports from 53 schools obtained through open-records requests. Private schools such as Duke University aren’t required to divulge the information.
Kentucky starts three freshman who score 60 percent of the team’s points. Last year, the Wildcats lost four first-year players to the National Basketball Association draft after being eliminated in the regional finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament.
“Kentucky basketball is one of the most important things in our state and we are going to direct resources to ensure that it stays that way,” Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart said in a telephone interview.
Recruiting budgets include accommodations for official visits, scouting, communications and traveling expenses.