Preparations for the 90th Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival are underway in Pineville. Colby Slusher, 2020 KMLF general chairman, is proud to announce Mike Pratt as the 2020 KMLF Gala Parade Grand Marshal.

Pratt has served alongside Tom Leach as the voices of Kentucky Basketball since 2002.

“It is an honor to bring such a well-known and beloved Kentuckian to the KMLF,” said Colby Slusher. “Pratt brings Kentucky basketball into the homes of millions across the Commonwealth, and we look forward to him leading the 2020 parade through downtown Pineville.”

Mike Pratt was a second-team All-American basketball player in 1970, finishing his career with 1,359 points, which still ranks among the top 25 UK scorers of all-time, and 718 rebounds. A two-time first-team All-SEC selection by the league’s coaches (1969, 70), Pratt was named an Academic All-American in 1970.

Pratt helped lead UK to three SEC championships and two Elite Eight appearances, finishing the regular season ranked No. 1 his senior season.

After finishing collegiate career, Pratt played two seasons for the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA and was later an assistant coach on UNC-Charlotte’s 1977 Final Four team, later serving as UNCC’s head coach for four years.

Since 2002, Pratt has served as radio color analyst for UK men’s basketball games. Pratt was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

The 2020 KMLF Gala Parade will take place on May 23 at 10 a.m. in downtown Pineville.

Andrew Schneider, parade chairman, asks any organization interested in participating in this year’s parade to contact him at (606) 269-9560.