By Paul Trembacki
Sports Editor

Purdue coach Gene Keady will show a national television audience that he's a good sport tonight by appearing on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Keady had been pondering a trip to New York to appear on the show ever since he was invited several weeks ago. After making the decision to appear, he will read Letterman's Top Ten list on tonight's show, which begins at 11:30 p.m. on CBS. Keady joins celebrities such as Vice President Al Gore, Madonna, Demi Moore and members of the New York Yankees baseball team, who have read top Ten lists in the past.

"I'm just going to have some fun and see how it goes," said Keady, who accepted the invitation Tuesday and flew to New York this morning.

"I don't care if (Letterman) doesn't interview me. Then at least we'll get out of there earlier, and I can see my daughter (Lisa), who lives in New York."

Kim Izzo, a Late Show spokesperson who is pretty sure she's not related to Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo, said the name of the Top Ten list will probably not be determined until shortly before the show is taped. She said, though, that the list will have something to do with hair care.

Before the show is taped at around 4:30 this afternoon, Keady will receive a copy of the list and can veto any items he finds offensive.

The Late Show has been poking fun at Keady as part of its Campaign 2000 segment by showing a video clip of Keady ranting on the sideline coupled with the slogan, "Purdue basketball — It'll comb you over!"

Keady said he isn't at all offended by jokes about his hair.

"I didn't ever care," said Keady. "It's my hair, and I can do what I want with it. I like it, and that's all that counts."

Carson Cunningham, a guard for the Boilermakers, said he thinks people misunderstand Keady and think he is a bitter man.

"He's really a cool guy," said Cunningham. "I think it's awesome that he's willing to go on the show because it shows that he's a good sport."

Cunningham's hair has also been the subject of jokes during his two years at Purdue. Last season, before he began sporting a crew cut, some people called him names like "Teen Wolf" and "Eddie Munster."

"I didn't think my hair was that outrageous," said Cunningham. "I just wanted to have some hair with a little character. I wasn't trying to do it to look like a Backstreet Boy or something."

Cunningham said he finds it funny that people get such a kick out of his and Keady's hair.

Keady said he is looking forward to the appearance.

"I hope it's going to be fun," said Keady.

Cunningham is also looking forward to the show. He said he will try to watch it or at least tape it.

"Letterman's a witty fellow from Indiana, and Coach Keady can be a funny guy," said Cunningham. "With two funny guys hooking up on a late night show, it ought to be great to watch."