Redshirt sophomore Jason Parker has been dismissed from the Kentucky men's basketball team for violating departmental policy, University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart announced Friday.

The dismissal comes one day after The Cats' Pause reported that Parker had failed to show up for the 2002-03 team photograph. TCP investigated Parker's absence on Thursday, but was assured by UK officials that it was a scheduling conflict.

The loss of Parker could spell trouble for a Kentucky basketball team that struggled mightily last season without the presence of the powerful center in the low post. Many speculated last year that losing Parker dropped the Cats from a Final Four contender to the middle of the pack.

There would appear to be no obvious replacement for Parker again this season. UK will likely turn to sophomore Chuck Hayes and seniors Marquis Estill and Jules Camara to fill the No. 5 spot.

The loss of Parker is the second blow for Kentucky. Sophomore point guard Cliff Hawkins will miss the fall semester after being ruled academically ineligible.

Neither Barnhart nor men's basketball coach Tubby Smith would disclose the nature of the policy that was violated due to privacy issues.

As a freshman in 2001, the 6-8 Parker made the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team after starting at center all 34 games. He averaged 8.6 points and 4.7 rebounds and recorded a career-high 22 points and 13 rebounds in the Wildcats‚ last game that season against Southern Cal.

In June 2001, Parker suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. He was scheduled to return to action in January 2002, but retore the ligament while shadow boxing in the locker room prior to Big Blue Madness introductions last October. He missed the entire 2001-02 season as a medical redshirt.

Without Parker and Hawkins, Kentucky will open the 2002-03 season with the following roster:

Guard -- Gerald Fitch, Antwain Barbour, Keith Bogans, Brandon Stockton, Ravi Moss, Matt Heissenbuttel and Preston LeMaster.

Forward -- Josh Carrier, Erik Daniels, Bernard Cote, Kelenna Azubuike and Hayes.

Center -- Camara and Estill.