Rodrick Rhodes was born September 24, 1973, in Jersey City, New Jersey. The 6-6 forward played collegiately at the University of Kentucky for three years from 1992-1995. He transferred to the University of Southern California for his senior year. Kentucky coach Rick Pitino asked Rhodes to redshirt after his junior year, which is highly unusual and was seen by many including Rhodes' high school coach Bob Hurley as a way to force Rhodes out.
As a prep player, Rhodes was a superstar from the time he was a freshman. He was a three time Parade All-American, and helped Jersey City's St. Anthony High School, led by Coach Bob Hurley win two state titles in 1989 and 1991. At one point, was considered the equal of future NBA star Jason Kidd.
While at Kentucky, he was selected to the All-SEC Freshman Team in 1992-93 and All-SEC Third Team (AP & Coaches) in 1993-94 and All-SEC Second Team by coaches and Third Team by the AP.
He was drafted 24th overall in the 1st Round of the 1997 NBA Draft by Houston. Rhodes played for the Rockets, Vancouver Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks in three NBA seasons. His best year as a professional came during his rookie year as a member of the Rockets, appearing in 58 games and averaging 5.8 ppg. After leaving the NBA during the 2000 season, Rhodes went overseas and played in professional leagues in Cyprus, Greece, the Philippines, France and Puerto Rico.
Rhodes was an assistant coach at the University of Texas Pan-American, and was previously an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts and an Administrative Assistant Coach at Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey. In 2005, he was an assistant coach at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, and after enjoying a successful season there, he moved on to become an assistant at Idaho State University in 2006. Rodrick is currently the head basketball coach at Cordia High School in Knott County, Kentucky.
Walter Cornett, of Glendale, Kentucky, is the owner and operator of Walter's Wildcat World. He founded WildcatWorld.com in 1998 making it one of the oldest Kentucky basketball fan sites in operation today.