Number 40 was a lean, mean, shot-blocking machine for the Kentucky basketball team from 1998 to 2003 and was one of the most nimble big-men to ever suit up for the Wildcats. In what we hope to be a weekly “Where are they now?“ Friday feature, we caught up with former Kentucky center Jules Camara to see what he’s been up to since 2003 and get his thoughts on this year’s team.

WB: What has life been like since you left UK?
JC: I am still playing ball and this year will be my fifth year playing in overseas. My first year was in Turkey, then my second was in France and then the third in Iran. I’ve spent the last two in Saudi Arabia, where I am right now at this moment.

WB: Has it been tough living in all of those places?
JC: I lived in all those countries for at least 6 months. But, I am not married, and don’t have any kids yet, so I guess it makes it easy for me to travel and keep on playing ball.

WB: What’s the biggest difference between Jules Camara now and Jules Camara in 2003?
JC: The difference between Jules now and before is maturity and experience. But I’ve always tried to stay humble and keep on working.

WB: What is your most memorable moment at Kentucky?
JC: It would definitely be the run we had my senior year in 2003, by going undefeated in the SEC. It’s not something that happens often; that was a special team. But I would also have to say that all four of my years at UK were special.

WB: What do you miss most about being a Wildcat?
JC: The thing I miss about Kentucky is the fans. They are the best in the world. You don’t see many fans who love the game and care about their players year round like the Kentucky fans.

WB: What’s the toughest thing about life after UK?
JC: The biggest obstacle after UK is getting a job. But, thank God I have been playing since I graduated.

WB: Are you still close with any of your former teammates?
JC: Definitely, I still talk to almost all of my teammates. Me and Marquis are good friends and I stay in touch with Tay, Keith , Cliff, Erik, Chuck, Barbour, Big Stone, J.P. Blevins, Todd Tackett, Desmond, etc. Most of those guys come back in the summer time and work out at UK.

WB: What advice would you have for this year’s team as it goes through a roller-coaster season?
JC: It’s too early to call it a roller coaster season. I will wait until it’s all over. Remember it’s not how you start, but how you finish and I am still a Wildcat. I can say it’s been up and down, but they are finishing strong and I think they will keep it going. I’d say just “stay humble” is my advice to the Cats.