LEXINGTON, Ky. - During the 15 days Kentucky searched for a basketball coach, there was one topic the players wouldn't discuss - even in private.

Under no circumstances, the players decided, would they talk about which candidate they wanted, for fear that information would slip out after someone else got the job.

On Friday, however, following Billy Gillispie's introduction as their new coach, guard Ramel Bradley praised the choice and admitted there was at least one hotly recruited candidate he opposed - Billy Donovan, who opted to stay at Florida instead.

"To be honest, I've been here for three years," Bradley said. "Florida's a big rival, been beating up on us for three years. I really didn't like that thought of having the Florida coach come in and coach us, so I'm kind of happy with that outcome."

Guard Joe Crawford, the other returning member of Kentucky's senior class next season, said it was good to have closure after two weeks of speculation about which candidates might be in or out.

"It was very tough to hear some of those rumors," Crawford said. "I'm just glad we're headed in some sort of direction now. We have a coach to lead us."

Most of the returning players were on hand for the news conference Friday to introduce Gillispie, and Crawford said everybody plans to be back. The only defection is junior center Randolph Morris, who signed a contract with the New York Knicks after Tubby Smith left to take a job at Minnesota.

Although Smith recruited all of the players, some said they were excited about the up-tempo style Gillispie is promising.

"I was actually kind of excited," forward Ramon Harris said. "I came to Kentucky to play for Tubby. Obviously, he felt like it was the best decision for him to leave, but I think everything happens for a reason. With Gillispie coming in, having a fresh start, it can only be better."

Gillispie's Texas A&M team, which advanced to the NCAA tournament's round of 16 last month, was heavy on guards - including Acie Law IV, one of five finalists for the Wooden Award as college basketball's best player.

Most of Kentucky's experience also comes from backcourt players, including Bradley and Crawford, and two current freshmen - Derrick Jasper and Jodie Meeks. Jasper said Gillispie impressed the players Friday during a meeting.

"He gave us a lot of confidence that we're going to have a great year," Jasper said. "He's a really confident guy and really tough."

Bradley says he looks forward to getting down to business and seeing Gillispie in action on the practice court. Mostly, he said, he's pleased that the two weeks of waiting have ended.

"It's been weird, a bit of a crazy feeling," he said.